A little encouragement needed

Have you ever heard of the saying “Once an adult, twice a child”?   

As a family caregiver, you often find yourself in a parental role. It can be quite challenging to care for your parents. Your love and concern for their well-being must take precedence over any discomfort you may feel. Recently, I had to persuade my mom that taking her medication was crucial for her health.

Below is a scenario and how the caregiver handled the challenge. 

Background:

Mary is an 82-year-old woman who has high blood pressure and early-stage dementia. Her daughter, Lisa, is her primary caregiver. Mary has always been independent and dislikes being told what to do. Lately, she has been refusing to take her blood pressure medication, insisting, “I feel fine—I don’t need it!”

How Lisa Handles It:

1. Empathize & Validate:

   • Lisa sits next to her mother and gently says,
     “I understand, Mom. It’s frustrating to take pills every day, especially when you feel fine. But this little pill is what keeps you feeling good.”

2. Give a Sense of Control:

   • Instead of demanding, Lisa asks,
     “Would you rather take your medicine before or after breakfast?”

   • This small choice helps Mary feel in control.

3. Associate with Routine:

   • Lisa places Mary’s pill next to her coffee cup, making it part of her morning habit.

   • She casually says, “Here’s your coffee and your little helper for the day.”

4. Use Gentle Encouragement:

   • When Mary still hesitates, Lisa says,
     “Remember what Dr. Patel said? This helps keep your heart strong, just like your daily walks.”

5. Engage a Third Party:

   • If Mary continues to resist, Lisa may ask a trusted nurse or grandchild to encourage her.

   • Sometimes hearing it from someone else makes it more acceptable.

6. Distraction & Reward:

   • Lisa shifts the focus: “After you take it, let’s go sit on the porch and enjoy the fresh air.”

   • This makes the experience feel less like a chore and more like part of her day.

Outcome:

By using empathy, routine, and giving her mom a choice, Lisa avoids a power struggle and successfully gets Mary to take her medication.

Convincing a loved one to take their medication when they resist can be frustrating and emotionally challenging. Here are some tips to help:

1. Understand the Resistance

• Ask why they don’t want to take their medication (fear, side effects, forgetfulness, taste, or pride).

• Validate their feelings and acknowledge their concerns before offering solutions.

2. Communicate with Empathy

• Use positive and gentle language instead of being forceful.

• Offer choices when possible (e.g., “Would you like to take this with juice or water?”).

• Keep explanations simple, focusing on benefits (e.g., “This will help you feel stronger”).

3. Involve Their Healthcare Provider

• Ask their doctor or pharmacist for alternative forms (liquids, patches, or chewables).

• Request medications be given at different times or with food if side effects are an issue.

• Have the doctor explain the importance of the medication in a way they trust.

4. Make It Routine

• Associate medication with daily activities (e.g., “It’s time for your morning coffee and medicine”).

• Use pill organizers or reminder apps to stay consistent.

5. Use Creative Approaches

• Mix with food (if safe) to mask the taste.

• Turn it into a game or challenge (for children or those with cognitive impairment).

• Offer a small reward like a favorite snack or TV show.

6. Get a Third Party Involved

• Sometimes a different voice (doctor, nurse, or another family member) can be more persuasive.

• If dementia or cognitive decline is an issue, distraction techniques may work.

7. Stay Patient & Adapt

• Avoid power struggles—forcing can lead to more resistance.

• If they absolutely refuse, step away and try again later when they’re calmer.

  
  

  This data and strategies are recommended by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Family Caregiver Alliance, American Geriatrics Society, and various healthcare professionals specializing in elder care. While this is not directly sourced from one specific article, it reflects widely accepted techniques used by caregivers, nurses, and doctors when dealing with medication resistance.