According to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report, non-adherence to prescribed medications is associated with higher rates of hospital admissions, sub-optimal health outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality, and even increased health care costs. Furthermore, among filled prescriptions, approximately 50% are taken incorrectly, particularly with regard to timing, dosage, frequency and duration. Managing medications is something that shouldn't be taken lightly.
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When a person starts having trouble adhering to the medication routine prescribed by their doctor - or when they or their caregiver or spouse start finding it a burden to be filling pill boxes endlessly with complex combinations of pills - automatic pill dispensers may be the solution.
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If non-adherence becomes more frequent (and consequently more dangerous) it just might be time to have a conversation about solutions that can help to better manage medication regimens.
Here are some tips for getting the conversation started:
Be honest
First and foremost, be honest with your loved one. Make sure they understand that you’re coming from a place of love and caring, and in no way does the conversation imply that you don’t trust them or think they’re incapable of independence. It’s quite the opposite, actually – simply make it clear that your goal is to help facilitate their independence and make their life a little bit easier.
Make it a 50/50 conversation
As you dive into the conversation, make sure it’s a two-way street. Taking over the conversation and talking at them can feel belittling – making them defensive and resistant, and ultimately making it more difficult for them to buy into the idea of assistance. Instead, work together to come up with a game plan that works for everyone. Offer your initial thoughts and then listen while they share their questions, concerns and other ideas. Creating a collaborative environment will make them feel much more comfortable with the idea and ensure a smooth transition into the new routine.
Over-communicate
When it comes to a discussion like this one, it’s best to over-communicate. Ambiguity leads to confusion and confusion can lead to reluctance. So, when you sit down with your loved one to go over their medication management, make sure you’re going in-depth. You’ll want to talk about the ins and outs of their current medication routine so you can understand each and every step in the process. Then you’ll want to discuss any specific challenges that come along with it. Whether they forget to take the medication or it’s difficult for them to tell the pills apart, you need to know what the issues or pain points are so you can help find a way to fix them.
Once the conversation is coming to a close, it’s important to recap everything you discussed to ensure all parties are on the same page. And if your loved one shows even the slightest bit of confusion, spend the extra time going over that portion again. A successful medication management program will only work when your loved one understands the process and expectations.
Talk about medication management devices
A medication management device, often referred to as a smart pill dispenser, may seem complicated, but it can actually help your loved one maintain their independence. Different "life situations" when considering a medication management device include:
First and foremost, be honest with your loved one. Make sure they understand that you’re coming from a place of love and caring, and in no way does the conversation imply that you don’t trust them or think they’re incapable of independence. It’s quite the opposite, actually – simply make it clear that your goal is to help facilitate their independence and make their life a little bit easier.
Make it a 50/50 conversation
As you dive into the conversation, make sure it’s a two-way street. Taking over the conversation and talking at them can feel belittling – making them defensive and resistant, and ultimately making it more difficult for them to buy into the idea of assistance. Instead, work together to come up with a game plan that works for everyone. Offer your initial thoughts and then listen while they share their questions, concerns and other ideas. Creating a collaborative environment will make them feel much more comfortable with the idea and ensure a smooth transition into the new routine.
Over-communicate
When it comes to a discussion like this one, it’s best to over-communicate. Ambiguity leads to confusion and confusion can lead to reluctance. So, when you sit down with your loved one to go over their medication management, make sure you’re going in-depth. You’ll want to talk about the ins and outs of their current medication routine so you can understand each and every step in the process. Then you’ll want to discuss any specific challenges that come along with it. Whether they forget to take the medication or it’s difficult for them to tell the pills apart, you need to know what the issues or pain points are so you can help find a way to fix them.
Once the conversation is coming to a close, it’s important to recap everything you discussed to ensure all parties are on the same page. And if your loved one shows even the slightest bit of confusion, spend the extra time going over that portion again. A successful medication management program will only work when your loved one understands the process and expectations.
Talk about medication management devices
A medication management device, often referred to as a smart pill dispenser, may seem complicated, but it can actually help your loved one maintain their independence. Different "life situations" when considering a medication management device include:
- Doing it all by oneself
- Help from someone living with you
- Help from someone who lives elsewhere
- A caregiver who "does it all"
What To Look For In A Smart Pill Box
The common feature found in smart pill boxes is that they are all designed to make available the pills you need when you need them, without you needing to do much thinking, and to prevent you taking the wrong pills at the wrong time. Some of the innovative features available include:
The common feature found in smart pill boxes is that they are all designed to make available the pills you need when you need them, without you needing to do much thinking, and to prevent you taking the wrong pills at the wrong time. Some of the innovative features available include:

Reminders & Notifications
A fundamental feature of a smart pill dispenser is its ability to create a dispensing schedule that will also automatically remind you when its time to to take your meds. Several methods to remind you to take your meds are available including generating an audible alert; showing a visual alert such as a flashing light; the ability to receive a friendly reminder call-in to your phone; sending out text messages/eMail notifications to your loved one's care circle of approved friends & family members.
A fundamental feature of a smart pill dispenser is its ability to create a dispensing schedule that will also automatically remind you when its time to to take your meds. Several methods to remind you to take your meds are available including generating an audible alert; showing a visual alert such as a flashing light; the ability to receive a friendly reminder call-in to your phone; sending out text messages/eMail notifications to your loved one's care circle of approved friends & family members.
Tamper Proof Storage
In an effort to minimize taking the wrong medication at the wrong time, some smart pill dispensers will lock down individual pill compartments to restrict access to meds outside of their regularly scheduled dispensing time window.
In an effort to minimize taking the wrong medication at the wrong time, some smart pill dispensers will lock down individual pill compartments to restrict access to meds outside of their regularly scheduled dispensing time window.

Medication Refill Services
Some smart pill dispenser vendors have begun to offer their own prescription refill services to help streamline and take the hassle out of refilling medication prescriptions. Often they work directly with your chosen pharmacy by transferring your prescriptions to their own partner pharmacy for fulfillment, packaging and shipment direct to the home. Such service alleviates the need to have to travel to the local pharmacy to pick up prescriptions in-person. Once received, medications can be simply added to the medication dispenser.
Some smart pill dispenser vendors have begun to offer their own prescription refill services to help streamline and take the hassle out of refilling medication prescriptions. Often they work directly with your chosen pharmacy by transferring your prescriptions to their own partner pharmacy for fulfillment, packaging and shipment direct to the home. Such service alleviates the need to have to travel to the local pharmacy to pick up prescriptions in-person. Once received, medications can be simply added to the medication dispenser.
Providers Of Smart Pill Dispenser Products
(click on each product to learn more)
Medication adherence is a complex topic, and these products do not solve all the issues that can lead to imperfect medication adherence. For example, if a person chooses not to take his / her medication for any of a variety of reasons, these products do not "fix" that problem.
Reach out and connect with TellaBoomer if you need further assistance. We are here to help you leverage the power of sanctuary while aging responsibly. Until then ... Stay Connected!
TELLABOOMER TELECARE SERVICES | YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 | (914) 315-9468 | [email protected]