When Your  Senior Has Dementia And Doesn’t Want Medication

How To Convince Your  Senior With Dementia To Take Medication

Seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may take multiple medications. And because the risk of missing a dose or confusing pills is so high for these individuals, someone should oversee the process. But what happens when your loved one resists or refuses to take medication? This can happen for a variety of reasons – they don’t remember or understand why they need to take it, or they don’t want to take orders and feel like they’re not in control.
We never want to force someone to take a medication. It’s their home, and we want to honor their choice. But we also know some medications are critical to a person’s health. While we need to keep safety in mind, you can use these four strategies – and a little creativity and flexibility – to help your loved one feel more comfortable about taking their medication.
1. Find the best time of day. We all have a particular time of day when we’re at our best. Some people are grumpy in the morning and may not want to take medication right then. But they may be more alert and receptive to it later in the day. The time of day when someone has to take a medication isn’t always set in stone. One of the advantages of the home-care setting is the flexibility it offers to fit in with the individual’s routines. After you check with their doctor or pharmacist, try giving the individual medication when they’re most open to taking it. If needed, talk to their doctor and pharmacist again to adjust their medications. Then, make the new medication schedule part of their daily routine. People with dementia appreciate and respond well to repetition and structure.
2. Examine frequency, delivery method, and number of medications: After you’ve found a good time of day to give your loved one medication, take a close look at the number of medications they take, how often, and in what forms. If you’re frequently frustrated trying to administer medication, you may find there are options that make the process easier. Consult with your  senior loved one’s doctor and pharmacist about whether there are alternatives to a medication that can cut down the number of times they take it each day. For example, if they are prescribed a medication that needs to be taken four times a day, is there an equivalent that they can take twice a day? Often, there are options for how an individual takes a medication. If your loved one doesn’t like to swallow a pill, ask if the drug comes in other forms, such as a liquid or patch. You also may be able to crush up a pill and put it in a food such as applesauce or pudding. This can make taking it more tolerable. However, still be transparent about this and tell your loved one you are doing this. Also, not all pills should be crushed, so ask the doctor or pharmacist first. One note: Don’t spoil a food they love by mixing in a nasty, bitter medication. If they love ice cream, for example, don’t ruin it for them with a taste they hate. Keep a list of medications and periodically ask your loved one’s doctor and pharmacist to review it. You may find that a medication can be eliminated because it’s no longer necessary or another medication they’re taking does the same thing. Also, take a close look at the over-the-counter medications your loved one takes.
3. Make explanations simple: People with dementia may refuse to take medication if they don’t understand or have forgotten what a medication is for. If they ask about it, offer a simple explanation. Don’t over-explain things because it can potentially heighten the resistance.
4. Follow medication safety best practices: Not taking medication as directed can have serious health consequences. Managing a medication plan for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may require more work at times than for individuals with other conditions. But don’t let basic medication safety fall through the cracks.
* Keep a list of all medications and review it with the doctor and pharmacist: They can assess the dosages and look for potentially dangerous interactions or duplication medications.
* Use a pill dispenser: Select a product that is meant to organize medications. Don’t use, for example, an egg carton. It’s not meant for that purpose. Our nurses and caregivers can offer suggestions for a pill dispenser if you need one. Also, set up pill reminders so you never miss a dose. This could be an alarm clock, phone service, or app.
* Store medicines properly: Some medications may require a special environment, such as refrigeration, but most do best in a cool, dry place. Don’t keep them in your bathroom cabinet, where it is often hot and humid. Also, take care to keep medications away from children, pets, and, if necessary, the person with dementia.

Game Plan for Choosing Activities for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

Staying Actively Involved with Alzheimer’s Activities

As your beloved senior that is suffering from Alzheimer’s gets comfortable in their routine of activities, stay alert and mindful of their changing stages. Alzheimer’s is an unpredictable disease, and is ever changing, so as the caregiver, be prepared for each changing stage as it comes along. You’ve already prepared to have your loved one involved in activities that can be modified, and now is the time to implement those changes.

The first and most important thing to remember is to be flexible. If your loved one isn’t ready and fights you on starting something, give them time and space to begin in their own time. If they are ready to start, but have a different idea of how they want to do it, let them try it their way. They may surprise you.
If your loved one with Alzheimer’s is struggling with their activity yet you know they are capable, restructure the activity so it is a step by step process, simple to follow and understand.
Remember to work in steps. Don’t overwhelm your loved one by trying to do too much all at once. Like the saying goes, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
There is nothing wrong with prompting and helping from the get go. Helping your loved one with Alzheimer’s start of on the right foot will help them to stay calm and focused, thus, results will be more positive.
Once you help your senior get started, if needed, supervision is acceptable and even more so, encouraged.  Once again, break up the task into steps if necessary to make the task more easily understandable and easier to understand and accomplish.
Give yourself and your loved one with Alzheimer’s a break. neither of you will necessarily get it right the first time. It’s not about the results, it’s about the process.

Managing Alzheimer’s Behavior

Triggers for Alzheimer’s Behavior

Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only attacks one’s memory, but can also alter a person’s mood. In fact, studies have shown, most people are more affected by the behavior and attitude changes that come along with Alzheimer’s disease, more than the memory being effected. The main reason behavior is altered is from the brain cells fading away. Another some other cases,  environment, some other diseases, and taking certain medications can be the cause of one’s behavior deteriorating faster.
As a precaution that the disease is taking form, here are some symptoms to look out for:
•    Emotional suffering
•    Irritability
•    Depression
•    Anger
•    Sleepless nights
•    Aggression
•    Anxiety
•    Physical or verbal outbursts
•    Restlessness
•    Hallucinating

Changes in a person’s evironment is most often play the trigger for  behavioral indications.
Alteration in life and environment is something that is difficult and or stressful for all people, so it is no secret that change will be even more  largely  strenuous for those people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. An increase in grasping for normalcy, which can give birth to feelings of anxiousness, fear, and exhaustion, trying to figure out which way is up in their ever deteriorating world of confusion. A change in address can be a cause for behavior being affected, or even a slight change in a familiar setting, such as obtaining a new caregiver or new family members or roommates joining the home. One suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may also take something said out of context and view it as something negative or a even a threat, and cause their behavior to change drastically. Once you figure out what triggers behavior, it will be easier to treat the situation with care, and avoid outbursts.

Do All People Get Early Onset Alzheimer’s?

Who Gets Early Onset Alzheimer’s and the Tell Tale Signs of it

Many people in their older years develop Alzheimer’s – this is a common occurrence. Early onset Alzheimer’s however, is not as common. This occurs in men and women in their 40’s and 50’s, whereas just Alzheimer’s occurs usually in people around the age of 65 and older. For those estimated 200,000 people who get diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, it is a bigger shock and life change when the disease is detected, as they are usually in the throws of careers and families, not yet in the mindset of preparing for the aging stage of life.
If you are one who is experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s, do not fear – you are not alone! To get more information and get connected to others going through Alzheimer’s, contact your local chapter or BrightStar Care of Appleton.
Along with these communities, stay in close and constant communication with your doctor/healthcare provider. As early onset Alzheimer’s isn’t as common, it is usually harder to diagnose as doctors are not immediately looking for those signs. Keep in mind that this may be a long and frustrating process, so work together, have patience, make sure to throw out any other possibilities, and again, stay in constant communication with your doctor. Early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia presents itself differently in all people, and can sometimes appear when in the mid or late stages, so be aware of all signs. As soon as you throw out the possibility of over stress or any other diagnosis, it will be easier to tackle your situation and begin managing it right away.
As you are noticing that your memory is fading or not working as well as it used to, speak with your healthcare provider about getting a complete medical test with an Alzheimer’s specialist. At home, start keeping notes on memory loss and other cognitive issues you may be experiencing, and share them with your doctor. Just remember: One test will not be enough to diagnose whether you have early onset Alzheimer’s or not. Make sure to do the full checkup and medical testing to confirm.

10 Signs You May Have Alzheimer’s

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

The dangerous affliction causes loss of memory and severe cognitive illness. Sadly, most people with Alzheimer’s aren’t aware of it. That’s why it’s vital to look out for the warning signs. Here are 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information repeatedly or increasingly needing to rely on memory aids.
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Confusion with time or place
This involves losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Sometimes there is forgetting where you are or how you got there.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Some with vision problems may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.
New problems with words in speaking or writing
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again.
Decreased or poor judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money and may pay less attention to grooming themselves.
Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of their changes.
Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
If you or a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s specifically and you have questions or need additional support, you can contact BrightStar Care of Appleton 24/7.

10 Tips on Communication With Alzheimer’s Patients

Tips on Communicating with People with Alzheimer’s

Through our specialized memory care program, BrightStar Connections, we are able to truly provide A Higher Standard of care and support to our clients living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In addition to taking great care of our clients living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to us to extend a hand to their families as well to let them know they don’t have to take this journey alone. One of the many ways we support families is by providing information, answering their questions and even in offering helpful tips.
Since November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we have even more reason to share some thoughtful tips for communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia:
– Never argue, instead agree
– Never reason, instead divert
– Never shame, instead distract
– Never lecture, instead reassure
– Never say “remember,” instead reminisce
– Never say “I told you,” instead repeat/regroup
– Never say “You can’t,” instead do what they can
– Never command/demand, instead ask/model
– Never condescend, instead encourage
– Never force, instead reinforce
To learn more about the care and support we can provide to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia in the home, contact BrightStar Care of Appleton today.