If you or a loved one takes multiple medications on a daily basis, having a locked pill dispenser for dementia patients is a great way to ensure that all pills are taken at the correct time. This type of system also helps prevent accidental overmedication or missed doses. It’s important to choose the right medication dispenser for your needs, however. Consider factors such as how many times per day the device will dispense a dosage and how large the pill compartments are. If your loved one has poor vision or gets agitated when they see too many pills at once, consider choosing a dispenser with a transparent cover.
Some of the best pill dispensers for dementia offer customizable reminders, remote monitoring features, and other advanced functionality. For example, some can be set to send you or your caregiver a text or phone call when a medication is due. Others will track when the device is opened or closed, allowing you to keep an eye on your loved one’s medication intake.
A locked pill dispenser for dementia patients should also have a backup battery so it can continue to work in the event of a power outage. It should also have a clear, easy-to-read display and easily accessible buttons for the user. It should also have a locking lid that prevents tampering and come with an alarm that can be customized to your loved one’s preferred sound or voice. It’s also important to consider how the pills are dispensed, with some dispensers requiring the user to open a lid or press a button while others use flashing lights or other visual cues.
If you’re looking for a more advanced automatic pill dispenser, the Hero Health pill dispenser is an excellent choice. This advanced dispenser sits on the counter and strongly resembles a coffee machine or soda fountain. It connects to a home Wi-Fi network and allows the user (or their caregiver) to create an online account and input their medication schedule. You can even add caregivers to receive notifications when a dose has been completed or missed.
Jody’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago and has a difficult time remembering her medications. She used to live in a care facility, but now lives alone and relies on her daughter to visit twice a day. The TabTime medication dispenser has helped her stay on track with her medications and keep them safe.
The Pillbox is another option for those who don’t want to spend too much money on a pill dispenser. This simple organizer consists of a set of seven plastic containers that can be marked with days of the week. It can hold up to a month’s worth of medications and comes with a lid that locks to prevent access to unnecessary pills. To refill, simply remove the old container and empty it into the new one. Be sure to thoroughly clean the pill box and any med cups before using again, being careful around buttons, switches, and screens.