Navigating medication management in dementia care: caregiver experiences and resource needs

PURPOSE: Medication management is a critical and complex responsibility for family caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD), yet existing supports often fall short of their needs. We explored caregivers' experiences managing medications for PLWD and the needs and preferences for resources that support medication management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined the experiences of 13 caregivers in Ontario managing medications for PLWD. The Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (FCMAHS) provided quantitative assessment of medication management burden. A concurrent embedded design integrated quantitative and qualitative data, with qualitative follow-up questions embedded after each FCMAHS item to explore caregiver experiences in greater depth. We analyzed quantitative data descriptively with non-parametric tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Caregivers reported the highest perceived hassle on the Information Sharing and Information Seeking FCMAHS subscale and the lowest in the Polypharmacy subscale. Three qualitative categories were identified: medication information and educational resources, practical aspects of medication management, and healthcare provider support and systemic barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers' experiences with medication management varied, reflecting individual circumstances, dementia progression, and available supports. The findings highlight the need for caregiver-informed supportive resources that evolve with the dementia trajectory and help translate clinical information into daily practice.