Eyedrop adminstration for people with dementia

[latebloomer74, LPN]

I’m having a heck of a time with eyedrops with my dementia residents. They won’t tilt their head back most of the time and one won’t keep her eyes open and just blinks rapidly. Any tips because it’s really difficult giving eyedrops when they’re sitting straight up. Help!

[brownbook]

It is extremely difficult. Try gently pinching the skin right under the middle of their lower lid. Again, gently, slightly, pull down and out a little to make a pocket and drop in the drops

But nothing works every time.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If they will close their eyes and tip their head back, put the drop in the inner corner of their eye, then ask them to open, and it will slide right in.

[Glycerine82, LPN]

they have to allow you to do it, first of all. ask them to "roll their eyes" and gently pull the bottom lid down and administer. The head doesn't need to be all the way back, just a little tilt is ok. alternatively, change the time to when they are in bed.