A HEALTHCARE pilot scheme launched across Staffordshire has helped people to stay safely in their own homes for longer while also saving tax payers money.
Automated pill dispensers — which remind users when their medication is due and also what to take — are being used successfully across Staffordshire.
They help people maintain their independence as well as reducing hospital admissions caused when medication is forgotten.
The dispensers cost £205 each and the savings in social care and
NHS costs are estimated to be £2,000 per patient.
Pills are released at pre- programmed times during the day. A noise sounds when it is time to take medicine and the device can connect to personal alarms and telephone monitoring systems which alert carers if someone fails to take the right medicines at the right time.
The project has been run by Staffordshire County Council with the NHS and community pharmacies.
More than 100 people have used
the scheme and county council officers are currently looking at ways to continue the project.
Councillor Matthew Ellis, cabinet member for adult wellbeing, said: “Staffordshire is leading the way in the use of this assistive technology which improves people’s lives by helping them maintain the independence they value so much.
“But it also makes sound financial sense as it reduces the number of people ending up in hospital because they forget to take their medication.”
