Expert: Michalene Peticca - 2/8/2009

Question
My husband is in the middle (we believe) stage of Lewy body dementia.  Our main problem is getting him to take his pills on time. Sometimes he even skips taking them at  night because he doesn't want me to tell  him what to do!  I put the pills in a cassette (one for his morning pills and one for nighttime).  He is very easily distracted, so does things like wash the counters in the kitchen, go upstairs and look through things in his drawers, etc.  Today, he didn't take his morning pills until almost 2 pm and his breakfast at 3 pm!  Yesterday it was 4 pm.  I've just about given up.  How do I get him to stay on track and eat his meals at the appropriate time.  He does not look forward to his evening meal because of this, let alone lunch.  Please help me.  Nagging just doesn't help, of course.

Answer
Hello Beverly,

My sincerest appreciation for all that you do for your husband!  I know what you go through on a daily basis takes strong will and a Lot of patience!

It sounds like your husband is transitioning into the stage where he no longer can be relyed upon to self medicate.  And, yet, he is also upset that you attempt to try and help him.  No, nagging will not help.

One of the "tricks" that we utilize in long term care is tell the individual that the "doctor" is checking in today and wants to make sure they have taken their pills.   It usually works.  

I also would suggest putting them right next to his plate in the morning or even on his plate before you serve him breafast. (Yes, you are most likely going to have to do For him at this point instead of him directing his own actions...he is losing that ability due to the disease).  

Setting up a structured day with mealtimes will be a big help for you in the future.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, M.A.