If you notice that your aging parents are not taking their medication, it can be a difficult and confusing situation. You may feel like you don’t know what to do or where to turn for help.
Here are some tips on how to address the issue:
- Taking care of aging parents can be multidimential, but it is important to make sure that they are taking their medication as prescribed. Check in with your parents regularly to make sure they are taking their medication as prescribed. Having a calm and respectful conversation, working with their doctor(s), and providing them with the information and support they need, can help to ensure that your parents are healthy and safe.
- Try to understand their reasons for not doing so. If your parents are resistant to taking their medication, work with their doctor(s) to come up with a plan that meets their needs and concerns. This may involve adjusting the dosage or switching to a different form, time of day or even type of the medice. Make sure that your parents have all the information they need about their medication, including what it is for, how to take it, and any possible side effects.
- If your parents are unable or unwilling to explain why they are not taking their medication, you may need to seek help from other family members or caregivers. This can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to get to the bottom of the problem..
- There are a few possible reasons why aging parents might refuse help. They may be worried about becoming a burden on their children or losing their independence. They may also be in denial about their declining health or abilities. Whatever the reason, it can be a frustrating and stressful situation for all involved.
- If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do to try to help your aging parent while still respecting their wishes. First, have an honest conversation with them about their needs and explain why you think they would benefit from some assistance. If they are still resistant, you can offer to help in small ways at first, such as running errands or helping out around the house. You can also look into community resources that can provide some support, such as meals on wheels or transportation services. Help your parents to set up a system for taking their medication, such as creating a pill box with the days of the week or setting a daily alarm.
- Ultimately, you will need to respect your aging parent’s wishes and decisions, even if you don’t agree with them. By staying supportive and involved, you can make sure they have the best possible quality of life as they age.
Adrian Allotey, is living a purposeful life as a result of responding to a universal calling; service to elders and their loved ones. As an eldercare specialist, aging companion, and end-of-life doula, she has made it her life’s mission to promote the elder years as a sacred, beautiful, honorable stage of life. She brings quality of life, mental stimulation, engagement, and socialization to the aging and peace of mind to their adult children and caregivers. For More Information, check out www.yanaec.com.