Home Medical Equipment offering service to improve safety for patients taking medications

In the U.S., nearly 3.8 million prescriptions are written each year, yet 50 percent of them are taken incorrectly or not at all, according to research. Even among chronically ill patients who fill their prescriptions regularly, studies indicate only about half of the doses are taken as physicians intend.

Taking medications improperly can have dire consequences. To help patients simplify what can sometimes be complex medication regimens, King's Daughters Home Medical Equipment now is offering a medication-dispensing device and monitoring service by Philips Lifeline.

The device and monitoring service:

• Reduce risk of dosing errors and provide caregiver alerts for missed doses or dispenser refills (providing for timely intervention)
• Control access to medication via locked cabinet
• Provide continuous online monitoring with reports available 24/7
• Can dispense up to 60 doses and up to 40 days worth of medications.

Cost for the system is $59.95 per month.

“We are very pleased to make this system available to our customers,” said Jaime Martinez, Home Medical Equipment director. “It is the only one with 98.6 percent dispensing adherence among their monitored subscribers. This greatly enhances user safety and helps them maintain their independence and peace of mind.”

In addition, King’s Daughters Home Medical Equipment continues to offer Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System and Service for $29.95 per month. The Lifeline Medical Alert allows users to notify emergency services instantly 24/7 in the event of a fall or other medical crisis such as heart attack or stroke.

“Every second counts in getting treatment for medical emergencies,” said Martinez. “If a fall or medical emergency incapacitates you when you’re alone, crucial healthcare could be dangerously delayed. With the Lifeline Medical Alert device, help is alerted right away when you’re in trouble.”

Different devices and service options are available. For instance, the Lifeline with Auto Alert pendant provides an additional layer of protection by automatically placing a call for help if it detects a fall by the user can’t press a button. “This is especially helpful if the wearer is disoriented, immobilized or unconscious,” said Martinez.

Customers who sign up for both the medication dispensing system and the Lifeline Medical Alert system will receive a $10 per month discount. Programs are not covered by insurance.

King’s Daughters Home Medical Equipment has two convenient locations:

• 1700 Winchester Ave., Ashland, Ky.
• 702 Gay Street, Portsmouth, Ohio

For more information, please call (800) 837-1086.