A dispenser ensures the correct medication at the right time
Espoo Home Care has introduced a medication dispenser to its services. The dispenser dispenses the medication safely and reminds clients to take it on time.
Espoo Home Care has deployed medication dispensers.
A medication dispenser is a device that dispenses medication ready in pre-dosed containers and notifies the client when it is time to take the medication.
The City of Espoo carried out a medication dispenser pilot in 2020–2021. At the time, the use of the device received very positive feedback from both the staff and clients. The use of the dispensers is designed to be as easy as possible for the elderly.
Medication dispensers offer independence and security
Medication dispensers have many benefits for home care clients. The dispensers help to increase the autonomy and independence of the elderly, who do not need to wait for home care come and give them their medication. It is possible for the nurse to administer the medication to the client remotely.
The medication dispenser increases safety and alleviates the concerns of both the elderly and their relatives as to whether the medication will be taken on time. The device alerts home care if the client has missed taking the medication.
With the dispenser, the client saves on home care fees due to fewer extra visits. The important task of the nursing staff is to find the clients who will benefit the most from using the device.
More time to provide better care
The purpose of the medication dispensers is to ease the workload during home care’s morning and evening peak hours. The dispensers free up time for the actual care work, and the agreed visits can be carried out without haste and with high quality. The dispensers can eliminate the need for a home care visit or, for example, postpone it to the afternoon so that the nurses have more time to carry out the visits carefully.
In addition to the clients, the staff have also received the medication dispensers well. At first, the devices raised concerns about whether the machines were meant to replace humans. However, having more time for care work has been received very positively. The devices also offer opportunities to learn something new.
The first medication dispensers have been deployed in Espoo Home Care in the Matinkylä-Olari, Tapiola and Espoonlahti areas, to be followed by the Espoon Keskus and Leppävaara areas in the autumn. In the future, the dispensers will be part of home care services in all Espoo Home Care areas.