Medication Dispensers for Seniors

Why Do You Need Medication Dispensers?

These dispensers are invaluable. One of the biggest reasons that older adults are likely to make medication errors at home is due to confusion about taking multiple medications for different conditions. Another big factor contributing to mistakes in drug adherence at home is that many seniors suffer from cognitive decline, often in the form of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By using a dispenser, you are lessening the chance of errors.

What Are Digital Medication Dispensers?

As with many things these days, medication dispensers have gone digital. With automatic pill dispensers, a caregiver can pre-fill the dispenser, and it will lock to prevent tampering. It remains locked until it’s time for the patient to take their medicine.

At that time, the dispenser will unlock and make a noise to indicate it’s time to take the pills. If the patient doesn’t hear the sound, some models will then play a recorded message from a loved one with a gentle reminder that it’s time to take their medicine. If the patient still forgets to take their medicine, a caregiver connected to the system will receive an alert. This notification lets them intervene if the dosage was missed so they can take the appropriate action.

Hero makes an affordable automated medication dispenser with an audible alarm to let your loved one know when it’s time to take their medication. The smartphone app helps caregivers easily track medication adherence by getting alerts if your loved one misses a dose or takes too many pills. Unlike other dispensers which take hours to fill, the Hero also offers an easy filling process through a sorting mechanism. You just rent the device for $99 and then pay a monthly $29.99 subscription fee, which gives you access to the caregiver app.

For an example of this type of digital medication dispenser, take a moment to watch our video review of the Hero Medication Dispenser. Here, SeniorLiving.org Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt discusses the ins and outs of this electronic dispenser, so you can get a better grasp on how it works, its features, and whether or not it is a good option for your situation.

What are the Benefits of a Medication Dispenser?

Automated Medication Dispenser (AMD) services offer you a portable device that can store and dispense pills and capsules as well as remind older adults to take their medication. If everything works properly, the medication dispenser assures you that your loved one will get the right dosage of medicine at the right time of day, too. The caregiver doesn’t have to worry about their loved one taking too many pills or forgetting to take their pills. A pill dispenser with monitoring also minimizes the burden on family caregivers by eliminating a major and time-consuming task.

What are the Drawbacks of a Medication Dispenser?

In some cases, these audible reminders may not be enough. There is the possibility that the senior might tamper with the machine, in which case the dispenser will emit an alarm and send an alert. In other cases, patients may try to get inside the dispenser. For most, however, these medication dispensers are extremely helpful. They can provide peace of mind for remote caregivers who can’t be around for every dosage time.

How Much Do Medication Dispensers Cost?

The cost of medication dispensers runs the gamut. Automatic pill dispensers range in price from $75 to $1,400, with an average cost of around $400. You can get basic models starting at $75 to $99, while those with high-tech options (they have features like mobile app integration, connectivity with Wi-Fi, and real-time monitoring) can cost up to $2,000.

Subscription services, which are typically optional, include monitoring, automated refills, and various app features. They can cost anywhere from $29.99 to $99.99 per month. Some companies require a subscription service so that they can contact caregivers much in the same way as a medical alert system. Keep in mind that the medication dispenser market is always changing. Newer models that have sophisticated features with all the bells and whistles will predictably have a bigger price tag.

While subscriptions offer worthwhile services, be wary of companies that require contracts. You don’t want to be locked into a contract that you can’t get out of without paying a substantial fee.

Where Can I Get an Electronic or Digital Medication Dispenser?

Many medication dispensers can be purchased online from company websites or platforms like Amazon. Pharmacies and specialized medical supply retailers sell them both online and in select stores. You might also want to check out the latest tech models as many smart dispensers use artificial intelligence (AI).

Does Medicare Cover Electronic Medicine Dispensers?

In the majority of cases, Medicare does not cover the cost of electronic medicine dispensers. Medicaid may pay for the cost in certain states. Check your state’s regulations to be sure about eligibility in your state. Also, if you're a veteran, some Veterans Affairs programs will cover medicine dispensers. Check to see what your benefits include.

Explore the variety of medication dispensing devices to see which ones can accommodate your loved ones’ needs and which ones are the easiest for them to use. Remember that by ensuring compliance with the medication schedule, you’re also preventing doctor visits and hospitalizations that might result from non-adherence.

You might see if a subscription-based service is best for you, especially if you want to be contacted if an issue arises. Although smart medication dispensers that schedule, organize and deliver medications are typically an out-of-pocket expense, they can be worth the money. They offer many benefits to loved ones and their caregivers when it comes to disbursing medication dosages and improving health outcomes.