Automatic Pill Dispensers for Seniors

Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Rachel

Aging can be tough, and comes with a lot of challenges, like handling daily tasks, reduced vision, and worsened memory. This means older adults have to rely on help from their families, friends, or paid caregivers to help them with these daily tasks, which also include medication management. About 90% of older adults take at least one prescription drug regularly, 80% take two, and at least 36% use not less than five different prescription drugs. Seniors suffering any dementia-related illnesses need support in taking medication as prescribed by the doctors, and this is something many seniors struggle with. The only proper solution to this problem is buying a pill dispenser. Having dispensers can have a huge impact on the well-being of seniors on prescription medication, especially those with complicated drug regimens. Here is a complete guide to pill dispensers for seniors.

Why Buy A Pill Dispenser?

Pill dispensers help seniors take all their drugs exactly as directed to manage certain chronic illnesses, and temporary health conditions, and to improve their well-being. Many seniors have failed to take their prescription medication as instructed for several reasons. Some of them find the regimens complicated, some fail to understand why they need the medication, and others have trouble taking them regularly because of memory issues. Some seniors claim that they don’t understand the instruction, and others don’t remember exactly when to renew their prescription medication. Failure to follow doctors’ instructions has resulted in poor health among some older adults, as taking more or less of the medication puts them at a higher risk of developing more medical complications, which sometimes require immediate medical attention. Medication dispensers help the process of managing prescription drugs simple and easier.

What Should You Consider When Buying A Pill Dispenser?

Seniors or their loved ones must put certain things into consideration when buying pill dispensers:

The Cost of the Pill Dispenser

Seniors or their loved ones must consider the cost of the dispenser, their budget, and whether they can afford it. When thinking about cost, older adults should check whether their states’ regulations allow for Medicaid coverage. Medicare Program does not cover electronic pill dispensers, but Medicaid may cover the expenses that come with prescription medications, including the machines, but not in all states. Veterans may qualify for assistance to buy the pill dispensers through see Veterans Affairs programs. Seniors should explore all the options first to see if buying is the solution.

Simplicity

Seniors should consider whether the product is easy to use, and its simplicity may vary, depending on the level of education, exposure, and memory status of older adults. So, one should just go for what works for them. Seniors may want to know whether it is easy to load the drugs, set the clock, or perhaps program the alarm if it comes with any of these. Is the clock visible enough? Does it come with buttons, and if they do, are they labeled clearly? How does the electronic pill dispenser work? Does it come with a lid that seniors just open and access the pills? Does one need to press a button?

The Capacity of the Machine

Seniors should consider the number of drugs they use in a day, week, or month, and whether the pill dispenser they are opting for is capable of holding that amount. They should also consider the size of the pills they are taking and whether the machine can hold larger drugs.

Whether the Dispenser Comes with Locks

Is the dispenser made with a locking mechanism, which locks the pills to help seniors avoid overdosing or taking their medication at the wrong time? Is the lock breakable?

Best Automatic Pill Dispensers

MedCenter System with Alarm

MedCenter System allows older adults to organize pills that last for 31 days and comes with an alarm to remind older adults when to their medication.  Seniors living alone will find this automatic dispenser a better option than most pill dispenser machines in the market since it is simple to use. Older adults can pull out the exact number of pills they’re supposed to take and set alarms that reminds them when to take those medications. The only downside of this automatic pill dispenser is that seniors will need to fill it with drugs every month. Otherwise, it is one of the best because it saves time and effort used in arranging pills every day.

E-Pill MedSmart Plus

E-Pill MedSmart Plus comes with a lock and a key. This ensures that only the right persons can have access to the pills in the automatic medication dispenser. A caregiver can organize pills in the machine, but the senior will only have access at the right medication time. This dispenser comes with Bluetooth, which means seniors’ loved ones can connect them with other devices to et alarms and reminders and track the medication progress. Learn more at https://www.walmart.com/.

Pria Automatic Pill Dispenser

This automated dispenser comes with a video chat system and a medication assistant. It can hold pills lasting up to 28 days. It features Bluetooth so that seniors can set alarms and reminders with a mobile app. The system enables older adults, their loved ones, caregivers, and physicians to have access to the machine, see the pills already taken, and keep track of medication. Read more about the program at https://www.okpria.com/.

Omcare’s Home Health Hub

Omcare’s Home Health Hub comes with prepacked medication, which is delivered to the doorsteps of older adults. The dispenser comes with a video feature that enables seniors to regularly check in to allow proper treatment and medication adjustment as needed. More information is available at https://omcare.com/.