Failing to take the proper medication at the right time accounts for 25% of all hospital admissions for those 65 and older. Mistakes in medication adherence or in following a plan of care can also result in a hospital re-admission or admission to a nursing home.

Electronic pill dispensers are designed to help persons managing multiple prescriptions adhere more easily to their doctor’s prescription regimen. Most pill dispensers are easy to use and can release up to 4 doses per day. The caregiver simply loads the medication into the locking dispenser and sets the time and date (just like an alarm clock). When it comes time to take the medication a friendly reminder sounds and the dose is distributed to the patient.

What makes these systems so effective is connecting them to care center who can monitor compliance 24-hours a day. Professional monitoring services can call to offer a friendly reminder or contact a caregiver as necessary. Some at-home caregivers also set up automatic reminders services; these services automatically prompt clients to take their medications, to eat properly, to exercise, or to keep important appointments. Daily, weekly or one time reminders are usually easy to set up via an online portal or by calling the monitoring center.

Ranging from $150 to over $500, electronic pill dispensers can be an investment but they are certainly worth the money. Alternatively, eCaregiver offers the dispenser and 24-hr monitoring for no upfront equipment fee and monthly service for less than a dollar a day.  What's best is when you're done with the unit just send it back and pay nothing more.

eCaregiver offers a variety of solutions to help people maintain their independence longer and improve the quality of at-home care. Services are offered for a low monthly fee with no upfront cost and no long-term commitments. For more information visit www.ecaregiver.net