HOW TO GIVE MEDICINES
Medicines may be available or prescribed in several different forms, depending on the drug or on the condition of the person during a progressive illness. Medicines in tablet form may be switched to liquid, syrup, or suppository (rectal) form in the event that swallowing tablets becomes undesirable or difficult. Notify your Nurse if there is a problem with the swallowing of medication tablets. If you are concerned about a loved one forgetting to take their meds, check this site out...
TABLETS
 | If tablets are too big, break them in half or in quarters and swallow the parts separately. |
| If the mouth is dry, moisten with water before attempting to swallow pills. |
| If the throat is dry, caring Jell-O first will help lubricate the throat so that pills will slide down easily. |
| Most pills may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food such as ice cream, applesauce, pudding. |
| Crushed pills can be mixed with a small amount of sweet fluid, honey, or syrup. |
| Most capsules may be opened to obtain the powdered form , from, within. |
NOTE:
Not all pills are made to be crushed.
Ask your Nurse if pills can be crushed.
Do not attempt to give pills to a sleeping or unconscious person.
LIQUID MEDICINES
- Liquids must be measured accurately. Always read the label on the bottle for instructions.
- Liquids may be mixed with small amounts of food or fluid to improve the taste.
- Some liquids may be given by dropper into the side of the mouth or under the tongue.
- Liquid medicines are more expensive and may expire rapidly. Check for storage instructions.
NOTE:
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
Measurement: one teaspoon = 5 ml (milliliter)
one tablespoon = 15 ml (milliliter) ( 3 TEASPOONS = 1 TABLESPOON )
SUPPOSITORIES
Store rectal suppositories in refrigerator.
Encourage daily bowel movement, prior to administration of suppository, if possible.
Wear disposable gloves. Lubricate finger and suppository with water-soluble lubricant (not
Vaseline).
Insert suppository as far as the finger can reach.
Press suppository toward the side wall of the rectum with the rip of the finger.
Assist the person to assume a side-lying position, flat in bed.
Place disposable underpads underneath the lower half of the torso.
Instill fluid by slowly squeezing container (Fleets disposable enema).
Stop at intervals for cramping.
Encourage the person to retain fluid in rectum for 5 to 10 minutes.
Be prepared to assist with use of bedpan, bedside commode, or toilet.
MEDICINE CHEST
Some medications and medical supplies are accessible through your local pharmacy. idea to have a variety of supplies available in your home. These are some that will help you prepare for the needs of caregiving that may arise.
- MILK OF MAGNESIA
- BISACODYL SUPPOSITORIES (ex: Dulcolax)
- DISPOSABLE ENEMAS (ex: Fleets)
- HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES
- MYLANTA (or equivalent) ANTACID
- ACETAMINOPHEN (ex: Tylenol)
- COUGH SYRUP (ex: Robitussin)
- BAKING SODA
- ALCOHOL-FREE MOUTH WASH
- SMALL TUBE OF ANTIBACTERIAL OINTMENT
- NO-RINSE TYPE LIQUID SOAP AND SHAMPOO
- SKIN LOTION AND POWDER
- VASELINE
- BAND-AIDS
- NAIL CLIPPERS
- SCISSORS
- THERMOMETER
- SMALL DIXIE CUPS
- MEASURING SPOONS
- DRINKING STRAWS (flexible)
- DISPOSABLE HAND WIPES (wet wipes)
- WASH BASIN (ex: plastic dish pan)
- HOSPITAL TYPE GOWNS MAY BE PURCHASED AT MEDICAL SUPPLY STORES
- LOW-COST SOUND MONITORS ARE AVAILABLE AT INFANT SUPPLY STORES
The following list of DO's and DON'Ts should help in the management of medications in the home:
DO's
1. Use the pharmacist.
Find one who takes the time to answer your questions and gives advice. Ask why and how the drug should be taken. Mention over-the-counter drugs that your older person takes to make sure they are compatible with the new drug.
2. Store drugs properly.
All drugs should be kept away from heat, light and moisture.
3. Ask for non-safety containers if you or your senior person has difficulty in opening child-proof containers.
Be extra cautious if there are children who come to visit.
4. Take only prescribed dose.
Many people think "if one is good, two are better". This can be as dangerous as taking only half to save money.
5. Ask the doctor to write prescriptions for generic drugs whenever possible.
This could result in considerable savings.
6. Drug labels should be read near a good light source to avoid making mistakes.
7. Try different alternatives if there is difficult swallowing.
A liquid or chewable form of the drug might be available. Talk with your pharmacist to see if a particular pill can be crushed or mixed with applesauce.
8. Call the doctor if there are any adverse reactions to the drug.
9. Use the "Vial of Life" program.
It assists rescue teams by identifying vital health information which has been compiled in advance and stored in designated spot in home.
DONT's
1. DON'T urge the doctor to write a prescription for your elderly person's problems.
Many illnesses are not helped by drugs.
2. DON'T assume that non-prescription drugs aren't harmful.
Any drug can be harmful if used incorrectly.
3. DON'T use unlabeled medications.
4. DON'T save old medications or let your aging relative keep anything older than a year, unless it has an expiration date on it.
5. DON'T let your aging relative trade medications with friends or relatives.