My wife and I look after her 85-year-old father who has had a heart attack (he has a pacemaker), uses a catheter (urologist), has lung problems and many more. We go with him to specialist doctors, we do the indicated tests, etc. However, he unexpectedly rebelled and does not want to take medications that are important to him. Including believes that doctors are inexperienced. I admit that it has a difficult nature and it is very difficult to get to it or explain anything. At the same time, we are very concerned that with his age ailments in such a case, something could happen at any moment. We are also worried that we will suffer the consequences for the situation. What to do to make the rebellious and self-confident old man begin to appreciate our efforts, care and begin to listen to us? I would also like to add that there are often quarrels between us. The elderly man suddenly feels something "crap" and the storm in the house is ready. Even we suffer because of this, because our nerves are exhausted. I urgently ask for help.
Older people have their own habits and it is very difficult to reach them. Besides, my father's poor he alth makes it even more difficult. Drugs can be administered in various ways, e.g. by crushing drugs and administering with food (there are drugs that exclude such forms of administration). It is best to ask a specialist doctor about it, because tablet medications often have liquid or other equivalents. As for motivating my father, I think the best form is to talk to him about the consequences of not taking medication. Or you can ask your he althcare professional to talk to your father about taking medications and the consequences of stopping them. Occasionally you may ask a family or friend whom your father trusts to interview him. If this does not help, please consult a psychologist - he may suggest other ways to motivate your father to take medication. Good luck.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Ewa GuzowskaEwa Guzowska - educator, addiction therapist, lecturer at GWSH in Gdańsk. A graduate of the Pedagogical Academy in Krakow (social and care pedagogy) and postgraduate studies in therapy and diagnosis of children and adolescents with developmental disorders. She worked as a school educator and addiction therapistin a drug addiction center. He conducts numerous trainings in the field of interpersonal communication.
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