Lauren Lebien, Marketing Coordinator at Hospice of Redmond, who previously served as the Director of Resident Relations in Eugene at a senior living community. She sat down with us to share some pointers.

“Medication management can be a real challenge,” Lauren acknowledged. “But there are tools and strategies that can make a significant difference.”

Here are a few tools and strategies to consider:

• Automated Pill Dispensers are a great option because they reduce the risk of missed doses while promoting independence. These dispensers also allow family members to monitor medication adherence.
  • Med-e-lert Pill Tray: This affordable option available on Amazon allows for pre-filling for up to 14 days. It dispenses pills according to a set schedule and features a lock to prevent accidental overdoses.
  • Hero Health: This more advanced dispenser requires a prescription and can be set up by a loved one. It dispenses the correct medication into a cup at the designated time.
• Pill Pack: This Amazon service delivers pre-sorted, individually packaged medications for each dose, simplifying the process.
  • Considerations: Pill packs may not be ideal for individuals with cognitive decline as the packs have the date and time noted for each dose. Oftentimes, when someone suffers from dementia, numbers, dates and times can be extra confusing. 
• Home Care Assistance: While more expensive, home care agencies can provide invaluable support, ensuring medications are administered correctly and on time.
  • Many home care agencies offer medication management services, including administering medications, monitoring for side effects, and assisting with refills. If you are researching home care agencies and medication management is the main draw, be sure to ask early on if they have an RN on staff and whether or not they offer medication management to their clients.
  • Benefits: This option provides consistent support and peace of mind for families.
  • Considerations: Not all home care agencies provide medication management. Costs can be significant, with typical rates around $40 per hour, often with a three-hour minimum.

Lauren also emphasized the importance of regular medication reviews with a doctor or pharmacist. “It’s crucial to ensure medications are still appropriate and to identify any potential interactions,” Lauren explained.

Finding the Right Solution for Medication Management

The best medication management solution will vary depending on individual needs, cognitive abilities, and available resources.

An automated pill dispenser or a simple pill organizer may be sufficient for individuals with mild forgetfulness, especially if they have family members who can monitor for any missed doses.

For individuals with more significant cognitive decline, home care assistance or a more advanced medication management system may be necessary.

“Medication management solutions are not always one-size-fits-all,” says Lauren. “Sometimes tools for medication management ought to change as seniors age and their abilities change. Finding the right medication management solution is a personal journey, and open communication between seniors, their families, and their healthcare providers is key.”