According to a survey by AARP, 75% of older adults aged 50 and older take prescription medication regularly. It is vital to take the right dose of medications at the right times. Still, it can be challenging for dementia patients and the elderly to follow the complex combination of pills and keep track of the timings for medication.
From smartphone apps to iPad games, technology can help dementia patients in many ways.
An automatic pill dispenser allows you to organize and schedule the medications. Put the pills in the dispenser and set the date/time when you want those pills to be dispensed. The alarm will go off at your selected times, and the correct dose of medicines will be dispensed to you.
5 Benefits of Automatic Pill Dispenser for Seniors
#1: Timesaving
Seniors need to take the correct medicines each time. It is very time-consuming to go through all the medicines to get the ones you need.
You can preload the pill dispenser with the right dose and save the time and fatigue of looking through the medications for each dose.
#2: Take the Right Dose at the Right Time
This is the most important function of an automatic pill dispenser. It reminds you to take the medicines on time and provides you with the correct dosage.
Forgetfulness is very common among dementia patients. An automatic pill dispenser can be a lifesaver in such situations.
#3: Independence
Dementia patients can use pill dispensers instead of relying on family members or caregivers for their medication. It is also a great tool for family members and caregivers to keep a record of medications.
#4: Safety Around Kids
Most pill dispensers come with a security lock to provide additional safety features for kids and pets.
5: Portable/Easy to Carry
Pill dispensers are portable and easy to carry in a bag when you go out. You can have your medicines with you wherever you go, with an alarm system to remind you to take your medication at the right time.
2 Best Automatic Pill Dispensers with Alarms
After evaluating the available pill dispensers, here are the 2 best options based on users’ feedback and ratings, and the features they have.
Med-E-Lert Dispenser – Secure with Automatic Lock
This automatic pill dispenser comes with a lock box, 28 sealed pill compartments, and a clear lid. It provides ultimate customization and comes with 6 dosage rings. Med E Lert Dispenser has a security feature; a custom barrel key significantly reduces the chances of theft.
It comes with three different volume tones and a flashing red LED light to remind you when it is time to take medications, up to six times a day.
Pros
- 28 days of medication can be organized.
- Secured with custom barrel key.
- Beautiful designwith transparent lid.
- Easy to track schedule with 6 scheduling rings.
Cons
- It can be a little tricky to set the time and alarm.
This pill dispenser is a great gift for seniors and the elderly with dementia.
7 Days Pill Organizer – Moisture-proof & Large Compartments
This is a 7-day pill dispenser with an alarm. It has 14 compartments for 2 times/day medication. It has a large screen display and large buttons for setting alarms (up to 4 times a day). It uses food-grade material for medical use safety.
The cover is transparent plastic and storage prevents the odor of the tablets. It is moisture-proof and dust-proof and pill boxes have plenty of space. Its portable size makes it ideal for seniors to carry around with them.
Pros
- Portable design with transparent lids and large pill compartments
- Odor-proof, moisture, and dust-proofdesign
- Food-grade material, safe for health and medical use
- Alarm (up to 4 times a day) to remind you to take the medications
Cons
- Weekly organizer with a 7-day maximum limit
The above medicine dispensers make a perfect gift to your parents, grandparents, or elderly loved ones to show them how much you care.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you use pill dispensers? How do they help in your everyday life? Do you think a pill dispenser with an alarm feature would be useful?
