Gero Psych

My advice is to find a new job, geri psych = ugh

have you tried mixing it with applesauce or ice cream or some other food? May you can review the meds to see if any can be changed from solid to liquid form. I have made "milshakes" with a small amount of ice cream + Boost or whatever supplement is allowed and mix meds that can be taken in that form. Geriatrics seem to like sweets. The risk is offering too much at once & pt. refused to finish eating or drinking. Then the med is not taken in the right dose.

use little tatics, like put the medicine on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or in some orange juice. it is a very hard population to work with

Well gosh, I wish you well, its a hard lot in life. Alzheimers and dementia pts are the most difficult for sure. But many blessings to the heroes thatt are able to care for them.

Let me say that again, HEROES. Bless you all!

I could not do it....

I have found this to work sometimes. Just take the med cup, and the water. Say "I have your medicine." Hold it out. don't say anything else. Wait a moment or two. Also try giving some water first. Meds make their mouths dry, and they may not want to take the pills into a dry mouth. I find they do better without too much talk.

I work on a dementia unit in LTC. First I never call it medicine. I approach, smile and say Hi x howare you today? They answer I respond. Then I say I have something for you... Some will take them, others say oh they are pills.... Yes they are to keep your heart , bones, or whatever strong. So you've even done some pt education... Don't worry about telling them what they are all for oh and I've never had anyone respond well to saying something is for their brain (namenda, aricept)... Usually by being a friend to them they are more cooperative.

Tell them you have their blood pressure pills. It doesn't matter if you are giving them other medicine they are not going to understand or remember their need for namenda or aricept, but every geriatric patient understands the need to take medicine for their blood pressure. Antibiotics too. Blood pressure pills and antibiotics almost always register with them. I know it is lying, but getting their meds in them is more important than being honest.