For many seniors, taking medication is a part of their daily routine. However, swallowing medication might not be as easy as it used to be, particularly for seniors with dysphagia. Dysphagia is a disorder that can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Fortunately, with the help of elder care and their family, seniors can be introduced to a variety of strategies to assist them with this issue so they can take their medications safely and properly.
Understanding Swallowing Issues
Before looking into solutions, it’s important to understand why seniors may have difficulty swallowing medication in the first place. Some common causes are:
- Decreased Saliva Production: As people age, their saliva production diminishes, resulting in a dry mouth. Saliva helps lubricate the throat, so having less of it might make swallowing more difficult.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can have an influence on the muscles and nerves that control swallowing. Dysphagia is very common among seniors who have certain neurological disorders.
- Medication Side Effects: Ironically, some medications can produce dry mouth or impair muscle function, affecting the swallowing process.
Solutions for Helping Seniors Swallow Medication
If a senior has difficulties swallowing their prescription, there are numerous ways and interventions that can assist. With elder care by their side, they can try various options to see which ones work best for them. Some strategies to consider include the following:
- Crush or Split Pills: For seniors who have difficulty swallowing large tablets, several medications can be crushed or split. However, not all prescriptions can be crushed; time-released or coated pharmaceuticals, for example, may lose potency or cause side effects if not taken as intended. Before crushing or splitting medication in any way, seniors need to consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Choosing Liquid Medications: Many medications come in liquid, dissolvable, and chewable formats. These options can significantly improve seniors’ swallowing ability. Elder care can encourage seniors to talk with their medical team to see if any of the medications they’re taking come in a different form.
- Using Pill Swallowing Aids: There are specially developed products available to help with swallowing medications. For instance, coating sprays can lubricate the tablet, reducing friction and allowing it to travel down the throat more smoothly. Additionally, pill swallowing cups are intended to contain the pill and allow the user to drink it down with water. This is thought to reduce the anxiety of swallowing the pill since it’s not seen.
- Taking Pills with Soft or Thickened Liquids: Some seniors find it simpler to swallow medicines with applesauce, yogurt, or pudding rather than water. These soft foods can help to conceal the tablet and make it simpler to take. Thickened liquids can also help seniors with severe dysphagia because they are easier to swallow than thin liquids.
When to Get Help
If swallowing issues persist or worsen, it is important for family members and seniors to talk with the medical team. The doctor might be able to provide alternatives or suggest working with a speech-language pathologist who can determine the severity of dysphagia and suggest relevant treatments or interventions. In severe circumstances, a specialized swallowing evaluation may be required to ensure that the senior does not choke or aspirate food or liquids into their lungs.
When seniors have difficulties swallowing medication, they may struggle to maintain their health. However, with the support of elder care, their medical team, and loved ones, they can learn ways to make taking their medications easier.
Sources:
https://www.umc.edu/Healthcare/ENT/Patient-Handouts/Adult/Speech-Language-Pathology/Swallowing/Pill-Tips.html
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/two-tricks-make-easier-swallow-pills-201411137515
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Schoolcraft, MI, please contact the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care today. Call (269) 329-4717.
Fresh Perspective Home Care is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Richland, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Gull Lake, Yorkville and Otsego, Michigan.
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