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(soothing music)

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[Narrator] For most medications,

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the first choice is to give
them by mouth whenever possible.

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However, remember that as
a person becomes weaker,

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they may become less able to
swallow medications safely.

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Before giving any
medication, it's important

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to wash your hands.

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Check the instructions on the bottle.

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Make sure you're giving
the right medication,

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the right amount, and at the right time,

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as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

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Follow any specific
instructions on the label,

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for example, if the medication
needs to be given with food.

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Help the person sit up in
a comfortable position.

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If the patient can't get out of bed,

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help them to a sitting position.

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Never give an oral medication to someone

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who's lying down because
this may lead to choking.

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Offer a glass of water or
juice to help moisten the mouth

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and make swallowing easier.

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After the patient has
the pills in their mouth,

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help them wash them
down with sips of water.

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Check to be sure the
medication was swallowed.

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And as usual, finish
by washing your hands.

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If the patient has
difficulty swallowing pills,

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you can try mixing them with food

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with a thicker texture, such
as a spoonful of applesauce,

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yogurt, ice cream, or pudding.

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Some pills can be crushed
before they're mixed with food,

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but check with your
healthcare provider First.

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Medications that are long-acting

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or slow release can't be crushed.

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Your pharmacist may also be
able to provide the medication

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in a form that's more easily swallowed,

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for example, in a gel
capsule or in liquid form.

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If the person is taking
a liquid medication

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and finds the taste
unpleasant, try keeping it cold

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in the refrigerator or
disguising it in another liquid.

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If you notice the person
is having difficulty

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swallowing their medication

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or keeping their medication
down due to nausea and vomiting,

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it's important to notify your
nurse, doctor, or pharmacist.

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Medications will need to be
given in a different way.

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Planning ahead can help
maintain the person's

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medication schedule and their comfort.

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Always note the medication
and time it was given

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in your medication record.

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(soothing music)