Does anyone’s loved one with dementia use an asthma inhaler? How do you know how much they are using?
I definitely need to let my father's doctor know my concern. He’s having trouble with his meds so I bought him an automatic pill dispenser with alarm. The Doctor put him on a steroid inhaler recently. I asked him if he’s been taking it. He said yes. I said how many puffs? He said I’m not sure, I don’t remember. I said did the instructions say once per day or twice? He said I never read the instructions. I said you never read the instructions so how do you know how much to take? I really did not know it was this bad. He lives in our guest house on same property but I’m not with him all day long. He refused a caregiver when my sister offered to pay temporarily, after he fell and broke his ribs. My sister is trying to keep him out of a care home but if taking his meds is such a problem I may have no other choice. Perhaps I will let his doctor know and see what he recommends?
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Honestly I think you may need to consider that someone has to physically give him his medicines. My MIL had short-term memory loss and no matter what we set up we'd find the pills scattered on the kitchen table after she told us she took them and gave a time. When we figured out she wasn't remembering to eat (she nearly fainted out in public with us) she had to go into AL. We found rotting food in her generously stocked fridge, she forgot how to cook or even use the microwave. My main point is you can't believe what he tells you because he sincerely thinks he's telling you accurate info. He may be making stuff up because he knows he doesn't know and is embarrassed or freaked out or worried. I realize this is a painful junction to come to so I don't say it lightly. Once he can't take his meds on his own, what other essential ADLs can't he perform? Is someone bringing him his meals to make sure he's eating? Lots to ponder as you move forward with his care. May you have peace in your heart.