Getting pt's to take their meds.

Cuddleswithpuddles · May 1, 2014

If possible, time the med pass before breakfast or even during breakfast. They may be more likely to open their mouths if they feel that it is time to eat.

ktwlpn, LPN · May 1, 2014

I agree with the above, go for the most difficult ones while they are actually eating a meal. Try ice cream instead of applesauce, a plain spoonful first, rub the cold ice cream across the lips a bit to stimulate them and then introduce the meds. I have also had good luck just handing them the spoon and allowing them to help themselves first.= (while carefully guiding it to prevent it from spilling) We have not used applesauce for years. It's cheap but was not well accepted. We have puddings and ice cream available.

mandaleigh · May 2, 2014

We are not allowed to give meds during meals....who THINKS up these rules?!

BahoRN · May 2, 2014

If it is a very important med, see if you can get them prescribed in IV or topical form. Also, if you can't pass them before breakfast maybe get them rescheduled to be administered before the lunch hour or dinner hours.

Whoatemyburger · May 2, 2014

My advice is sweet talk and patience . One of my patients told me "why don't you try it first and then I will" . Lol it worked ! It is a very special population of patients . Isn't fun when they pull their IV lines and won't let you restart one ? Lol --- I like the idea with the ice cream . I'll try that one next !

NurseQT · May 2, 2014

If they're not awake during the a.m. Med pass see about getting the times switched to noon or afternoon. Ask their MD to d/c any meds that aren't really necessary. Try ice cream or pudding instead of applesauce. There are going to be some patients/residents that no matter how hard you try they will not take their meds on a regular basis. That's a part of LTC nursing. Good luck, I know how frustrating it can be sometimes.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · May 2, 2014

It would be helpful if there was another nurse you could watch in action, or at least talk to so that she could teach you what works for each resident.

When I worked LTC at an ALF one of the first things I payed attention to is what works for each resident.

Some want to count each pill, some ask the sane question each day, some need you to say the name of their daughter or son or doctor "so and so wants you to take this". (You have to use the name!), some only took them if I spooned it into their mouth, some I had to pull up a chair and sit next to, some need small talk, some want it crushed with extra sugar, jelly worked better for others, apple sauce was better for others. Some need you to be really loud and cheerful and authoritative--"good morning Deborah how are you today? I have your medication. Here's your water. Good. Take your pills now. Thank you Deborah."

There were only 2-3 that I continued to have difficulties with after I copied what the other staff did.

I feel your pain! I had over 40 residents in the dementia unit I worked in. I love working with that population. I was never afraid to touch then, hug them, gasp or even sit on their bed next to them. I know we aren't supposed to for hygiene reasons, but some of them literally needed a shoulder to lean on and ALFs don't have many hospital beds that can move up and down to accommodate those who can't sit up easily without assistance.