Member ConnectMedication Management Devices and Helps
Aging and chronic illness are a part life. Everyone wants to be independent and self-sufficient but, as we get older, it becomes harder and harder to do. Seniors and the chronically ill try to put off the nursing home decision for as long as they can. There’s a lot of cost involved with such a big, life-altering decision. […]
Aging and chronic illness are a part life. Everyone wants to be independent and self-sufficient but, as we get older, it becomes harder and harder to do. Seniors and the chronically ill try to put off the nursing home decision for as long as they can. There's a lot of cost involved with such a big, life-altering decision. To have an in-home agent can cost an average of $25 an hour, while residence in a full-time facility averages around $70,000 a year. At any age, it's very hard to give up control, having to rely on a stranger to take care of you. At least it was for me. If you have a parent or family member going through this, you're constantly worrying. As technology advances, new products come out that allow us to take control back. Sensors, voice activation, cameras, Bluetooth, GPS, computers, smartphones, and monitoring apps can all make health and home care easier. Over the next few weeks, I'll introduce you to some cool new medical products that I have personally used myself, or with family, covering three main areas: medication management, monitoring systems, and apps. Today we look at medication management.
The MedMinderis a digitally enhanced pill dispenser that uses nifty visual and aural alerts to remind the user to take medication. On first glance, the MedMinder looks like a typical 7-day dispenser. But it's so much cooler! Available in several different models, it has a built-in cellular modem that allows for online monitoring. It does need to be plugged in, but also has a battery backup.
How it works.A family member or caregiver loads up the medicine tray that goes inside the pill dispenser. The family member or caregiver goes on the web and programs the medication schedule. That same person can go on the web and check to make sure the user open the box at the appropriate times to take the medication. The MedMinder flashes when it's time for medication to be taken, and beeps if it's ignored. What's even cooler is that you can record the voice of a loved one leaving a personalized message that will remind the person once again if the medication is ignored. If after, let's say, 20 minutes the medication still has not been taken, the user will get a phone call. The caregiver can receive email, text, or phone call alerts informing them that the medication has not been taken. It also keeps a report online of all activity. There is a monthly fee for this service.
Philips Medication Dispensing Service is a digital pill dispenser that dispenses the medication directly into a medication cup like a vending machine, eliminating the need for the user to open small containers. It has visual and aural alerts, and it can be monitored online, though that requires a landline phone connection. It needs to be plugged in, but also has a battery backup that last 18 hours.
How it works. A family member or caregiver loads the medication into individual cups that go inside the pill dispenser. Once the medication is loaded, the caregiver calls Philips lifeline, and their representative programs the dispenser. When it's time to take the medication, the dispenser flashes and gives an audio reminder. The user pushes a button and out comes the pre-loaded cup. This dispenser connects to the home phone line and if the medication is not dispensed, up to two people will be notified by phone. Reports of missed doses and refill reminders are available online. There is a monthly fee for this service.
Reminder Rosie.This product is not a dispenser, but is an awesome reminder tool. Reminder Rosie is a voice-activated clock with a large LED display that tells you to take your medication. Also doubling as an alarm clock, Reminder Rosie can be used for anything a person might need help remembering. This product takes away the need to fiddle with buttons and mechanisms, as it can be operated entirely by voice commands.
How it works. A family member or caregiver simply programs the clock to remind of medication times or important daily functions. One of the coolest features of this clock is that allows for personalized reminders. It's always comforting to get a reminder in the voice of a loved one. Once the user has received the reminder, they simply speak reminder off or press down on the clock to turn off the alert. Users can also ask the clock what is scheduled for the day. Rosie has a battery backup and stores the reminder on a memory chip so if the unit gets unplugged, it doesn't lose your reminders. There is no monthly service fee for this product.
These are all great tools; however having them does not guarantee that medication actually has been or will be taken. Medication non-adherence is a serious issue for seniors and chronic illness sufferers, causing a significant number of nursing home admissions.
Do you have a favorite medication reminder? We'd love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below.