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How can I get my father to remember to take his medications?

Asked by martinbock | Jul 10, 2010

My dad can't remember his medication and it has caused many trips to the hospital. We have tried the plastic holders, but that does not work. Are there prescription providers that will come to the home and provide medication at the correct daily intervals?

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Jul 11, 2010

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Her sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs

You'd likely have to check with in-home agencies in your area. You could also see if your local public health service or the county has people who could do this. It's a big issue for many people. Even reminders and locked containers leave the human element out and can make proper medication supervision difficult. I don't know of any pharmacies that offer this service, but maybe others have a suggestion. Anyone on the forum with ideas?
Carol

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TheFixer

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Sep 2, 2010

There are automated and monitored pill dispensers (just google automatic pill dispensers). An alarm goes off when it's time to take their meds, it can even display a reminder to take it with food ...and some have monitoring systems that will call the caregiver if the meds aren't taken. The down side is there is no one there to make sure they swallow them. So it would depend on the person, do they just forget or do they dislike taking them? Good Luck!

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Brendabrandste

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Sep 1, 2010

I have the same problem with my mom. Any advise is welcome

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Shai

Give a Hug

Sep 2, 2010

Solid recommendation by "TheFixer"! I've researched these and there are many options out there including a few that will alert a caregiver via Phone, e-mail or Text Message if a scheduled dose has not been taken. Price points vary across the different options so definitely take the time to do your research. If I may, here are a few links to get you started:
http://www.epill.com/medsmartplus.html and http://www.forgettingthepill.com.

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PirateGal

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Sep 2, 2010

When I researched this I found only a registered nurse can administer. Caregivers can only remind. My caregiver sets the pills out for my mom and make sure she takes them, but they cannot directly give it to them...due to insurance purposes etc.

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