Why Medication Management Matters in Dementia Care

As dementia progresses, managing medications becomes increasingly complex — and crucial. From remembering to take pills at the right time to understanding the purpose of each prescription, medication can impact everything from cognitive clarity to comfort and quality of life.

A comprehensive medication management plan provides structure, safety, and peace of mind. For individuals living with dementia, as well as their families, carers, and power of attorneys, it ensures continuity of care, reduces the risk of harmful interactions, and supports better health outcomes.

Platforms like Evaheld make it easier than ever to document medication preferences and update them regularly, alongside other important care details and legacy content.

The Role of Medication in Dementia

Medication in dementia care can serve multiple purposes:

• Managing behavioural symptoms like agitation or aggression
• Supporting co-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Reducing anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances
• Delaying cognitive decline in certain types of dementia

But with multiple medications often prescribed, the risk of confusion, missed doses, or adverse interactions increases — particularly in later stages of dementia.

According to Dementia Australia, poor medication management is one of the most common reasons people with dementia are hospitalised unnecessarily.

This is why creating a structured, personalised plan early on is so important — not only for the person living with dementia but also for those responsible for their wellbeing.

Who Should Be Involved?

Creating and reviewing a medication management plan should be a collaborative process. Involve:

• The individual living with dementia (especially in early stages)
• Family members and primary carers
• GPs, pharmacists, and specialists
• Case managers and aged care teams
• Power of attorneys or legal guardians

With everyone on the same page, the plan is more likely to be accurate, sustainable, and aligned with the person’s preferences and medical needs.

Digital tools like the Evaheld Legacy Vault can help store updated records, ensuring all relevant parties have access to accurate, current information in one secure place.

Components of a Medication Management Plan

A thorough medication management plan should include:

• A comprehensive medication list, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements
• Dosage instructions and timing
• Purpose of each medication
• Notes on known allergies or sensitivities
• Clear records of side effects or past adverse reactions
• Designated medication administrator (person responsible)
• Regular review and update schedule
• Emergency contacts and action steps for missed or incorrect doses

These details can be included in your advance care directive and updated as needed. If integrated with a broader care plan, it ensures that medication decisions align with the person’s wishes and current health status.

How to Create and Maintain the Plan

Here’s a step-by-step process for families, carers, and healthcare teams to follow:

Step 1: Gather All Medications

Collect all prescribed, over-the-counter, and complementary medications. Be sure to include inhalers, creams, drops, and supplements.

Step 2: Record Each Item

Use a structured template or digital tool like Evaheld to document the name, purpose, dosage, schedule, and prescribing doctor for each item.

Step 3: Monitor for Side Effects

Keep a diary of symptoms or changes in behaviour. Some medications can cause confusion or agitation, particularly in people with dementia.

Step 4: Store Medications Safely

Use a pill organiser or dispensing service to reduce the risk of missed or double doses. Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.

Step 5: Schedule Regular Reviews

Review the plan every 3–6 months, or after hospital visits or medication changes. Involve a pharmacist to identify potential interactions or outdated prescriptions.

Step 6: Share the Plan

Store the plan in your Evaheld Legacy Vault and share access with carers, power of attorneys, and emergency contacts.

Supporting Carers and Guardians

Carers and family members often shoulder the responsibility of managing medications — especially when a loved one can no longer do so themselves.

For the sandwich generation, juggling caregiving with work and parenting, a clear plan is essential to avoid burnout and mistakes.

According to Nurse Info, medication mismanagement is one of the most preventable risks in dementia care. Simple tools — such as alarms, medication packs, or a visible calendar — can make a big difference.

Digital platforms also support carer confidence. With Evaheld, families can store not only medication records but also written or recorded instructions from their loved one, giving insight into preferences and comfort levels.

Integrating Medication into Advance Care Planning

Medication management is not just a clinical task — it’s an emotional and ethical responsibility. Including medication preferences in your advance care planning ensures the person’s voice is honoured.

For example, they may want to avoid life-prolonging treatments in late-stage dementia or prefer natural remedies when possible. These preferences can be recorded alongside spiritual and emotional wishes in the Evaheld Legacy Vault, creating a truly person-centred approach.

The Evaheld Blog offers compassionate guidance on how to include these preferences in a way that respects autonomy and family dynamics.

Common Medication Challenges in Dementia

Here are a few issues to look out for:

• Refusal to take medication
• Taking incorrect doses
• Side effects misinterpreted as dementia progression
• Unnecessary polypharmacy (too many medications)
• Confusion over multiple prescribers

Each of these can lead to serious consequences if not addressed. Regular medication reviews and collaborative planning help reduce these risks.

Encouraging Engagement and Dignity

Where possible, involve your loved one in medication routines. Use gentle reminders, simple language, and supportive routines. If swallowing becomes difficult or side effects appear, speak with the doctor immediately — there are often alternative formulations.

Legacy platforms also help promote dignity. When preferences and explanations are documented in the individual’s own voice, it reinforces their identity and supports carers in making compassionate decisions.