3 days out of everyweek I vist my grandfather after classes. I normally just talk to him, make him dinner and watch a Spencer Tracey movie with him. This week he has a cold and refuses to take the medicine my mom wants him to. I've been contemplating mixing the recomended amount into his soup or coffee, but I'm worried since he is so old it might harm him if I give him the medicine this way and if I don't I'm afraid he may die eventually from not treating his cold. Plus he won't see a doctor. Should I sneak the medicine in or not?
2007-01-05 04:07:16 · 10 answers · asked by Barlow 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I would be afraid to sneak the medicine in his food, as he might decide later to take it on his own. Then he would be overdosing.
Just tell him that when you were little he made you take your medicine, now it is his turn to take it for you. Say it sincerely and with a smile.
M
2007-01-05 04:11:20 · answer #1 · answered by maamu 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT! Under any cirmcumstances.
Try home remedies like comfort food and or humidifiers (for his breathing). Never administer anything to an elderly person with out knowing his medical background. Some people never know what they might or might not be allergic too. So don't go using Gramps as a guinea pig.
I had a tough time bussling my Dad and I don't like going to the Dr. myself. So I am sympathetic to you but in the same token you can do him more harm than good. Is there a visiting RN program available in your area? If he is over 65, contact you local gov't health agency and they will recommend some health and or free programs available. With the right research you can find the perfect program for him. I was able to get my dad free transportation for his Chemo visits and that helped us a lot.
Good Luck!
2007-01-05 12:15:17 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not! for starters its unethical for you to do so. more over it is potentially dangerous for you to do so because you dont know what other medications he may be taking or possible allergic reactions. there may be a good reason he doesnt take your meds. the common cold is virul more specifically the Rhinovirus. any medication you could possibly give him will not actually help cure a cold instead it will just help with the symptoms. if he's willing to deal with it let him. it's rarely life threatning i say rarely because in extreme circumstances it can lead to pneumonia. but that is just worst case scenario. a common cold may last a week most just let him get well on his own.
2007-01-05 12:27:59 · answer #3 · answered by eskew_obfuscation 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't sneak the medicine. Colds resolve themselves because they are viral. The only reason for taking medicine is to relieve symptoms. Make sure he eats and gets lots of fluids.
2007-01-05 12:36:29 · answer #4 · answered by Idle Chitchat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does depend on the medicine. Call a pharmacist at CVS or Rite Aid, they are usually nice enough to offer their advice over the phone.
But definitely discuss the importance of taking medicine w/ your granddad. He might be taking it on his own.
2007-01-05 12:12:37 · answer #5 · answered by sktchgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say no don't put it in his food. Would you want someone to do that to you?
If he is on medication now whatever you give him could interfere with his other medicine and cause a bad reaction. Why doesn't your mom go over and see him instead of leaving it up to you?
2007-01-05 12:19:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a real Problem, I would you suggest that instead of sneaking the meds into him you should sneak the Doctor in to see him. maybe he/she could help with the situation. Best of luck and i hope Grandpa feels better soon.
2007-01-05 12:12:59 · answer #7 · answered by meanny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely not. since you have now made it publicly known that he refuses to take it, and he dies from some complication related to it, you could be charged with his death.
2007-01-05 12:12:12 · answer #8 · answered by wrldzgr8stdad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends, what kind of medicine is it?
2007-01-05 12:10:17 · answer #9 · answered by Timi S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no ,your granddad is old enough to make his own decisions
2007-01-05 12:12:12 · answer #10 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋