Aging is characterized by the emergence of health issues that likely require a physician’s oversight and prescribed medication to manage the condition and help elders live the best life they can. Some common health conditions that present in the elderly include chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, infections and geriatric syndromes such as urinary incontinence and ulcers. These and other common conditions often require medication. 
Dealing with a senior loved one who has stopped taking their medications, can be a difficult situation for the caregiver or family member. It’s important to keep in mind there can be legitimate reasons for medication non-adherence, such as experiencing side effects, the absence of symptoms or even their high cost. It is also possible that forgetfulness causes your senior’s lack of compliance.
As soon as you discover your elderly loved one has stopped taking medication, you should talk to them as a first step. Once you understand the motivation behind medication non-adherence, and if you are not successful getting them back on track, there are a few things you can do to address the situation:
Talk to the doctor. Explain the non-compliance to the doctor and ask for their help. Your loved one should be part of this conversation because hearing about the importance of taking medication from a healthcare provider may lend credibility and sway them to comply.
Consider the medication in another form. If the medication comes in forms other than the type prescribed, it might be worth trying them. For example, liquid may be easier and more pleasant for your loved one to ingest. Some medications come in a chewable form which may also be easier to take for seniors. This is another idea to discuss with the doctor.
Help with medication organization. If forgetfulness is the cause, assisting your loved one with an organized approach to taking medications can be helpful. Try using pill boxes as a simple first step. There are also technology applications such smart phone apps and smart devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa, that can help.
Stay calm. It can be very annoying to deal with medication non-adherence by a loved one. but it is important not to your emotions in front of them, as this can exacerbate their feelings of frustration. If they do exhibit signs of mounting frustration, take a break from the situation, and re-address later.
Dealing with a senior loved one who has stopped taking their medications, can be a difficult situation for the caregiver or family member. It’s important to keep in mind there can be legitimate reasons for medication non-adherence, such as experiencing side effects, the absence of symptoms or even their high cost. It is also possible that forgetfulness causes your senior’s lack of compliance.
As soon as you discover your elderly loved one has stopped taking medication, you should talk to them as a first step. Once you understand the motivation behind medication non-adherence, and if you are not successful getting them back on track, there are a few things you can do to address the situation:
Talk to the doctor. Explain the non-compliance to the doctor and ask for their help. Your loved one should be part of this conversation because hearing about the importance of taking medication from a healthcare provider may lend credibility and sway them to comply.
Consider the medication in another form. If the medication comes in forms other than the type prescribed, it might be worth trying them. For example, liquid may be easier and more pleasant for your loved one to ingest. Some medications come in a chewable form which may also be easier to take for seniors. This is another idea to discuss with the doctor.
Help with medication organization. If forgetfulness is the cause, assisting your loved one with an organized approach to taking medications can be helpful. Try using pill boxes as a simple first step. There are also technology applications such smart phone apps and smart devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa, that can help.
Stay calm. It can be very annoying to deal with medication non-adherence by a loved one. but it is important not to your emotions in front of them, as this can exacerbate their feelings of frustration. If they do exhibit signs of mounting frustration, take a break from the situation, and re-address later.