Some medications need to be taken at set intervals or a specific time of day, with or after food, or on an empty stomach.
If the person with dementia forgets to take their medication, you could try:
- visual reminders like a wall chart or a label stuck to the cabinet where it is kept
- a pill organiser with separate compartments for times of day and days of the week
- alarms or alerts on the person’s phone
- voice reminders, eg using a smart speaker
- smartphone apps
- linking taking the medication with an element of their daily routine, eg brushing their teeth: when something becomes a habit, it is easier to remember
In some cases, pharmacies can supply tablets in a dosette box – a pre-filled pill organiser that clearly shows the times and days when each medication needs to be taken.
If a person with dementia forgets a dose of their medicine, they should take it as soon as they remember. However, if it is within four to six hours of their next dose, they should skip the missed dose completely.
Missing the occasional dose is unlikely to cause problems, but if this becomes a recurring issue, speak to the person’s GP or prescriber about why this is happening and whether it is still appropriate for them to take the medication.
Some people have difficulty swallowing tablets, especially as dementia progresses. In this case, liquid medication, dissolvable tablets or a sticky patch worn on the skin may be prescribed.
If it is proving challenging for the person to take their medicines – including if they resist taking it – seek advice from their GP.