Caregivers Embrace New Medication Dispensing Tool

As a mother, daughter or wife, at some point in life, most women find themselves in the role of caregiver. Whether this involves caring for a loved one at home, across town, or several hours away, the responsibilities of being a caregiver can be overwhelming. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, women overwhelmingly assume the caregiver role, comprising between 59% and 75% of all caregivers.

One concern many caregivers share is making sure loved ones take medications regularly and appropriately. Not taking medications correctly can have serious consequences. Not adhering to doctor-recommended dosing schedules can reduce the effectiveness of managing chronic disease, lead to discomfort, or result in fatality.

“Medication regimens can be complicated, especially when prescription and over-the-counter medications are combined with recommended vitamin supplements. Closely following a prescribed dosing schedule can be challenging for a patient or a caregiver,” said Maureene Andrews, PA-C at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Viewmont.

CVMC is now offering a new tool to help patients and caregivers administer medication regimens and it has a monitoring component that sends an alert when a dosage is missed. This new tool, the Philips Medication Dispensing Service, is currently available at the CVMC Health First Center in Valley Hills Mall. Designed to remind patients to take their medications at pre-programmed times from convenient pre-filled dosage cups, this resource combines an automated medication dispenser with a 24 hour monitoring and reporting service.

“With this service, caregivers gain peace-of-mind because they are alerted by phone if a dose is missed,” said Andrews. “So even when a caregiver can’t be there, they can still feel confident knowing their loved one is taking medications as scheduled.”

Who Can the Lifeline Medication Dispenser Help?

Individuals may benefit from this device if they have:

• More than one chronic condition

• Multiple medications or complex medication schedules

• Had medication misuse issues

• A limited range of mobility

• Cognitive impairment

• Current assistance with managing their medications

How Does It Work?

1. Load:

• You or a caregiver puts medications into individual cups and loads them into the dispenser

• PhillipsLifeline will help with scheduling the dosage times

1. Dispense:

• An audible reminder and flashing light indicate it’s time for medication

• Press the button and the loaded medication scheduled to be taken at that time will dispense

1. Alert:

• If a dose is missed, the dispenser will contact the caregiver by phone and even leave an automated voicemail. Caregivers can check on their loved one to make sure medications are taken as prescribed

For more information, about the Philips Medication Dispensing Service, please email Carol Robinson at cbrobinson@catawbavalleymc.org or by phone at 828-485-2696. To schedule an appointment with Maureene Andrews, patients may call 828.324.1699. Andrews is located at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Viewmont at 221 13th Avenue Place, NW, Suite 202 in Hickory.

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