Hi Foreverloved! I don’t have an automated system, so take or leave my advice, but if your loved one is trying to manage more than 10 medications on their own and is not able to respond to alarms and phone calls as a reminder, I’m not sure the answer is more automation. I have been taking care of my Mom fulltime for six years and have found over the years that “solutions” that I have spent significant money on are the ones that stopped working the soonest and had the least effect. Sadly, your loved one’s condition is going to continue to deteriorate and spending a lot of money on a system that requires significant learning from your loved one may only lead to more frustration. Have you thought about finding a volunteer organization where your loved one lives to visit and make sure medications are taken on time? Outside of hiring help, it seems like the next best solution. I hope you are able to find something that works! Sending hugs and support!❤️

Good morning, Rebekah. You’re up bright and early today. I’m going to save my Happy NewYear greetings for others - you’ve shown yourself to be top of the class in getting the best out of every day, so I know there will be plenty of happiness to come for you and your mom.
I just wanted to observe that you and I have been very privileged in being able to choose to dedicate ourselves to our caregiving. So many of our friends here are obliged to continue making a wage while caregiving at the same time. I really like what you have said to Foreverloved. If dementia caregiving does one thing consistently it is putting us up against really tough, sometimes seemingly impossible choices. The more perspectives and experience that feed into those choices, the better they will be made. Foreverloved, I wish you well in your challenging caregiving situation and with the hard decisions that are coming your way. S.

I would listen to everything Rebekah said! Everything is tougher with the pandemic. It’s probably not wise to have strangers traipsing through the house. Haha, I probably used the word traipsing about thirty years ago ( I’m showing my age).

I don’t have an automated system but for a short time, I had to do reminders for a friend. I used to leave phone reminders that didn’t work (he’d never listen to his messages). So I learned to video call and stay on the phone with him while he took his meds. Lots of extra work for me but it worked for him. Perhaps it might, for you both in the interim?

I am thinking of the inevitable changes that will come your way. I don’t have brilliant solutions, but I do offer you my support and prayers.

Hugs
Rina