Caregivers Medication Dispenser for Seniors

Caregivers Medication Dispenser for Seniors

Caregivers Medication Dispenser
Caregivers Medication Dispenser

Smart Caregivers Medication Dispenser

Why don Caregivers need a Medication Dispenser?

What does a smart medication dispenser do for caregivers?  First of all, does a medication dispenser really work effectively.  Second of all, does the smart pill dispenser ensure proper medication use? Third of all, a smart medication dispenser for caregivers ends misakes,  In fact, any forgotten pill are obvious. Moreover,  not just for elderly men and women. For example, those who are in long-term care.  Hence,  for anyone that is taking prescription medications.  MED-Q Smart Medication Dispenser for Caregivers is a tool to simplify.  Finally, a smart pill dispenser will help to remember to take  medication. To sum up, never even considered the notion that they are not  helpful. 

MED-Q Smart Medication Dispenser for Caregivers

Pill organizers could put seniors at risk

Those Medication Dispenser for Caregivers cause harm?

First of all, a  British research team did a feasibility study.  Second, the focus was to determine the effectiveness of pill organizers or medication dispensers. To sum up, testing monitored dosage systems.  The medical term is MDS.  In full,  multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs).

Smart Pill organizers increased medication adherence

The researchers have uncovered some shocking facts.  First of all,  pill organizers increased medication adherence.  Second of all,  raised the level of falls and other bad happenings.  Finally,   because of doctors increasing medication doses for patients.  Especially those that are poorly adherent to their treatment.  Furthermore, results were from before using an medication reminder.  Results have been published in Health Technology Assessment.

“They are now taking significantly more medication than they were prior to MCA initiation.  Repoerted by Debi Bhattacharya., She is a senior  in pharmacy practice at the University of East Anglia’s School of Pharmacy. “This can therefore result in dose-related side effects.  Example,  hypoglycemia from orally taken  anti-diabetic,  In addition,  hypertension brought on from anti-hypertensives.”

Researchers also conducted a  second study.

caregivers tools

Subsequently a group of 30-35 patients that were over the age of 68-70 were tested.  Hence, they were all non compliant with their medications and supplements.   All of the seniors were taking a minimum of 5 daily pills.  Furthermore, this was a combination of prescription, vitamin as well as supplements. These seniors were  unintentionally non-adherent to their meds..  However, 2 or more of the pills  came from a  list of 14 medications . The anticipated protocol was to last a minimum of 12 months.

Four of the Five patients who were in the study experienced bad outcomes.  In fact,  some were very  serious events. All of 4 of them were using a pill organizer (an MCA). Two of the patients had  falls.  In addition,  one incident of hypoglycemia.  Finally, one patient was incapacitated for over 24 hours.

The Pill Organizer study

We at MED-Q believe pill organizers increased medication adherence.   We were very  surprised to hear, ” “Pill organizers puts the elderly at higher risk” The question, do Pill organizers cause problems with seniors?

There were many different parts to the  study. To start, what was the  best way to evaluate medication organization devices (MODs).  Second, attach the proper data.  Third, interview  patients and their health care professionals.

  • First, Participants came from 7 local  medical practices. Second, they were over 70 years of age.  Third,  prescribed 4 plus daily pills and supplements.
  • 30 Percent of the 276  participants were already used a medication dispenser of some kind.  24%  were deliberately not taking their medication as directed. This are the other rules for exclusion.
  • Of the remaining 86,  53%  were making medication errors.  For example, Forgetting or over doing. 
  • The researchers ended up with 33 patients.  To sum up,  50% were given pill organizers and half to continue as before.

What they found was a bit surprising.

pillbox

There’s actually a lack of solid data showing that old fashion MODs improve outcomes.  In addition,  quality of life. For example,  MODs improve adherence.  However,  there’s also a small amount of evidence showing they may actually raise hospitalizations rates.

Based on an analysis of the study, 25.7 stayed unintentional non-adherence.  The good news,  (pre-study) was 44.8 Percent of the users. The study participants were picked in random.  Again, the half the group  received a pill organizers.  Hence, the other half got normal packaging.

Many patients had a large excess of medications on hand:

Caregivers
Smart Medication Dispenser for Caregivers

Results of using a pill organizer?

As we said before, Overall compliance between was quite good. However, in the MOD groups, there were 4 bad events.  For example, falls as well as a diabetic low blood sugar level occurrence.  Furthermore, not a single  bad event with the group that had take their medication as directed.

Conclusion had  A little bit of a surprise

This was a very small trial. As we said before, it has some surprising results.  Fact,  medications are prescribed with certain directions.  However, patient expectations can be very different. To sum up, It’s essential for health professionals to understand the patient.  They have habits. Smart Medication Dispenser for Caregivers themselves aren’t harmful.  By the same token,  Smart Medication Dispenser are not problematic by themselves.

smart medication dispenser
smart medication dispenser for caregivers

To sum up, what did the research does show? Surprisingly, that changes in medication doses and schedules could raise the risk of a medication-related adverse event. This being said, a compliance tool will help improve outcomes .  In conclusion, a Smart Medication Dispenser for Caregivers and seniors is a life saver.

For More Medication Management Information Visit:

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If you can’t remember whether you took your medication, what do you do?

What happens if you don’t remember if you took your medications?  When one is not sure if you took a pill, never, ever just take another dose yet. What could happen if you double dose?  If someone ingests an additional dose, the consequences can be deadly. In fact, an extra dose can raise the risk of harmful effects. Check your pill organizer, count the remaining pills in the bottle, or review the instructions that came with your prescription to find specific guidance. 

doctorHealth care profsionals are in agreement, “For most medications, it is safer to accidentally miss a single dose than to double dose” . Keep in mind that the pill/dosing guidelines vary drastically depending on the medication.  For example, it is different for  blood thinners or something like birth control.), it is always best to double-check with a professional.  If in doubt, call the local pharmacy you got the prescription filled.  Also, call e the America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 .  This can help if you are concerned about over dosing. 

For further guidance, consult I can’t remember whether I took my medication, what do I do? on Medical News Today. To help prevent confusion in the future, you can implement some 9 Simple Strategies for Remembering To Take Your Medication or read the Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Medication guide on WebMD.
 
If you are missing doses consistently, a few strategies can help get your routine back on track:
  • Use a weekly pillbox: These old fashion pill holders can be useful.   They show a quick visual cue to show which days  doses have been taken.
  • Use a Digital Pill Reminder: Medication reminders, like the Med-Q pill Box. have flashing guides.  These alarmed reminders help preventing over dosing. 
  • Try to do Habit stacking: Match up your daily pill-taking with a non-negotiable daily habit.  For example, your first cup of coffee or brushing yourhair.
  • Set electronic reminders: Use persistent reminder apps, alarm clocks, or simple smart phone alarm reminders.

What to do if Unsure?

The worry about over doing is real.  When unsure whether the dose has been taken, the best thing to do is speak with your health care provider or even your pharmacist. They will  advise you on the best course of action based on ythe specific medication. that is over dosed.

pill box for seniors

If you take oral tablets or capsules, you can count how many pills you have left. If you know when you started taking the pills out of that prescription bottle, this could help you determine whether you’ve taken your dose for that day.

Sometimes, when you haven’t taken your medication, there may still be time to take that dose. However, this could depend on the drug and dosing schedule.

Although in some cases, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, your doctor may recommend skipping the missed dose and taking your next dose at its regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose as doing so could raise your risk of side effects.

What happens if you accidentally take your medication twice?

Do not take more of a drug than your doctor prescribes. While serious side effects may be rare, for some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. Some of the most dangerous medications to double-dose include:

  • heart maintenece medications
  • ADHD drugs, for example “Adderall”
  • medications for Type 1 Diabetes
  • prescription narcotic pain pills
  • psychiatric medications , for example “Wellbutrin.”

If you have any doubt, act quickly. 

Fist of all, contact your doctor right away.  Let them know you may have accidentally taken two doses or three doses of your daily medication. They will offer up advice.  The Healthcare profesional can often advise of what steps to take.  Also, they will let you know about symptoms to watch out for.

pill dispenser
America's #1 Pill Dispenser with Triple Alarms

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