DM not taking meds properly

[girlfromthesouthcountry]

That, really. DM has (undiagnosed but very obvious) cognitive impairment/dementia. Lives at home with dad, who's OK but starting to get a little more forgetful and elderly. DM is on a couple of different regular medications (for high BP, statins, anxiety/depression), and also has an 'as needed' sleeping pill for insomnia. It's become very obvious that she's taking more meds than she should: my dad tells me this is happening, and the GP keeps refusing to refill her prescription, because she's running out too quickly. I think the reason she's doing it is partly genuine forgetfulness (can't remember if she's taken a pill, so takes another), and partly total confusion about which meds do what (she can't sleep or feels ill, so takes a pill, even though it might be a BP pill which will of course make no difference).

I've repeatedly tried to explain to both DPs that this is a Very Bad Thing and puts her at risk of real harm, but I'm getting nowhere. Dad has tried to stop her doing this, but she refuses to relinquish control of her meds and gets very angry with him if he tries to force the issue. I've bought her a dosette box which she utterly refuses to use. I've emailed her GP to explain my concerns, but I don't have authority to speak to them (trying to get this in place, but not terribly optimistic).

What else can I do?

They both sound like they need an adult social services assessment! I'd ask for this ASAP as they can take months. They might each be able to get additional support in multiple areas. Do you have power of attorney in place for them both? For both finance and health?

You say you bought a dosette box? The pharmacy can make up a specific blister pack of meds which makes it far easier to see what has and hasn't been removed from the pack. I'd be asking the GP or pharmacist about this as an option.

I'd also be speaking to the GP about my concerns, asking for some basic cognitive testing such as a mini mental testing and referral to a geriatrician. Wishing you all the best- its very hard I know x

Agree with the blister pack , they can be a game changer as it just arrives "done" and very visual for everyone if not dosed accurately.

Very worthwhile paying/checking which pharmacy will be able to provide this.

Based on their resistance to support, I think they would refuse to engage with a SS assessment, unfortunately. I do have PoA in place (both kinds), but that only kicks in if they've lost capacity. Dad definitely wouldn't fall into that category - he's reasonably capable, but increasingly can't deal with mum. I'm not sure whether mum would - she's (clearly) not making good decisions, but she's able to express a clear opinion.

She had a memory assessment a couple of years ago - diagnosed with MCI (to my surprise - thought it would be a dementia diagnosis). She's far worse now, but zero reassessment or follow up. Mum doesn't want to ask for a reassessment because she hated the memory test last time and frankly doesn't want to know the answer. At the moment I can't talk to the GP, only write unanswered emails, because I'm not authorised as a contact. That's my main aim at the moment - but I'll need DPs' consent, and I don't know if I'll get it.

I didn't know about the blister packs - that really does sound worth pursuing, thank you.