Assisted Living Technologies Inc. (ALT) in Meriden says it has become one of the largest distributors of automated medication dispensers in Connecticut, helping to combat medication non-adherence that’s estimated to cost $289 billion annually in the U.S.
“The most common reported reason for missing medications was simply forgetfulness,” Ron D’Aquila, president of Assisted Living Technologies, said in a news release. “Therefore, one of the first devices we sought out when we created the company was an automated medication dispenser.”
The company is improving its clients’ medication compliance to above 90 percent, based upon statistical analysis of ALT’s automated medication dispensers being used in the state, the release said. The national average for patients 65 years old and older who take multiple medications is 50 percent to 60 percent compliance, according to ALT.
There are various models of electronic medication dispensers available.
For the person who needs a reminder when it is time to take the medication, a red light will flash, an alarm will sound and the tray will automatically turn to the next dose.
For those with a complex regimen, the MedMinder uses wireless and cellular technology and features 28 separate compartments organized with days of the week and time of day. When a dose of medication is needed, a specific compartment will blink bright white for 30 minutes, if the medication is not taken then the device begins to beep, and if the medication is still not taken, the device can automatically send an email, text message or phone call to the patient or a caregiver to ensure the dose is not missed, the release said.
