Connected Caregiver has launched its Prompter Connected Pillbox to make life a little easier for caregivers.
The technology-enabled device uses motion sensors and cellular alerts to remind users, specifically targeted to seniors, to take their medications and alerting caregivers if doses are missed, according to a press release.
“Family caregivers shoulder a heavy burden and a lot of responsibility with few of the resources, training or experience of professional caregivers,” Jeff Hingher, chief marketing officer, said in the release. “The Prompt Connected Pillbox was created to help manage one of the family caregiver’s greatest worries: that mom or dad forgot to take their pills.”
Connected Caregiver is a Brentwood-based remote patient monitoring company focused on helping physicians manage chronically ill patients and produce better outcomes. The company also operates the free Connected Caregiver app and Safety+, a fall detection and medical alert device.
The company launched in the first quarter of 2023 and the pillbox, which launched in August, is just the next addition to its portfolio.
Over 14% of Tennesseans had three or more chronic conditions in 2021, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Chronic conditions consist of things like cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, chronic kidney disease, depression, diabetes and arthritis.
The pillbox lights up to prompt users to take their medications. It is also able to send reminders through text, push notifications or email. Caregivers can set up the reminders for each specific medication through the app.
Motion sensors detect if the pillbox has been picked up and pill door sensors will be able to tell if it’s been opened. Caregivers will receive a text, push notification or email if neither of those things happen.
“Caregivers may not be able to physically check their loved one’s pillbox every day, and caregivers don’t want to feel like they’re nagging loved ones about medication schedules,” Hingher said in the release. “The Prompter pillbox utilizes technology to make this process a little easier.”
The pillbox itself, which has two sets of seven pill drawers, costs $49 and a monthly subscription to the app is $12. The pill box can be customized for day and night pills with stickers and a dry erase marker.
"Giving your best care to an aging parent or loved one isn’t just about tracking their physical health,” Hingher said. “It also means helping them maintain a normal, enjoyable and independent life, and our suite of tools is designed to do just that.”
