Technology for Family Caregivers

Technology for Family Caregivers

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Caregivers are Looking for Needed Help

PillBox With Alarms For Home Use
PillBox With Alarms For Home Use

A new study has been released regarding caregiver technology. Modern care giver technology ranges for a smart medication reminder with alarms to GPS tracking devices. All these are made to reduce caregiver stress and worry. In addition, providing better care for the Patient. First of all, the Pew Research Center study says:


70 Percent of caregivers gather health information online. A full 53 percent will participate in an online social activity. For example, those issues related to health. Just under 50 percent have gone online to learn a diagnosis.

In addition, searching for information on medical drugs, problems and treatments is part of a proactive medical plan. Consequently, caregivers ought to go online. Take time to read about the personal experiences others have had with certain health conditions — as a way to understand more about their parent or senior loved one’s health or even a condition they’re dealing with themselves.

74 Percent of the elderly (age 65 and over) are current;ly living with a chronic health condition. For example, diabetes and high blood pressure, . In short, family care givers need to learn how to navigate online resources

First, what forms of technology are caregivers using succesffully ? How do seniors benefit from the latest trends? Here are some of the greatest that AARP recommends to family caregivers:

smart medication
Med-Q smart medication reminder is a Caregiver Technology Tool

1. New Generation of Smart Medication reminders

weekly pill box alarm

Tools like Med-Q Medication Management System is used to set pill reminders. Up to 90% of seniors make regular medication errors. The top 2 errors:

  • Forgetting to take their pills on a given day
  • Taking Medications at the wrong Times
  • Taking Medication in the wrong dose (under dosing or overt doing)

The cutting edge medication reminders are designed to give seniors Health and Independence. A combination of flashing guides, blasting alarm and smart phone reminders can keep seniors safe. Some pill boxes or pill dispensers will even alert a caregiver when Mom or Dad has forgotten to take the life saving, prescription medication

Caring for a senior loved one means making sure the take pills as directed by their health care professional.. Hence, Tools like a smart medication reminder for caregivers is critical to both of their health and well being.

caregiver technology

Caregiver Technology to the Rescue

2. GPS tracking technology

GPS trackers is a great tool for caregivers and patients. For example, these devices are able to attach to clothing. Another example, they are worn on the wrist. The goal, it can tell care givers the senior’s specific local. Others are able to send an alert to the care giver. Though through email, phone or text. Caregivers are able to tell if Mom or Dad goes outside of a certain geographical area.

4. Software Applications and Support Communities

For example, LotsaHelpingHands.com is a typical site that provides a support network for family care givers looking for a connection when they need help.

4. “Cutting Edge” (PERS) Personal Emergency Response Systems

A senior wearing the PERS can press a button to contact a call center in the case of an emergency. Many can tell if the person has fallen or hasn’t moved for a long period of time. Most can be worn only inside the home. However, the newest models are able to allow the wearer to go mobile.

5. In- Home Wireless Monitoring

This tool gives caregivers peace of mind. First, a Sensor monitoring system can will notify the caregiver of an emergency situation. For example, if something unusual has happened like lack of movement.. The most common example, if a senior has not left the bathroom for a long time. Hence, it could prevent a fallen senior from being stuck.

How Technology Helps Family Caregivers

Are you a family caregiver? Do you have experience with other care giving technology? What tools are successful. Any recommendations? Med-Q Medication Compliance System would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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.

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