Medications can be packaged in a variety of ways to help individuals with special needs remain in control of their medication regime. Individuals that have difficulty opening medication bottles, those taking a large number of daily medications, those suffering from memory loss or those who have visual impairment may all profit from using the following packaging.
Medication Cassettes or Boxes
Specialized medication containers are available at most pharmacies.
Cassettes are divided by days of the week, and time of day, usually morning - noon - supper - and bedtime. The containers are also available in different colors, such as yellow for morning, blue for night, etc... A limited supply of the containers are available at the Aging Resource Center.
Having the medication dipsensed in this way may make it easier for the adult who has vision loss or diffuculty opening medication bottles to take their meds accurately.
The pills can be sorted into the box by the pharmacy, a family member, a friend or a paid in-home service provider.
Medication Bubble Packs
Some pharmacies are equiped to package medications in bubble packs, according to the time of day they are to be taken.
The principle is the same as the medication cassette.
If a person is having problems with confusion, it is somewhat apparent if the medication is being taken correctly.
Compu - Med Medication Alert System 1-800-323-6794
This computerized dispensing system dispenses medications at a set time, and beeps until the medication is removed from the tray.
The unit is filled by the pharmacy. Family members can also be trained on how to re-fill the system.
Contact the Aging Resource Center for more information, and/or availability of the system.
Pharmacies often offer special services for their clients that may include: free delivery, mail service and many ancillary services.