Rayssa G.
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Verified by
Mary P.
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Last updated:
July 25, 2024
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(0)
Older adults with complex medicine regimens or large amounts of daily pills to take are more likely to need regular medication reminders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s estimates, not taking medicines as prescribed causes 125,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
There are many reasons for medication non-compliance, like being overwhelmed by too many different pills to manage, or struggling to remember to take the correct medication at scheduled times. Older adults are more susceptible to having slip-ups when it comes to following complex medication programs.
Fortunately, the market is filled with options to help seniors and caregivers with medication intake, from simple pill organizers to medication reminder apps. We’ve selected several options among the best medication reminders to help you choose the one that suits your needs.
There are many types of medication reminders for seniors to choose from, among traditional or high-tech options:
| Medication reminder | Alerts | Medicine storage | Custom reminders |
| Pill organizers | |||
| Pill dispensers | |||
| Pill reminder clocks | |||
| Smart pill bottles | |||
| Watches | |||
| Medical alert systems | |||
| Medication reminder apps |
A pill organizer is a container that stores pills according to the time of the day or the day of the week you’re supposed to take them.
The simplest choice for less tech-savvy seniors is a traditional pill organizer, a container with labeled compartments to separate medicines. It depends solely on the user’s memory and discipline to manually open the compartments and take the pills at the appropriate time.
Those whose memory can’t be trusted with such an important mission have a better option: a pill organizer with an alarm. The device has a built-in sound or vibration alarm for users to set according to their medication times. There are even smart pill organizers, which connect to mobile devices through an app, allowing for more customizable settings, such as dose tracking and notifications for missed doses.
The main advantage of these medication reminders is that they reduce confusion regarding which medications to take. Plus, they’re convenient and portable. However, they may not be of any use for medications that require specific storage conditions.
So, pill reminders are best for more independent seniors who have multiple medications to manage, but don’t need a sophisticated medication storage system.
Pill dispensers are devices designed to provide users with the pills they need, when they need them. This medication reminder automatically releases pills at specific times according to the pre-set prescription schedule. Traditional pill dispensers often include basic alarm features and locked pill dispensers block unauthorized access to the medications compartment.
There are also smart pill dispensers, which can sync with mobile apps to provide advanced features like remote schedule adjustment and real-time alerts for missed doses. They may also offer caregivers or healthcare providers the option to adjust medication schedules remotely.
In addition to reducing the risk of making mistakes when taking medications, pill dispensers also automate the process of medication management. Still, there are some downsides to using this type of medication reminder. They’re usually more expensive than pill organizers, may need to be charged, and those with technological limitations may struggle to set them.
Nevertheless, these devices are especially useful in preventing seniors from taking the wrong pills at the wrong time, and they’re the best medication reminders for older adults with complex medication regimens.
A pill reminder clock is a device that provides audible or visual alerts at scheduled times to remind users to take their medications. The most basic medication alarm clock usually offers simple audible alarms and an easy-to-read display. More technical options allow users to enable pre-set voice memos or even record their voices and use them as reminders.
The main advantages of using an alarm clock for medication are that they’re simple but effective, with user-friendly interfaces that make it easier for less tech-savvy seniors to set up and use. On the other hand, its main drawback is its dependency on electricity or battery.
Medication alarm clocks are the perfect option for seniors who don’t have a lot of different prescriptions to manage but still need a hand with remembering to take them.
A smart pill bottle is a container with a built-in stopwatch. Its cap shows the time when the bottle was last closed, so users don’t make mistakes with dosage taking. They also work as pill timer caps for the original medications’ containers.
Although it’s an excellent way to track dosage taking, its main disadvantage is that it’s limited to only one type of medicine.
This medication reminder is the go-to option for older adults who don’t have to manage several types of pills and need a simple way to keep track of medication intake.
Resembling regular digital watches, medication reminder watches feature several programmable alarm functions and countdowns. Some even display a short message that indicates which pills should be taken.
The greatest advantage of using a reminder watch is its convenience. Since it’s wearable, it’s always accessible, and users can have medication reminders on the go. They also usually offer multi-alarm functionalities, so several reminders can be set according to each user’s specific medication program. However, there’s always a chance of the user forgetting to wear the device or it running out of battery, so it’s important to keep these drawbacks in mind.
Medication reminder watches are highly recommended for anyone with conditions or illnesses that require precise medication intake.
Medication reminders are incorporated into medical alert systems according to each user’s medication schedule. The reminders may be programmed into the medical alert system’s base station, smartwatch, portable device, and even mobile app.
The benefit of getting a medical alert system with medication reminders is the extra safety protection. The reminders work in conjunction with emergency response capabilities, including 24/7 monitoring, a help button, and a fall detection system. Many medical alert systems are designed with Alzheimer’s patients in mind, so they include excellent reminder features.
The extra layer of protection is certainly the main advantage of getting a medical alert system. However, this system is usually more expensive than isolated medication reminders, and they need a monthly subscription to work.
This is the best option for those considering using a medical alert system anyway, as they’ll reap all the rewards that this service offers.
Medication reminder apps can be handy for older adults more familiar with technology. After they’re set according to users’ medication regimen, the pill reminder apps send timely and personalized reminders for seniors to take their medicines.
The main benefit of using an app for medication reminders is the convenience of having a customized medication schedule always within reach. Plus, these apps usually offer other features like refill reminders, medication information, and shareable medication intake reports. Still, this type of medication reminder requires users to always have their cells around.
This type of medication reminder is most suited for tech-savvy seniors who are used to consistently using mobile devices. Caregivers can also use pill reminder apps to manage older adults’ medications.
It’s impossible to say which medication reminder is the best overall, as this depends on each user’s specific needs and lifestyle. When looking for the best medication reminder devices to purchase, consider the user’s level of familiarity with technology, the number of pills they take daily, as well as any diseases related to forgetfulness the person may have.
Still, the most important thing is to make sure that the medication regimen is being followed strictly, as medication non-compliance is a serious health problem that can put users’ lives in danger.
So, regardless of which is chosen, medication reminders are there to help seniors and caregivers carefully manage medication intake. It may even be worth combining more than one solution for maximum effect. After all, your health is something that simply can’t be jeopardized.
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