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What works for the 'smart' pillboxes? And why are there no options to make the weekly ones easier?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

Hi everyone, it's nice to meet you all! My nana is currently struggling with RA and other memory diseases, and we haven't found a pillbox that works - even the nice ones with app connections. Because we are taking care of her, I see the limitations of what we currently have, and she can't ever open them or remember to take her medications.

I'm in school right now for engineering and I'm designing a new product for my senior design project, but I only know what I see as a caregiver and not from… read more

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April 2
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How can caregivers help someone with RA manage their medications when memory issues and difficulty opening pillboxes are concerns?

Managing medications with RA can be challenging, especially when memory issues and physical limitations with opening containers come into play. Many people with RA find traditional pill Show Full Answer

How can caregivers help someone with RA manage their medications when memory issues and difficulty opening pillboxes are concerns?

Managing medications with RA can be challenging, especially when memory issues and physical limitations with opening containers come into play. Many people with RA find traditional pill organizers helpful, but they do have limitations.

Here are some strategies that myRAteam members and others have found useful:

* Use old-fashioned pill organizers to keep track of oral medications
* Set alarms or phone reminders for medication times
* Download medication tracking apps that send reminders
* Take medications at the same time as daily tasks (like brushing teeth) to create a routine
* Keep a paper medication tracker as a backup system

For someone with both RA and memory challenges, combining multiple approaches often works best. Phone alarms paired with a clearly labeled pill organizer can provide both the reminder and easy access to the right dose.

The physical challenge of opening containers is real with RA. Joint pain and limited mobility can make even "easy-open" designs frustrating. Your senior design project addressing these gaps sounds valuable—there's definitely room for improvement in making medication management more accessible for people dealing with both arthritis and memory concerns.

What a thoughtful project to take on for your nana and others facing similar challenges!

April 2

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