The older we get, the more medications we're likely to take. Keeping track of when to take what medication can be a full time job for some of our seniors. Even folks with stellar memories and great eyesight sometimes have trouble remembering whether they took their vitamins. Imagine keeping track of six or seven medications (or more), all to be taken at different times throughout the day. It's enough to make anyone's head spin.

We can be grateful that there are now several products on the market that can be helpful with keeping track of what medications need to be taken when. They work wonderfully when the system is matched well to the user. When there isn't a good match, they can further complicate an already out-of-control situation and make things worse. So, it's important to look closely at a medication management system before you choose one.

If your loved one has an illness that causes confusion, leaving them on their own with a med-management system may not be the answer at all. Everything depends on the ability of the "patient" to use the system properly.

                                                • The Simple Weekly  Pill Tray

These common divided-box units can be purchased at just about any drug store. They consist of a set of divided boxes in units of seven (for once-daily dosing), 14 for twice-daily, and 28 for morning, noon, dinner and bedtime.

Advantages of the Weekly Pill Tray

These boxes are simple to set up weekly. Most people don't need to take medications more than 4 times in a day. They are inexpensive.

Disadvantages of the Weekly Pill Tray

Medications must be "loaded" into the box weekly, which may be difficult for more distant caregiver to keep up with. Individual compartments are often small and difficult to open, particularly for those with arthritis. Because the compartments can be quite small, big fat pills won't always fit, and it can be easy to place a pill in the wrong cup while loading the unit. The "patient" must independently remember to open the box and take the pills as directed. Some people with dementia seem to enjoy opening and closing the compartments and re-arranging their medications, which of course defeats the system entirely.

                                         • The Simple Monthly Pill Tray

Monthly pill boxes are designed similarly to the weekly box, but they contain "cups" for 31 days, so they can be loaded less frequently.

Advantages of the Monthly Medication Trays

The greatest advantage is the fact that a full 31 day supply of medications can be loaded into the reminder system at once. While this can be somewhat time-consuming, it needs to be done much less frequently. For someone with an uncomplicated pill schedule, this inexpensive medication management box can be sufficient.

Disadvantages of Monthly Medication Trays

If there is a change of prescription, it can be frustrating to remove or change medications in a large dispensing system. The "patient" must independently remember to use the system at the appropriate day and time, and must not re-arrange or otherwise "play" with medications. Because each unit has slots for 31 days, you may have to purchase a unit for each time of the day (one unit for a.m., one for noon, one for dinner, and one for bedtime). This can very quickly become unwieldy.

                                                   • Alarm Watches

Watches with audible or vibrating alarms can remind someone to go to their daily / weekly / monthly pill box and take their medication at the appropriate time. These can be very useful for the senior on the go who simply needs a reminder that it is time to take a pill.

Advantages of Alarm Watches

These items are unobtrusive and often quite attractive. When a vibrating alarm is used there is nothing to draw public attention to the reminder. Many can be set to alarm several times a day, so odd medication schedules can easily be accommodated.

Disadvantages of Alarm Watches

These watches are often complex to program, and seniors can easily be frustrated by instructions that are not always clear. The programming buttons are usually small and difficult for elderly fingers to manage. As with the above systems, the ability to understand what the alarm means and the ability to follow through is important.

                                    • Automatic Medication Dispensers

Automatic medication dispensers can be pre-filled with a seven to 31 day supply of medications, to be dispensed up to several times daily. Some lock the dispensing cups within the unit until the appropriate time, when the unit unlocks the container and emits an audible alert. Some will "monitor" whether the medication is removed from the compartment. The most high-tech (and costly) units will report to a caregiver if a medication cup is not emptied within a designated period of time.

Advantages of Automatic Medication Dispensers

These units provide a self-contained alarm and dispensing system. Most are locked, preventing an individual from accessing medication until the appropriate time. Many have battery backup in the event of electrical failure. The locked dispensers prevent "playing" with medications, confusing the date or the time, or missing / doubling up on doses of medication. Automatic medication dispensers are very helpful to the senior who is at home most of the time, and who will know what to do when the alarm sounds and the medication is unlocked. While they are costly, these medication dispensing systems often help to extend the length of time a senior can remain safely and independently at home.

Disadvantages of Automatic Medication Dispensers

A steep learning curve for the electronic programming involved usually means that the senior who needs this kind of system will need assistance with filling and programming the unit. As with all medication dispensing systems, the user must know what to do when the alarm sounds, and have the ability to properly follow through.


                                                  Assess Before You Buy

Taking the right medication at the right time is the key to experiencing any benefit from a prescribed medication. Medication dispensing systems can be invaluable for the person who needs a little assistance with keeping up with a medication regimen. Simple manual systems are very helpful for those with no severe memory impairments and for caregivers. It is easy to look at the appropriate compartment and know whether medication for a particular time has or has not been taken. Pre-filling a medication box eliminates the need to juggle a number of pharmacy containers several times every day.

However, for the individual who is forgetful, none of these systems will be able to tell you whether the medication has actually been swallowed. If the "patient" is likely to take the medication from the dispensing unit and put the medication down or wander off, none of these medication dispensing systems will be helpful. Indeed, the system you choose may give you a false sense of security if you do not choose well. It is very important to realistically assess the ability of your senior to follow through before choosing a dispensing system. Sometimes there is simply no alternative to having another person available to supervise.