Taking multiple medications is very common as we grow older. If you are a family caregiver helping an aging loved one manage their medication, there are some clear signs that you should consider an automated medication dispenser to help with this vital task. These devices make it easy to pre-load and schedule multiple medications, with the right dose dispensed at the proper time. Read further to see if an automated medication dispenser is a tool you need to help your loved one stay healthy and independent, and avoid costly in-home care or senior living options.

1) They Continuously Forget to Take Their Medications

If your aging loved one frequently forgets about their medications, an automated medication dispenser can help them. Automated medication dispensers alert the user when it’s time to take their medication. Automated medication dispensers alert the user when it’s time to take their medication, and some can also send alerts to a mobile application, or through text or email. The dispenser may also be able to send the caregiver an alert when medication is taken or missed.

Memory problems increase and become common as we grow older. Minor or occasional memory problems aren’t always something to worry about but there are certain signs that points to a bigger problem taking place. Things such as repeating questions, forgetting or confusing words and getting lost in familiar areas are some signs that a medical disease may be present.

2) They Take Multiple Medications

Managing multiple medications can get tricky. Using an automated medication dispenser decreases the chances of confusing medications or doses. Perhaps color coding, checklists or other organizational techniques haven’t been working efficiently? Pre-load your automated medication dispenser with the right doses and take the worry out of medication management.

It’s important for a loved one to stick to a prescribed medication routine. Losing or misplacing medication is often due to forgetfulness, but it’s important to make sure your loved one isn’t doing so purposefully. Perhaps there are unwanted side effects of the medication or the pill is hard to chew or swallow.

3) They Misplace or Lose Their Medications Often

Automated medication dispensers eliminate the need for multiple pill bottles. Pill bottles can get lost under beds or couches and can be hard to recover. An automated medication dispenser sits securely on a countertop, always in the same spot and easy to find.

4) They Have Trouble Opening Medication Bottles

Arthritis and joint pain are common issues with older generations. While most pill bottles are created to be child-proof, this also means they are harder to open. Struggling to open several pill bottles throughout the day can increase frustration and make your loved one not want to deal with the hassle of staying on their pill schedule. Automated medication dispensers eliminate the issue of hard to open bottles.

5) They Are Otherwise Independent

If your aging loved one is independent except when it comes to managing their medications, an automated medication dispenser may be the right choice. Automated medication dispensers remove the burden of medication management for both the loved one and the caregiver, and some even support better communication between caregiver and loved one. Many automated medication dispensers have an application or program that sends notifications to the caregiver when medications are taken or missed. Pria even offers two-way video calling

Does an Automated Medication Dispenser Sound Right for You and Your Loved One?

If your loved one is starting to have issues around medication management, an automated medication dispenser may be a good solution. They take the stress out of medication management and provide peace of mind to caregivers and care teams.