Prices can start as low as $35 for alarms and depending on the number of features needed, the price will increase proportionately. As with any other medication system, software needs to be programmed in order to be utilized effectively.Įlectronic reminder systems are relatively inexpensive, but not generally covered by insurance. Specialized software, however, may not be needed, as a simple calendar function can offer the ability to remind caregivers when medicines need to be administered. In addition, some software programs on the market can show trends in giving medication and offer report features that allow physicians to track compliance to dosing instructions. Software systems may work well for caregivers who are computer-savvy and have time to devote to managing the system. Pagers generally have a larger digital read-out than does a watch, so this option may work better for sight-impaired patients. One alarm vibrates strong enough when placed inside a pillowcase that it will wake the patient to remind them that they need to take medication.Īnother option is a pager device that when set, can sound an alarm or vibrate to remind patients to take their medications. These need to be programmed in advance by the caregiver so that the patient is not easily confused by the device. Other electronic alarms can look similar to an alarm clock and have settings for several different medications. In addition, the elderly are sometimes bothered by electronic beeps emitted by some of these watches, so this may be a factor when making this decision. Patients who may have difficulty seeing smaller print may have difficulty with this type of reminder. Alarms can be set to vibrate or emit an electronic alarm when it is time to take a new medicine. Watches can be programmed with specific medication information, patient’s name, doctor’s name, and a variety of other information depending on the type of watch ordered. These can range from a watch that the patient or caregiver wears with alarms that sound at various times throughout the day to computer software that can be programmed to let people know when it is time to take the medication. There are a variety of reminder alarms on the market today. These are more expensive depending on the brand ordered and the number of features required by the patient for their medication system. There are electronic pill boxes that can sound an alarm and store medications at the same time. Cost isn’t generally a factor since these are the least expensive option on the market today, starting generally at less than $10. Depending on the number of doses needed every day will determine the type purchases. Pill boxes can be purchased at almost any store, whether it’s your local drug store or your larger discount stores. At the appropriate time, the patient or the caregiver can tell at a moment’s glance which medicines need to be taken when. Caregivers sort out medications generally up to one week in advance and place it in the correct slot. The most common type of medication system is the simple box with slots for different times of day. In addition, what about those patients who insist on taking medications on their own? Are there ways to remind them about medicines that are unobtrusive and fit into the routine of every day life? How about a system that can help several caregivers adapt to the schedule without too much explanation? There are many ways to remind patients which medications to take when. Maybe they just forgot.Īnyone who cares for someone with a chronic illness for very long will soon realize there is much to be learned about how to organize medications. Maybe they feel better and think they don’t need the medicine anymore. Maybe the doctor didn’t explain how to take it properly. The reasons why people forget or don’t take medications are varied. Not taking prescribed medication – noncompliance – can have serious health consequences.
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