Missing or forgetting medications is a serious complication of dementia or Alzheimer’s
Taking medication as prescribed is a Challange for all seniors. However, people with the memory problems that come with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can often make fatal mistakes. People need the right tool for the job. One can even think of them as different tools for tackling the forgetting and confusion t problems. You may have already used some of them (ex. pill box).
Look for aids that fit with the skills you already have. For example, if you have never used a reminder function on your mobile phone, you may find it difficult to start using it now. Occupational therapists or other healthcare professionals will offer you some good, practical advice. For example, using an automatic pill box. This or any type of helpful reminder systems can reduce the risks of mistakes. Here are the best pill dispensers for Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients.
What are the 5 golden rules of giving medication?
One of the recommendations to reduce medication errors and harm is to use the “five rights”: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. A Smart Pill Box with Alarms is crucial
What you need to evaluate before trying Alzheimer’s medication
Before your Healthcare Professional has made the decision to prescribe medication for dementia, they will take into account:
- if it is the right protocol for the individual’s kind of dementia
- the chances of negative side effects. Will the side effects outweigh the benefits
- if there any other overriding health issues and/or conditions
- Dosing interactions with other pills and supplement being taken
- their ability to take the pills as directed and prescribed by their healthcare professional
- Ability to use a pill box reminder or some king of smart pill box
What is the best kind o pill box for Alzheimer’s or Demetia
Old Fashion Pill Box
This is the same type of pill box that has been used for 100 years. Very basic design. This is mor of a medication holder than and automatic pill box. This is NOT recommended for those with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. Maybe it’s time to get a more expensive item. Contact a local authority , or see the Disabled Living Foundation.
Med-Q Automatic Pill Box with Alarms
Med-Q Automatic pill dispenser with alarms is a simple, reliable and affordable problem solver. The user sets the reminder times, and the Med-Q does the rest. First, at pill time the blasting alarms will sound. Second, the daily box holding that times’ dose will start flashing. The alarm reminds and the flashing guides. If the user has the cognitive skills to understand “take the pills in the flashing box”, they will not forget or miss dose.
Medd Center
Medd Center has been on the market for over a decade. It has been proven to be reliable. Users have suggested that it is hard to put pill into the slots. Seniors have said they are too small and it’s hard to get the pills in the right slots. This being said, the pill box will rotate to that day’s pills. The user needs to pick up the device, rotate it and pour the pills into their hands. Some have found this difficult. Seniors with Arthritus may find this impossible.
What you need to evaluate before trying Alzheimer’s medication
Before your Healthcare Professional has made the decision to prescribe medication for dementia, they will take into account:
- if it is the right protocol for the individual’s kind of dementia
- the chances of negative side effects. Will the side effects outweigh the benefits
- if there any other overriding health issues and/or conditions
- Dosing interactions with other pills and supplement being taken
- their ability to take the pills as directed and prescribed by their healthcare professional
- Ability to use a pill box reminder or some king of smart pill box
