Medication Assistance
Automatic Pill Reminders
If you know much about Parkinson's medications, you know how important it is that you take them as prescribed. Being on time is especially important, and to help you do this there are various options for pill reminders on the market. You may have an extensive pharmacopeia of prescription medicines. Taking a plethora of different pills at different times of the day can be confusing for anyone, let alone if they have dementia. Medication reminders can make this process simpler by notifying them and/or you when it's time to take medication and keeping track of missed doses. Options include a dedicated set-up such as a pillbox that vibrates or beeps when its time to take meds, or one of the many smartphone apps /alarms that send out digital reminders when the next med is due.
The Med-E-Lert Medication Dispenser with automatic lock box that can be ordered from Amazon for $69.95 is a popular choice. It can be easily setup and customized based on the number of doses and prescriptions that need to be taken daily.
Automatic pill dispensers ensure people take the proper medication at the correct dose and time. These dispensers are more convenient than a pill box because you fill and program dosing for every 28 to 90 days. Automatic dispensers that pop pills into a cup can't dispense pills cut for half doses, so keep this in mind when you narrow your choices.
Some dispensers come with tamperproof covers to prevent patients from accessing doses unless it's time to take their medication.
One of the more basic types of reminders is a pillbox that allows you to organize your medications by day of the week and time of day. They need to be filled accurately at the beginning of the week, but after that the pills are easy to find and take.
There are also pillboxes that come with an alarm (MedCenter makes a good one), or if you prefer, you can buy a digital watch with multiple alarms so you can be reminded throughout the day to take your meds. You can also schedule alarms from yours mart phone. MedCenter has a five-alarm sport watch made specifically for this. Visit https://www.medcentersystems.com/ for more information.
Prepackaged Medications
Many pharmacies also offer packing services. PillPack is an online, full-service pharmacy that packages your medication and delivers it to your door every month. It was recently purchased by Amazon.
Whether you're caring for a family member or a friend, PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy makes it easy. You can help them sign up for PillPack online or speak to an advisor at 1.866.332.1668. To sign up your loved one, provide your email address, complete the sign-up form, and check your email for further instructions.
Other pharmacies like CVS, Wal-Mart and Walgreens also offer services like PillPack. Your decision may ultimately be guided by the type of insurance selection you have. The main thing is to choose what works best for you - and any help for reminders and when medications can be taken is helpful.
Disclaimer; The Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) does not endorse or recommend any specific product or brand for purchase. It is to each person's discretion what products to purchase. The PAA cannot be held liable if the product does not produce its desired solution.