Kitchen

• remembering to take medication
• medication reminders

An automatic medication dispenser is a device that helps people take the right medicine at the right time, without needing to remember or rely on someone else.

Here’s how it works:

• The person or someone who supports them load the dispenser with the tablets, sorted by day and time. Some pharmacies will also do this. For some dispensers additional inserts can be purchased so one can be filled while one is in use.
• When it’s time to take the medication, the dispenser makes a sound or flashes a light to provide a reminder.
• It then releases just the right dose - so the person can't accidentally take too much or too little.

Some dispensers can even send alerts to family or friends or alert a monitoring centre if a dose is missed.
They’re especially helpful for people who take several medications or have memory difficulties, and they support independence while keeping medication routines safe and on track.

You can find and buy these and similar products by searching 'automatic medication/pill dispenser' on the internet. You can also buy them at some pharmacies and shops that sell disability aids.

• Increased Independence: They help with taking medication at the right time and in the correct dose. This can simplify managing medication particularly when someone has multiple medications at different times or if they have difficulty remembering. Depending on the size of the medication they can fit multiple tablets in one section. They can be portable so can be taken out during the day. 
• Safe Storage: Medication is kept safe and it reduces the risk of other people getting hold of it. 
• Peace of Mind: Some dispensers have the option to alert a friend, family member or a monitoring centre if a dose is missed. Knowing medication is only accessible at the correct time can be reassuring. 

• Ease of Use: Think about how easy using and filling the dispenser is. Who will fill the dispenser? Clear instructions and simple features help. If there is no one to fill the dispenser is there a pharmacy that will fill it, is there an additional cost and how much will this be? Check how easy it is to clean the dispenser and who will be able to do this. 
• Suitability: Will it hold all the medication it needs to? Different models hold different amounts. If the medication is shaped differently or bigger than most, will it fit into the compartments? There are also some medications that can't be removed from original packaging or stored with other medication so it's important to check with your pharmacy. 
• Reminders and Alerts: Check how the dispenser will alert when medication needs to be taken. Does it flash or make a noise for example. Some versions can be linked to smartphones to give notifications. Depending on the type of medication, what would happen if the person doesn't take it at the correct time, can it send an alert if this happens and is there someone who can respond to this?
• Security Features: Look for dispensers with secure locking mechanisms to prevent opening at the wrong time and keep medications out of reach of children or vulnerable people. 
• Battery Life and Power Source: Ensure the dispenser has a reliable power source, whether it's battery-operated or rechargeable. Long battery life is crucial for uninterrupted use. If it needs batteries who will change these? 
• Cost and value for money: Different models are different prices, some come with additional features, such as linking to a smart phone. Think about what will work and value for money. What would happen if the device wasn't working?  Check if the dispenser comes with customer support and a warranty. If the person just needs a reminder to take medication using a reminder on an existing smartphone or smart speaker might be a more cost effective option.