Introduction
It can be difficult to get someone with dementia to swallow their medication. This is especially true when the person’s dementia is advanced. However, with some patience, there are ways to make it easier. This article will discuss how to get someone with dementia to swallow their medication. It will also provide tips to make the process smoother and less stressful. Read on to learn more.
Talk to the Doctor
The first step in getting someone with dementia to swallow their medication is to talk to the doctor. Ask the doctor if there are any alternatives to taking pills. Sometimes, a liquid form of the medication may be available. Or, the doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication that has fewer side effects. The doctor may also be able to suggest ways to make it easier for the person with dementia to swallow the pill.
Make Sure the Person is Comfortable
When trying to get someone with dementia to swallow a pill, it’s important to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. Make sure the person is sitting in a comfortable position, preferably in a chair with armrests, and that they are wearing comfortable clothing. If the person is lying down, make sure their head is slightly elevated.
Minimize Distractions
When trying to get someone with dementia to swallow a pill, it’s important to minimize distractions. Turn off the TV, radio, and any other distractions. Make sure the room is quiet and that there are no bright lights or loud noises. You want to create a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
Break the Pill in Half
If the pill is too large for the person with dementia to swallow, try breaking it in half. This will make it easier for the person to swallow. Make sure you break the pill in half and not crush it. Crushing the pill can make it difficult for the person to swallow.
Use Water or Juice
When trying to get someone with dementia to swallow a pill, it can be helpful to use a liquid to help them swallow. Water or juice are the best choices. You can put the pill in a cup or bowl of liquid and have the person drink the liquid with the pill in it. This can make the pill easier to swallow.
Have the Person Swallow With Food
Another way to help someone with dementia swallow a pill is to have them do it with food. For example, you can put the pill in a spoonful of yogurt or applesauce. This will help mask the taste of the pill and make it easier for the person to swallow. You can also try giving the person a snack after they take the pill to make the swallowing process more pleasant.
Use a Pill Crusher
If a pill is too big for the person with dementia to swallow, you may want to consider using a pill crusher. A pill crusher is a device that crushes the pill into a powder. You can then mix the powder with a spoonful of yogurt or applesauce to make it easier for the person to swallow. Make sure you ask the doctor or pharmacist if it’s okay to use a pill crusher.
Conclusion
Getting someone with dementia to swallow their medication can be a challenge. It’s important to talk to the doctor to find out if there are any alternatives to taking pills. You should also make sure the person is comfortable and minimize distractions. If the pill is too big for the person to swallow, you can try breaking it in half or using a liquid or food to help them swallow. You can also use a pill crusher to make the pill easier to swallow. With some patience, you can get someone with dementia to swallow their medication.