Most seniors take several medications. It is challenging to keep track of all the various requirements for each prescription. Skipping doses or consuming extra can be extremely dangerous. It is important to take pharmaceuticals as prescribed. Reminders are beneficial to older adults who are aging in place and those residing in senior living communities. Here are our top three choices for medication reminders.
Med Minder
This digital pill dispenser looks like a traditional seven-day dispenser. There is a locked and an unlocked version. The secured type will only open when it is time for medication to be taken. A caregiver loads the dispenser with all the pills, and remotely programs the schedule. Caregivers and family members can also check in to see if the aged person has complied with reminders. At first, the dispenser flashes to alert the individual that it is time to take medication. If there is no response, it beeps. Next, a pre-recorded voice message from a familiar person plays. If there is still no response, an email, text, or phone call dispatches to specific caregivers or family members.
TabTime
This is a small, inexpensive medication reminder, costing under $20. It does not have many of the high-tech features like some of the other devices. However, it is perfect for those who just need a simple reminder. It has five compartments and measures only 1″ x 3,” making it easy to carry in a pocket or purse. It vibrates and beeps when it is time to take medication. This reminder is best suited for older individuals who are still independent but experience some forgetfulness. It’s especially useful for those who spend a lot of time away from home and need to take medication throughout the day.
Reminder Rosie
This is an entirely voice-activated system. It’s perfect for seniors who may have trouble seeing or lack the fine motor skills to operate buttons. It has a clock interface and holds up to 25 reminders for each day. It’s useful for medication, appointments, and daily tasks. It is designed with simplicity in mind, so users can easily instruct Rosie and program reminders. It’s similar to digital personal assistants built into AI devices, but without many of the complex features. Instead, Rosie focuses only on reminders, making it easier for seniors to use in daily life.
Medication reminders help seniors maximize independence and retain healthy routines. Taking medication improperly is a serious health hazard. In a senior living environment, these devices save caregivers time and energy, allowing them to focus on more important tasks. Using these reminders may significantly decrease the risk of hospitalization, or even death in extreme cases.
