(soothing music)
[Narrator] For most medications,
the first choice is to give them by mouth whenever possible.
However, remember that as a person becomes weaker,
they may become less able to swallow medications safely.
Before giving any medication, it's important
to wash your hands.
Check the instructions on the bottle.
Make sure you're giving the right medication,
the right amount, and at the right time,
as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
Follow any specific instructions on the label,
for example, if the medication needs to be given with food.
Help the person sit up in a comfortable position.
If the patient can't get out of bed,
help them to a sitting position.
Never give an oral medication to someone
who's lying down because this may lead to choking.
Offer a glass of water or juice to help moisten the mouth
and make swallowing easier.
After the patient has the pills in their mouth,
help them wash them down with sips of water.
Check to be sure the medication was swallowed.
And as usual, finish by washing your hands.
If the patient has difficulty swallowing pills,
you can try mixing them with food
with a thicker texture, such as a spoonful of applesauce,
yogurt, ice cream, or pudding.
Some pills can be crushed before they're mixed with food,
but check with your healthcare provider First.
Medications that are long-acting
or slow release can't be crushed.
Your pharmacist may also be able to provide the medication
in a form that's more easily swallowed,
for example, in a gel capsule or in liquid form.
If the person is taking a liquid medication
and finds the taste unpleasant, try keeping it cold
in the refrigerator or disguising it in another liquid.
If you notice the person is having difficulty
swallowing their medication
or keeping their medication down due to nausea and vomiting,
it's important to notify your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist.
Medications will need to be given in a different way.
Planning ahead can help maintain the person's
medication schedule and their comfort.
Always note the medication and time it was given
in your medication record.
(soothing music)