How do you give medicine to an elderly who refuses?

Asked by: Breanna Ferry  |  Last update: April 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

In some situations, taking the drug in a different form may be easier than swallowing a pill. For example, some dementia and painkiller drugs are available as a patch or an oral solution. As a last resort, it may be necessary to hide the medication in the person's food or drink.

What do you do if an elderly parent won't take medicine?

If an elderly person refuses to take medication or treatment at home, it is important to seek medical advice from their healthcare provider. It may be necessary to consult with a family member in order to determine the reasons why they are refusing and to discuss alternative forms of care, if necessary.

How do you get a stubborn person to take medication?

For example, you can help them get a pill counter and download an app to help remind them to take their meds every day. Or you can help them do some research about mental health meds so they feel more comfortable with the idea of taking them.

What to do when a loved one won't take their medication?

Here are some pointers for what to do when someone refuses to take their meds.
  1. Process the Situation Objectively. ...
  2. Educate Yourself. ...
  3. Provide Support. ...
  4. Resist the Urge to Use Guilt. ...
  5. Keep Communication Channels Open. ...
  6. Intervene When Necessary.

How to give medicine to an adult who refuses?

If you can determine WHY they won't take the medication, alternatives may become clear. For example if they don't like the taste, maybe a breath mint afterwards, or a spoon of pudding would solve the problem. If the medication makes them feel bad in some way, alternatives could be discussed with the physician.

Caregiver Training: Refusal to Take Medication | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program

17 related questions found

Why do elderly patients refuse medication?

Whether it's due to side effects, fear, confusion, or other personal reasons, the refusal to take medication stems from genuine concerns or challenges they face. It's essential to approach the situation with empathy and seek professional advice where necessary.

What to do if someone refuses medication?

Refusal to take medication
  1. Try to ascertain the reason and explore solutions with them. ...
  2. Offer the medication a little later or ask another staff or household member, if available, to try to offer the medication.
  3. Seek immediate further advice from a line manager or health care professional.

What to do when a loved one refuses medical treatment?

5 Ideas on How to Get Someone Medical Help When They Refuse
  1. Be Honest with Your Loved One. ...
  2. Try to Listen Without Judgement. ...
  3. Encourage Your Loved One to Consider All Options. ...
  4. Avoid Arguing with Your Loved One About the Issue. ...
  5. Remember That Your Loved One is Responsible For Their Own Choices.

How to get an elderly person to take their medication?

5 Tricks for Getting Seniors with Dementia to Take Medications
  1. #1: Keep the Environment Calm. ...
  2. #2: Eliminate the Unnecessary. ...
  3. #3: Find Out How to Make Medicines Easier to Take. ...
  4. #4: Don't Engage in Conversation. ...
  5. #5: Take Medication with Them.

Can a doctor force a patient to take medication?

These are uncommon situations, and in general, no doctor can force a patient to take medication. It's unethical to do so unless the patient is a risk to themselves or others, or they are too sick to function outside of a locked psychiatric unit.

How to give medicine to an old person?

Some powdered or liquid medications can be added to foods, such as bolognaise or fruit juice, to disguise the taste and texture. However it's important to ensure that your patient consumes all the food or drink or they may not be digesting the full dose of their medication.

What to do when a patient doesn't want to take medication?

Refusal of Prescribed Medication
  1. Try to find out the reason why e.g. unpleasant side effects? ...
  2. Explain calmly the consequences of not taking their prescribed medication.
  3. If no reason given, wait a while and ask again.
  4. If the medication is still refused, record on the MAR chart using the correct code.

How do you persuade a dementia patient to take medication?

When it is difficult to get a person with Alzheimer's disease to take his or her medication, here are some approaches to consider:
  1. Provide a calm environment. ...
  2. Break the process into steps. ...
  3. Consult with a care team. ...
  4. Look for ways to simplify. ...
  5. Rethink the delivery method. ...
  6. Join in. ...
  7. Take a break.

Who makes medical decisions for elderly?

In the absence of a power of attorney, medical decisions are typically made by individuals or entities designated by legal or ethical standards. These decision-makers vary based on family relationships, state laws, and the specific circumstances of the medical situation.

What to do when a dementia patient refuses meds?

Helpful Tips for When a Loved One With Dementia Refuses to Take Medicine
  1. Create a calm environment. ...
  2. Give them time. ...
  3. Consult your doctor and/or pharmacist. ...
  4. Make it easier to take pills. ...
  5. Take note of things that trigger distress. ...
  6. Try again in 10-15 minutes. ...
  7. Be their medication buddy.

Is it illegal for your parents to force you to take medication?

Minors, like adults, have the right to object to the administration of any medication they do not wish to take.

How do I get an emergency supply of medication?

Obtaining an Emergency Supply of Your Medication

The best thing to do when you realize you're going to run out of medication is call your doctor. They may be willing to contact the pharmacy of your choice so you can get a prescription filled there.

What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?

Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.

What is self-medication for the elderly?

Self-medication is the use of unprescribed drugs to treat a disease. Elderly self-medication can be more dangerous compared to other age groups because of changes in organ functions that occur due to senescence.

What is the very first thing you should do if a patient refuses treatment?

  1. 1 Understand the reasons. The first step when a patient refuses treatment is to understand why they are making that decision. ...
  2. 2 Explore the options. ...
  3. 3 Document the decision. ...
  4. 4 Support the patient. ...
  5. 5 Review the decision. ...
  6. 6 Reflect on your role. ...
  7. 7 Here's what else to consider.

When an elderly parent refuses help?

So, here are expert tips for what to do when elderly parents refuse needed care.
  1. Try to see where your aging parent is coming from.
  2. Work with a Geriatrician.
  3. Consider changing your approach.
  4. Ask if your parent would be willing to go with another family member or a friend.

How to get an elderly person evaluated?

If you're concerned about the person's physical or mental health, suggest a visit to a health care provider. You might offer to make the appointment, give them a ride, or go with them to see the doctor.

How to give pills to the elderly?

If it doesn't come in liquid form, you may be able to crush pills or open capsules and mix the medicine in a spoon with applesauce, pudding, yogurt, or other soft food. But, it is important to know that some pills or capsules must never be crushed or opened.

Can support workers administer medication?

NDIS providers and support workers can perform a wide range of activities to assist people living with disabilities. From driving them to the shops, managing their NDIS funding, and helping them with daily tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, and administering medication.