Taking medications can be challenging for individuals with limited dexterity or hand strength. Small and slippery pills, tightly sealed packaging, and childproof containers can be just a few of the hurdles to overcome when taking medication. This post will cover adaptive tools and strategies to help you effectively access your medications.
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First, Discuss Medication Access Challenges With Your Healthcare Providers
Discuss any physical access challenges you encounter when taking medication with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They may be able to prescribe alternative doses or forms of your medication. You or your healthcare provider can also consult with a pharmacist for alternatives that are more accessible. Pharmacists can provide medication counseling and advise you on medication forms and packaging that are easier to use. They can also recommend adaptive devices, such as pill dispensers and pill cutters. Additionally, occupational therapists can evaluate your needs and recommend strategies and tools to support functional hand use for tasks like medication administration. Next, onto assistive device options…
Helping hands fill a pill organizer. Image by Przemek Klos.Automatic Pill Dispensers
Automatic pill dispensers, activated by a button or voice command, reduce the need for manual manipulation of pills and tablets. While these dispensers can be pricey, most have additional features such as alarms, organization, and tracking capabilities for persons with cognitive challenges. A basic option is the E-Pill Accutab manual pill dispenser that organizes medications and drops pills into your hand or a cup with the slide of a lever. One of the more advanced systems is the Hero Smart Dispenser with an associated mobile app for reminders.
Easy to Operate Pill Organizers
Pill organizers simplify medication management by providing a structured system for storing and dispensing medications. Flip-top lids are often easier to manage than bottles and blister packs. Push-button pill planners, such as the Ezy Dose Push Button Pill Case simplify lid opening. Haven Weekly Supplement Organizer has a sleek slide out mechanism that eliminates the need to manage lids. Delegate the task of filling the organizer to an able-bodied helper as needed.
Push-button style pill box. Image by Valentin Suprunovich.
Haven Slide-Out Pill organizerSingle Pill Organizers and One-Handed Access Containers
For individuals who take only a few medications, single pill organizers offer a convenient and portable solution. The YourRx Round Travel Pill Organizer opens easily via a slide mechanism while Humangear GoTubbs have a squeeze mechanism that opens with just one hand. Easy-Open Vials open by squeezing the side of the vials, while the lid stays attached. Like the previously discussed pill organizers, it’s helpful to have a helper fill them.
Single pill organizer with a twist-off lid. Image by Frankhuang from Getty Images Signature.
Humangear GoTubb small container opens and closes with just one hand for easy medication and supplement access. Available in small, medium, and large sizes.Pill Takers and Pill Swallowing Cups
For individuals with higher assist needs, a caregiver can load pills into a pill taker or swallowing cup like the Oralflo or The GMS Pill Taker’s Cup. These tools enable the user to ingest medications from the top of the cup. They can facilitate swallowing reflexes as the pill travels with the flowing liquid. The Remedic Medicine Cup is a similar option, although pills don’t dispense directly with liquid. It features a pouring spout, water glass, and pill dispenser lid at the top of the cup.
Blister Pack Access Tools
Pill Poppers: Pill poppers, with spring-loaded mechanisms, push tablets easily out of blister packs. The poppers are particularly useful for individuals with limited finger dexterity. An example is the Pivotell Pill Popper Aid.
Blister Pack Pen: Resembling a regular pen, a Blister Pack Pen features a sharp tip that easily pierces through blister pack coverings.
Medicine Bottle Openers
Remedic Medicine Bottle Opener: With its non-slip grip and large handle, this tool provides leverage and grip to open medication bottles. It’s particularly useful for individuals with limited hand strength or arthritis.
Dycem Bottle Openers: Dycem Bottle Openers feature a textured rubberized surface that provides a firm grip, making it easier to open medication bottles.
Seal Peel Bottle Openers: Seal Peel Bottle Openers, with their serrated edges, effectively remove tight-fitting seals on medication bottles.
Conclusion
With adaptive tools and alternative strategies, individuals with physical limitations can effectively manage their medications and take control of their daily health management. If you need storage solutions to hold your medication bottles and other medical supplies, check out our post on The Five Best One-Handed Containers for People with Hand Limitations.
