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[For Seniors] DIY Ideas to Prevent Forgetting to Take Medication
It seems many older adults often forget to take their medications.
Managing medication is especially difficult for those living with dementia.
There are concerns that forgetting prescribed medications can worsen illnesses or even lead to life-threatening situations.
It’s also worrying when people who take many medications mix them up.
So this time, we’re sharing handmade ideas that help older adults prevent both missed doses and overmedication.
We’ve gathered ideas that make medication management easier and reduce confusion.
These can be made by older adults as a craft activity or created by staff to give as gifts.
Please use these ideas to help prevent missed doses and overmedication.
Handmade Ideas (1–10) to Prevent Seniors from Forgetting to Take Their Medication
Separated using zip-lock bags and dividers
Combining ziplock bags with dividers is a very handy way to make sure you take your medication in step with your daily routine.
Create dividers in a box or case and label the sections by day and time, such as Mon AM, Mon Noon, Mon PM.
Prepare matching ziplock bags for each slot and write the medication name and time on them as well.
This greatly reduces the risk of taking the wrong medication or forgetting a dose.
Using transparent bags adds peace of mind because you can see the contents and quickly check them when needed.
It’s an idea that helps you organize your routine and take your medicine at the correct times.
Medicine calendar
How about a reusable, calendar-style pill case? Create a grid on a piece of cardstock like a calendar, with space for 31 days, and attach pockets to each space.
Make the pockets by cutting a clear plastic file folder into small pieces, and prepare small sachets for the pills using tracing paper or similar.
Glue all the clear-file pockets onto every space in the grid on the cardstock.
For the tracing-paper sachets, add the dates and attach them with clips so you can move them when the month changes and reuse the calendar for the next month.
Finally, assign the month and the days of the week at the top of the cardstock with the pockets, and you’re done! Using colored cardstock or decorating the pockets with colorful washi tape will give it a fun, pop look that makes it enjoyable to use.
Stylish medication calendar
If you want to manage your medication with a unique, personalized item, an elegant medicine calendar is a great choice.
Start by making a backing sheet: paste colorful patterned paper onto printer paper.
Cut it, insert it into a refill binder, and create pockets for each date or day of the week.
Add a handle so you can hang it in a visible spot—this makes it easier to notice and helps prevent missed doses.
Using thick cardstock and string will make it sturdy and long-lasting.
As your daily medications are organized within a design you chose yourself, taking them may start to feel more positive.
Combining visual appeal with practicality, this idea can help turn medication management into a new habit.
Origami: a box that can hold a one-day supply of medicine
An origami medicine box is a creative way to help you remember to take your daily medication using familiar materials.
Fold a rectangular box out of origami paper so you can store your medicines together.
If you make several narrow boxes and arrange them inside a larger empty box, it can serve as a three-dimensional organizer divided by day of the week or time of day.
By attaching small papers with the medicine names and dosing times to clips, you can easily confirm which medicine is in which box.
Changing the colors and patterns makes it visually fun, and you can create a medicine box that’s uniquely your own.
Medicine case file with insert pockets
A medication case file with insert pockets that makes managing your medicine fun and easy to understand.
By cutting and tidying up a used clear file, then attaching design paper to cardstock for a colorful finish, it becomes a visually enjoyable item.
The pockets are divided by time of day or day of the week, and you place the medicine in each to manage it.
Tying the whole thing together with a ribboned cord makes it easy to open and close and convenient to carry.
Even people with many medications can keep everything neatly organized, making it less likely to miss a dose.
As a handmade item that supports your daily health like a partner, it brings color and peace of mind to your life.
3-pocket medicine pouch
If you want to simplify medication management, a handmade medicine pouch with three pockets for morning, noon, and night is a great option.
Trace a circular shape using a CD, then prepare and cut the outer fabric, lining, and interlining, and sew them together.
Add three internal dividers so you can store medicines by time of day, making both carrying and organizing easier.
Attach a snap button for smooth opening and closing, so it’s stress-free to use even when you’re out.
The charm of handmade items is that you can incorporate ease of use and a one-of-a-kind design that store-bought products don’t offer.
Creating a system to ensure you take your medication in sync with your daily rhythm not only protects your health but also reflects a positive approach to organizing your life with your own hands.
Never forget a dose! Portable pill case
To make sure you never forget your medication when you go out, a user-friendly and durable portable pill case can be helpful.
Prepare two plastic bottle caps, glue them together with their openings facing each other, and attach a handle-like part in the center to make it easy to carry.
If you store a single dose inside, you can take it out quickly whenever you need it.
By making use of familiar materials, you can create a pill case you like without spending much.
It’s a practical item that combines the enjoyment of managing your health on your own with everyday usefulness.