Since she is still living with us we would at least like to make sure she is taking her meds as we would find them all over the house wrapped in tissues, under her pillow etc. etc. but wondering if we just somehow put them in the food we give so at least she is getting them since we know she is taking them on her own. This seems to be the easiest thing to do without causing a fight with her. Any thoughts?
Definitely YOU should be managing the medications, i.e. they are kept under your control and when given to her, she takes them in your presence. When mom was still at home and able to take the medications (mainly BP), we had to use a locked timed dispenser, but sometimes she would miss doses. At least she couldn't take TOO many. Hired aides for 1 hour/day for a sanity check (mom was early dementia) and med check (they can't dispense the meds, but they can check and direct her to them.)
At MC, they kept the medications under control and would give them out with water, making sure they were taken right then and there. Once mom had a stroke and had trouble swallowing, she would spit them out. I asked the pharmacist if we could open the capsule and put the contents into something like applesauce. She told me we could, but they were "time-released" so if she managed to chew any, they wouldn't be as effective. But, like you said, something is better than nothing!
This may not work for her, but just recently I read a recommendation that said put the pills in the mouth, take a sip of water, tip the head DOWN, and then swallow. The object is to have the pills floating in the water. Seems counter-productive, but it does seem to help.
2. Ask the doctor or pharmacist what ones come as a liquid or a patch.
3. Ask the doctor or pharmacist what ones can be crushed.
Usually any that are coated or time released or capsules can not be crushed.
near end of life. Skip the rest. He will be able to advise you in a professional
manner.
Also, you would have to chk with a Pharmacist, just call Walmart Pharmacist and ask about each medication she is on as some meds can be mixed and some can't. You may also ask if any of the meds she is taking come in liquid form.
Also, go over all the Meds she is taking and see what they are for and then talk to her Dr and try to eliminate some of them. Just have her take the most important ones.
It's a known fact that most Seniors are taking way too much meds than necessary.
Have you tried asking her about it?
By asking, I do mean asking and not telling (let alone nagging, bullying, browbeating, frightening or any of the other tactics which I am sure you would not try however tempting).
When you find the next stash, speak to her about it nicely; e.g. "I couldn't help but notice these when I cleared your plate - did you mean to take them after supper?"
Then, crucially, listen to what she says and don't argue.
You can explain, you can encourage, you can reassure, you can recommend following her doctor's advice. You can support in ways such as prompting, timing, organising. It may even be that she says something that makes it a good idea to go back to the prescribing doctor and support her, e.g. "is there perhaps a formulation that's easier to swallow/doesn't taste like frog poo/won't give her heartburn, please?" But the relationship is between MIL and her doctor: it is the doctor's responsibility to inform his/her patient and to frame treatment in a way that is acceptable to and practical for her, not yours.
In due course, as MIL declines, it may be that she will no longer be able to give or withhold consent and your DH will be acting for her. Even then, it will be better to tell her what is happening, and to leave it to her to take or not take unless there is an overwhelming medical reason that says otherwise (there hardly ever is).
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