Q - I have a resident who refuses to take their medications, now what?
A - There are many reasons why a resident might refuse medications. By the time an elderly individual enters into residential care they have already released control of many portions of their lives. Controlling their medications is something they still have. Take the pill or not. Only they can decide. Unfortunately, it may be a risky choice. Here are a few things to consider if you or your staff encounters this problem.
- Start by finding out whether they really need to take the medication. If the medication is not needed to sustain life then you may want to check with the doctor and ask about stopping the medication.
- If stopping the medication is not an option, consult the doctor about changing the time of day, or changing to before or after meals. You will need to check the order and see if the medication is to be taken with or without food. You should also get an order from the doctor for changing the time of day.
- If swallowing is a problem, see if you can get permission to crush the meds or cut them in half. You may want to consider asking about different delivery option s. Ask the doctor & the pharmacist if there are other forms of the medication such as a patch, lotion or liquid.
- It may also be the color of the pill. Bright colored pills like red or orange can appear threatening. There may be another generic or brand that is a different color.
- Trust can play a part. You may want to try having a different staff member present the resident with the medication. It may not be about persuading the resident to take the medication. It may be about the resident’s feelings toward a caregiver.
- Other considerations:
· The medication may affect the flavor of food.
· The resident may be embarrassed to swallow pills in front of other people.
· The medication may make the resident feel ill, make keep them awake, or constipate.
· The resident may not like the texture or aftertaste.
· Changing the resident’s routine may have positive or negative results.
Remember you need to notify the doctor every time the resident refuses to take a medication.
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Email Tom at communitycareoptions@usa.net
