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About 1 in 7 of people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. A key challenge most caregivers of psychiatric patients face is ensuring that their family members take the medications as prescribed by their doctors. 

Here are some tips that caregivers can apply at home, when caring for patients with stable chronic mental illnesses and other minor psychiatric disorders. 

1) Understanding your loved ones and the importance of medications

Focus on the strengths, interests and personal needs of your loved ones instead of their weakness. Do not label them as mentally ill. Talk to them in an appropriate manner and show them you care through simple conversations such as asking how is their day. 

Explore and understand the needs of medication therapy and the importance of taking medications on a regular basis. Medication is one of the most powerful tools for controlling symptoms and preventing relapse. They work directly at the brain by restoring the balance of the chemicals (neurotransmitters) and help a person to calm their mind and improve their thinking, feeling or mood. Keeping the medications at a steady level in the bloodstream is essential to achieve such positive effects. 

Ensure that your loved ones do not reduce or stop the medications even if they may feel all right, as this may result in a relapse. Change your medication consumption only after seeking professional medical advice.

2) Managing medications

You can help your family member manage their medications using a pill box, which can be purchased from pharmacies and convenience stores.  

However, if they do not see the need, do not argue or question them but spend some time to explain. You may start in this manner: “Daddy, it seems that you may have forgotten to take your medications on some mornings and evenings. The nurse told me it is good to use a pill box. What do you think?” Again, it comes down to the way we communicate. We should not force our ideas onto them but rather put ourselves in their shoes. 

Try to use respectful open questions during your conversations like “Shall we have a try?” or “Do you have any concerns?”. They will be more likely to accept it once their concerns/thoughts have been properly addressed. 

As a caregiver, you need to give them some space for self-care. If possible, teach them how to pack their medications based on the doctor’s instructions instead of doing it for them. This promotes independent living and improves their self-confidence. 

While encouraging them to take care of themselves, it is also important to continue monitoring their behaviour and their medication consumption. 

3) Fitting medication into their daily routine

It is often easier to remember to take medications if it is done together with another daily activity. For example, you can make it part of having his/her breakfast: a cup of coffee, two pieces of bread and medication; or taking medications just before they go to bed. 

4) Coping with side effects

Each medication has its own side effects and our bodies react to medications differently. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe additional medication like Artane to reduce these side effects. However, do note that such medications should only be taken when there is a need, only if those side effects are affecting their daily routine/activities. 

The following table lists some of the common side effects and some suggestions for coping with them.

It is not easy to take care of someone who has mental illness. At times you may feel exhausted, frustrated or angry. But with a little bit more patience and understanding, you will be able to help provide more effective care for your loved one. 

For more information on how to prevent and manage a mental health relapse, read our article here. 

Do you need help caring for an elderly with psychiatric conditions at home? 

Download the Carer app and use it to hire an experienced nurse or care aide, or call us to find out more. You can also read more tips on the Carer app. 

If you have specific topics you would like us to write about, please email us at hello@carer.com.sg 

This article is contributed by our freelance nurse who is an expert in psychiatric care.