Dear Savvy Senior: Can you recommend some simple devices that can help seniors keep up with their medications? My mother is supposed to take several different medications at different times of the day but frequently forgets. — Reminding Son Dear Reminding: Anybody who juggles multiple medications can relate to the problem of forgetting to take a medication, or not remembering whether they already took it. This is especially true for people who take medications at varying times of the day. Here are some different things that can help:
Medication helpers
Getting organized and being reminded are the two keys to staying on top of a schedule.
To help achieve this, there are a wide variety of affordable pillboxes, medication organizers, vibrating watches, beeping pill bottles and even dispensers that talk to you that can make all the difference. To find these types of products go to epill.com (800-549-0095) where you’ll find dozens to choose from.
Check out the monthly MedCenter System, which has 31 color-coded pillboxes, each with compartments for different times of the day, and a four-alarm clock for reminders.
If, however, your mother needs an even more thorough medication management system, you have several good options.
One of the better deals is MedMinder’s Automated Pill Dispenser, which is a computerized pillbox that beeps and flashes when it’s time for your mom to take her medication, and will call her if she forgets. It will even alert her if she takes the wrong pills. This device can also be set up to call, email or text family members and caregivers letting you know if she misses a dose, takes the wrong medication or misses a refill. Available at medminder.com, or call 888-633-6463, the MedMinder rents for $40 to $60 per month.
Another top medication dispensing system to consider is the Philips Medication Dispensing Service (888-632-3261). This countertop device will dispense medicine on schedule, provide reminders and will notify caregivers if her pills aren’t taken. Rental and fees for the Philips service start at $49 per month with a one-time $99 installation fee.
Reminding services
Another simple solution that can help your mother stick to her medication schedule is to use a medication reminding service. These are services that will actually call, email or text your mother reminders of when it’s time to take her medicine and when it’s time to refill her prescriptions. Some even offer extra reminders like doctor and dentist appointments, wake-up calls and more.
Companies that offer such services are mymedschedule.com, which provides free medication reminders via text message or email. Their website can also help you make easy-to-read medication schedules that you can print out for your loved one to follow.
If, however, your mom doesn’t receive texts or use a computer, OnTimeRx (866-944-8966) or Snoozester may be the answer. With starting prices ranging between $4 and $10 per month, these services will call your mom on her home or cell phone (they can send text messages and emails too) for all types of reminders including daily medications, monthly refills, doctor appointments, wake-up calls and other events.
If you’re looking for extra help, Care Call Reassurance (602-265-5968 ext. 7) may be a better fit. In addition to the call reminders, this service can be set up to contact a family member or designated caregiver if she fails to answer or acknowledge the call. This service runs between $15 and $20 per month.
