A Smart Medication Dispenser for Enhanced Elderly Care

Abstract

The aging population and prevalence of chronic diseases present significant challenges in medication adherence, especially in resource-limited settings where healthcare resources are scarce. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective smart medication dispenser tailored to the needs of elderly patients in these settings. The device integrates pill and syrup dispensing capabilities, featuring audible alarms, hand-sensor technology, and a communication module for notifications to caregivers and healthcare providers. The dispenser was evaluated through a series of trials to assess its accuracy in dispensing pills and syrups and the performance of its notification and alarm systems. The device achieved high accuracy in pill and syrup dispensation. Notification alerts were timely, with delays ranging from 3 to 10 seconds, and the buzzer system showed consistent performance with an average delay of 1.5 seconds. The smart medication dispenser stands as a promising tool for enhancing medication adherence and ensuring the safety and health of elderly individuals. Its affordability and ease of use make it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings, offering a reliable solution to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. © 2025 NIPES Pub.