Just Remember...

6 Great Ways to Use OnTimeRx Reminders

2011-06-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Being a caregiver is very stressful, because you suddenly have to juggle your own schedule to find time for everything extra you now have to do. By using OnTimeRx phone, SMS/text, or email reminders, you can significantly reduce that level of stress.

With no more clock watching, you can relax, knowing that OnTimeRx will deliver reminders to you or your loved one on a home phone or cell phone - whenever and wherever you want - on any schedule you need.

Use reminder calls when it's time to:

Take medications
Eat a meal or a snack
Order prescription refills
Wake up from a daily nap
Get ready for an appointment or other activity
Check-in daily and let someone know you care.

There is no obligation to test all features of the OnTimeRx Reminder Service. The Free Trial provides ten (10) free reminders so you can try all three types if you want. We offer a variety of plans to fit any need. Simply click "Subscribe Today" to view our pricing. (Don't worry, we won't ask for any credit card information until you decide to become a subscriber.)

If you have a smartphone, you can also try one of our OnTimeRx software apps. Select the type of device and download the 30-day free trial. No obligation. Call 866-944-8966 for more information.

OnTimeRx Software SALE!

2011-05-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

DON'T MISS OUT!!!
As we get ready to launch our iPhone and Android versions of OnTimeRx... we don't want to forget about those people who could still use our trusted reminder program for a Palm, PocketPC, Windows Mobile or BlackBerry devices.

Thousands of folks own OnTimeRx software. Most have paid $22.95 for this Healthcare Bargain. Now... we're offering everyone an AWESOME DEAL at $10.

NOW for a LIMITED TIME Buy any OnTimeRx version for ANY platform for just $10.
Download any free trial of OnTimeRx software and get a REAL HEALTHCARE STEAL!!

Here's your chance to get OnTimeRx for Windows to interface with your Palm or Windows Mobile device. It can also be used as a stand-alone program. Great for managing your medications and for compiling your personal 911 data.

Don't WAIT - Do it TODAY!!!

OnTimeRx - Savvy Seniors Video

2011-05-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to be mentioned on TV. This spot aired on NBC on April 15, 2011, when Savvy Seniors' Jim Miller was a guest on KFOR TV in a 4 Seniors feature. Jim talked about ways to help seniors remember to take their medications and OnTimeRx was one of the three tools he highlighted.

To hear what he had to say, go to the website: http://bit.ly/jK6ene
WATCH the SEGMENT ON KFOR

Use Medication Reminders to Fill Pill Boxes

2011-05-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Medication Reminders and Pill Boxes

Taking medications correctly and consistently is not an easy task but new technology makes it much easier to accomplish.

It’s always a good idea to have all of your meds organized and ready to be taken for the entire week.

Everyone knows that 7-day plastic pillboxes are real time-savers. Pillboxes can also help reduce hand pain by a factor of 7 or more! Think about it… If you have arthritis, you can reduce the number of times you have to twist open your pill bottles just by using pillboxes. You only have to open each bottle once to fill all the compartments for a whole week. This is much easier on the hands than doing it several times daily to take those same doses.

As with any system, it’s extremely important to have everything set up properly. OnTimeRx provides the easiest and safest way to correctly fill each compartment of your weekly pill boxes. Once a week line up all of your medication bottles on the table or counter and use your OnTimeRx reminder schedule as a dosing reference. It's simple to load each compartment with the pills you need to take for each dosing time. What could be easier?

As convenient as pillboxes are, most don’t tell you when it’s time to take your meds, so it’s still pretty easy to forget and you may find a bunch of pills are still in the pillbox the next day. While pillboxes make good organizers, they are not reliable compliance tools. Reliable reminders are always helpful, no matter how you organize your pills.

Here’s something else that OnTimeRx can help with. Doctors and nurses always ask what medications you’re currently taking. It’s difficult to remember everything under the best of circumstances, but under time pressure or in an emergency, it’s very easy to forget one or two medications. This can have serious consequences.

Did you know that OnTimeRx also can be used to maintain your current medications list, and compile your personal health history?

Very few patients bring a printed meds list, but OnTimeRx users can quickly print out a current medications list before each doctor appointment. If you maintain this information in the OnTimeRx desktop program or in your online health profile, it only takes a matter of seconds. You can also print any pertinent 911 info. With an OnTimeRx online profile it’s also quick and easy to keep your data and medication list up-to-date. This normally tedious job is very simple if you have all of your current medications recorded in OnTimeRx.

OnTimeRx is recognized and respected as an easy-to-use reminder system that works on many platforms and devices. It has been helping thousands of users every day since it was first launched in 2000.

OnTimeRx now comes preloaded in Classic

2009-11-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

How exciting! Here's MotionApps Blog announcement!

OnTimeRx is pleased to be partnering with MotionApps to bring thousands of excellent Palm OS applications to a new high-tech phone - the Palm Pre. We have been very impressed with the technical concept of including the Classic emulator on Palm's WebOS phone. We were thrilled to be one of their launch partners, and you can read their entire blog post here.

MotionApps teamed up with AmeliaPlex, the developer of OnTimeRx, to include this very useful medical application within the Classic bundle.

Their decision to include OnTimeRx was based on users’ feedback and the awareness that this application serves as a very important medical tool to many. Now any user with Classic can install OnTimeRx and use the trial for 30 days before purchasing. OnTimeRx can be installed in Classic together with other preloaded apps with a single tap on Install Free Apps option from Classic menu.

Susan Torrico, President/CEO of AmeliaPlex is proud to say: “The Palm version of OnTimeRx software is the BEST medication reminder program available anywhere. It's a mature, feature-rich application that has been thoroughly tested and enhanced based on suggestions from actual users."

Mr. Voja Lalich, CEO of MotionApps states: “AmeliaPlex is one of the companies we’ve been working since the beginning of Classic Certification Program, they were our Launch Partners, and I know that MotionApps team really enjoyed working with them. We also received confirmations from our users that being able to use OnTimeRx on their Pre phone is of critical importance to them so we decided to make it available to Classic users right away.”

We get feedback like this from OnTimeRx users nearly every day:

“I'm still using a Palm TX and a Win Netbook combo for as long as I can :-) But if and when the TX finally dies, it looks like the Palm Pre may be in my future, because I sure can’t do without OnTimeRx. I look forward to many more years of using OnTimeRx on my Palm or Pre...”

This note influenced their decision to include OnTimeRx with Classic.

Read more about other great Palm applications that work on Palm Pre phones - thanks to MotionApps Classic emulator.

"Travel Advisory" from APhA

2009-11-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Here's some excellent advice from my favorite organization... APhA.

Travel Smart: Tips From Your Pharmacist to Know Before You Go

APhA Urges Consumers to Practice Safe Medication Use when Traveling

WASHINGTON, DC – Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, alters our daily routine and disrupts our schedule including our health care habits like taking medication. As the height of the holiday travel season approaches, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) urges consumers to practice safe medication use when traveling. Here are some tips you should know before you go:

Carry your personal medication record with you, which should include both prescription and over-the-counter medications. This is a list of your medications, how you take them, and why—a good resource to have on hand when you visit any healthcare provider, to see your pharmacist and when you travel. If you are unexpectedly admitted into a hospital, or must see a healthcare provider while traveling, the list can help them understand your current treatments. If you are unsure why you are taking a medication, consult your healthcare provider and pharmacist for clarification. To download a personal medication list www.pharmacist.com/pmr.
NOTE: You can also print your Medications List from OnTimeRx desktop software.

Have a plan for adjusting your medication regimen. Travel may require you to adjust your medication regimen, or when you take your medication, for time and routine changes. If you are traveling across the country and would normally take a medication twice a day, for example, you may need to adjust that schedule to take your medications approximately twelve hours apart—which may be earlier or later than your first bedtime or morning on another coast. Ask your pharmacist about how to alter your schedule to fit your health-care needs.

Keep your medications in your carry-on bag. While many items can be replaced easily, replacing medications can be challenging. Keeping your medications with you ensures immediate access in case of an unexpected event like lost or stolen luggage. Check with your airline or TSA for the forms of medications you can take: liquids in certain quantities may be prohibited on airplanes. Remember, you can always ask your pharmacist about pouring liquid medication into smaller bottles for your travel.

Store your medications in their original labeled containers and bring more than you expect to use during your travels. Extended stays can upset your medication regimen. Being prepared helps ensure safe and effective medication use.

Ask your pharmacist if there are any foods or beverages that conflict with your medicines. You may be more inclined to eat unfamiliar foods when traveling to foreign countries or new cities.

Be careful or avoid drinking alcohol, especially when flying or visiting cities in higher altitudes. Alcohol can interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Talk to your pharmacist. He or she can help you understand how to manage your drug therapy whether at home or away.

Practice good hygiene, get rest and eat well. Frequent hand-washing/cleansing and coughing /sneezing within your sleeve or a tissue will protect you and others. In addition, try not to overdo it and not get run down, eat right, and drink plenty of water (and depending upon the location you may need to use bottled water) are good practices that can reduce your risk of getting sick.

Pack the Basics

Wise travelers assemble a few basics before heading out the door. Pain and fever reducing medication, antihistamine tablets, band aids, triple antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, cough syrup, lozenges, a thermometer, sunscreen, upset stomach and anti-diarrhea medicine are the basics, but depending on your destination, you may want to pack additional items. Talk to your pharmacist to see what other products may be best for you to take along.

Remember, you may take a holiday, but your illnesses do not. They travel with you. Managing your health starts with you, but your pharmacist is an important member of the health-care team. Pharmacists are the medication experts and can help patients with questions about their prescription and over the counter medications Ask questions about your medications—get answers.

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, health systems, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the uniformed services.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sharon Corbitt

November 3, 2009 202-429-7537; scorbitt@aphanet.org

Old Friends Never Die - BUT their devices do!

2009-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

In September, I heard from Carla, a long-time OnTimeRx user who had just lost a dear friend - her old Palm PDA. She gave me permission to reprint her email in hopes that it might help others in a similar situation. Here it is:

"I used to use your program, OnTimeRx, on my Palm and loved it. It meant that I could have periods of the day when I did not have to focus on my illness plus it allowed me to know when I took my last dose. My medication affects my memory and before your software, I was never sure when or even whether I had last taken a scheduled dose. When my Palm PDA died, my husband bought me a Nokia E71 phone. It is a great gadget, but I very much miss my OnTimeRx. Are you planning to create a version for the Symbian S60 System? I was very disappointed that there is next to nothing out there other than OnTimeRx."

As an independent software developer, you can never receive too many of those kinds of complimentary comments. But it was very painful to have to tell her... there is no Symbian version of OnTimeRx. I made some suggestions for alternative solutions, like: switching phones, using automated reminder service, etc., and she responded further:

"Prior to my "health challenges" I was a Systems Analyst, so I also understand the difficulties of trying to be all things to all people (or to all systems). Wouldn't it be grand to have just one programming language/platform for all our needs and desires? As with all things in our universe, such a Heaven would have to be paid for with many jobs and all the worlds created by them. Sigh."
It is true, " ... you can't please all of the people all of the time." But we've sure tried for the past 9 years!

Unfortunately, there are just too many different devices with too many variables now. It's even getting difficult for the largest software developers to keep up. As great as it would be to have a single programming language, no one seriously sees that as "the answer". The web-based "SaaS" approach (Software as a Service) may be the closest thing in the future.

Almost daily there are press releases about how various entities are now using text and voice messages in health care. This is really not new! We've been doing it for 5 years already; and we agree, this seems to be the most promising and viable approach to reach the largest market and do the most good.

There are millions upon millions of potential users, who need some kind of reminder help to manage their medications or those of a family member. We strongly believe in the OnTimeRx reminder concept and are currently upgrading our automated OnTimeRx service, so it will work even better for the billions of people who use ordinary cell phones and land lines.

Fortunately, pharmacies are beginning to use reminders for refills now. Hopefully, some day soon, an integral part of the doctor's prescription will include a simple check box to order daily medication reminders. That could significantly reduce the $200+ billion that's being wasted in the US annually due to noncompliance. Everyone stands to benefit from improved medication adherence/compliance.

In the meantime, OnTimeRx software and services will continue to provide the best possible reminder programs, along with excellent support for all of the platforms we have already developed.

Thanks again for your emails, Carla. I hope we'll always be able to help you take your meds on time...

TIPS and Help for OnTimeRx-BlackBerry v1.1

2009-09-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

A new software customer asked about a User Manual for OnTimeRx-BlackBerry, the latest addition to our suite of OnTimeRx software programs.

TIPS are scattered throughout the BB software to explain how to use all the features on each screen; however, posting the TIPS and Help copy on this blog might help others.

OnTimeRx-BlackBerry v1.1

Help Button:

General Instructions

When an Alarm goes off:

• Read the screen.

• Do what the screen says.

• Click on the Details button, if displayed, to view more details.
• Click YES to record the dose or event on the Log.

• Click Wait 15 or Wait 30 to silence snooze alarms.

• Click NO - if dose was intentionally not taken.
• Repeat above steps for all drugs or events scheduled at this time.
• Check the Days Supply on each drug alarm screen.to avoid running out.

• When more than one drug is scheduled at the same alarm time, each Drug Name will display in a different color on the alarm screens.

Descriptions of Features and Buttons:

Tips on Menu button – Home screen (Settings/Tips/Registration)

Preference Settings

Alarm Sounds – Select any alarm sound you prefer Check or uncheck Vibrate mode

Set a Start of Day Time – your usual first dose of the day.

Set an End of Day Time – your last dose of the day This information will be preset on New Drug records.

Change the Color Option if a 'theme' makes the OnTimeRx buttons difficult to read.

Security PIN feature protects your data and prevents it from being viewed by others. Select a PIN number you can remember. It must be entered to view details on each alarm screen.

Alarm Mute - Home screen
This feature is used to temporarily silence all audible OTRx alerts for a movie, play, or meeting. Alarm Mute is like the Mute function on a VCR Remote.
When Mute is OFF (default), you will hear audible alarm sounds.

When Mute is ON or enabled, the sounds are muted. Your alarm screens will display with a single vibrate alert.
• Tap the Main screen Alarm Mute dropdown and select 1 hr, 2hr, or 3 hr.

• The alarms will automatically restart at the end of that time period.

• Alarm Mute - ON will silence all OTRx alarms indefinitely and must be restarted manually.(not normally recommended).

• Select Alarm Mute - OFF to manually restart the alarm sequence.

• Tap the Menu button to display TIPS or Information on any screen.

MyMeds button -.TIPS

My Meds Drug List -

MyMeds is a list of all Rx and OTC drug records in OnTimeRx.

Routine Drug Names are in Bold font and have alarms set.

Drug Names in regular font are PRN and do not have alarms set. These are taken “as needed” (pain meds) or are no longer needed (antibiotics).

Drug names are arranged in alphabetical order. The cursor can be moved to any drug name instantly by typing the first letter of the drug name on the keypad. The list will auto-scroll to the first drug name that starts with that letter.

HINT –To help prevent future adverse reactions, keep the drug records that are no longer in use, but add ZZZ- to any Drug Name that has been discontinued. (ZZZ-Antimycin) These will move to the bottom of MyMeds list. It is good to add a Note with the date and the reason why it was stopped. (allergic reaction-rash).

Tips: (On Menu button from MyMeds or PillTime)

New Drug Entry Screen
This information can be found on your Rx labels & patient info leaflets for Rx (prescription) & OTC (over-the-counter) products.

1. Enter full Drug Name & Strength

2. Enter the Quantity per dose. The default quantity is “1”.
NOTE:

For fractional doses (½ or ¼ tablet), 2 separate quantity options are used.

• Click the first quantity dropdown and select 0 for less than 1

• Scroll to the second dropdown and select ½ or ¼

• For 1-1/2 teaspoonful – scroll past the 1 and select ½ to display 1-1/2

3. Select a Frequency
The default is once/day (default) Enter a number to set up to 6x/day

4. Set Dose Time/s

• Move cursor to Time box. 'Not Set' (default)

• Click Enter key or a number to access the Set Dose Time screen.

5. Set a Repeat

• Click Repeat button to set or change dosing schedule.

• Default is “Daily” Repeat with 'No End Date’ – for ongoing doses.
• Select Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly repeats when appropriate

• Select None - for one-time doses or events

• Start Date is today’s date (default).

• Click Enter on date field to change Start date.

• For a specific End Date, move to 'No End Date’ - click Enter key

• Set End Date and click Done.

6. Click Back button to Save Data on MyMeds list

To Include Additional Information (optional):

• Add descriptive terms for In: - With: - and For: data fields.

• Enter a letter to select from a dropdown list of terms or edit the list.

You can customize any Dropdown list:

• Scroll to a field and enter a letter to display a item (m = mouth).

• Click trackball to display full list

• Click the appropriate term to select.

• Click “Edit” to access Edit Window

• Click Menu button to add New or Rename items on lists.

• Select Rx (default) or OTC box to specify the category of medication.

• Select Routine (default) or PRN (as needed) to specify the type of dose.
• Click the Back button to Save - when finished.

To add Pill Count or More Detailed Information (optional):

• Click 'Supply' button to enter current Pill Count. Your Remaining Days supply will display on each Alarm screen.

• Click 'More' to enter other details on each drug.

• If Directions field has text, a Details button displays on Alarm Screens.

• Click 'Details' button to access the Details before taking a dose.
• Tap 'Notes' button to add other information - such as: color, shape and markings on generic med, reason for discontinuing a drug, etc.

• Click Back button to Save Data on MyMeds list

To Edit Drug information

• Select a Drug from MyMeds list or PillTime -click Menu button –Edit.

To Take a Dose Early

• Use Take Now feature to log doses up to 1 hour early.

• Highlight a Drug Name in PillTime – click Menu button – ‘Take Now’.

• Highlight the Drug Name – click Menu – Edit to view drug record

• Click 'Take Now' button to take a Routine dose up to 1 hour early.

• Click 'Take Now' button to take PRN or As Needed meds.

To Delete a Drug from MyMeds List

• Select Drug Name to be Deleted

• Click Menu button and select 'Delete'. Click Yes to Verify. It’s GONE!

For Best Results: Enter complete information for each new drug when adding it to MyMeds list. Additional information can always be added later, if preferred.

PillTime Button:

Bold Items on the PillTime schedule are the next doses to be taken.

More than one drug may be scheduled at the same time.

The Drug Names will display on different color bars on alarm screens to differentiate each drug as it is logged.

If it is not convenient to log the doses when the alarm sounds, scroll to the Wait 15 or Wait 30 buttons to delay the alarms for 15 or 30 min.

Snooze alarms will sound every 10 minutes for 30 minutes if the doses are ignored or not logged.

Standard dosing rules consider a dose is “on time” if taken 1 hour before or 1 hour after the scheduled dose time. Dosing schedules can always be changed to meet the user’s needs.

ToDo Button:

ToDo List –

ToDo List is a complete list of your OnTimeRx scheduled ToDo events. These ToDo events may or may not be health-related. You can Log these events if you choose to.

Items in Bold have alarms set for one time or recurring event reminders.

Items in regular font display [DateTime Not set] or [DateTime Exp]. These have no alarms currently set or the event has expired.

Highlight any item and click Menu button to Edit or Delete it.

Scroll to any field and click Enter key to access and change the data.

You can reactivate an expired or not set ToDo. Simply highlight the ToDo and click Menu to Edit. Be sure to update both the start/end dates and time. Save your changes.

• To enter a New ToDo event - Click Menu – New

• Enter a Brief description of ToDo event.

• Scroll to 'Not Set' (time box) – Click Enter key or a number to enter date/time.
• Set alarm time
• Scroll up to change Start Date if other than today.

• Tap Repeat - to select interval for recurring event

• Select end date, if needed. [OK] then [Done].

• Add Notes for more details (e.g. Insulin sliding scale, etc.) [Done].

• The 'Do Now' button allows the event to be logged up to 1 hour early.

NOTE: To Delete a ToDo Entry:

• Highlight the ToDo to be deleted. Click Menu - Delete

• Confirm 'Delete ToDo' - it's GONE!

911 Info Button:

IN CASE of EMERGENCY: Include “See OnTimeRx 911 Data” in your I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Contact Record. Your 911 information can save precious time in case you cannot speak or think clearly to answer questions.

• Contact Support@ontimerx.com for a work-around to enter your 911 data as blocks of text.

• Click the 911 Info button and scroll to review or display your personal medical data

• Click Menu – Edit 911 to enter or change any of your data.

• List only the most important data, such as: Allergies, Next of Kin, Doctors names and phone numbers, etc.

• Keep this 911 data current with dates of previous hospital stays, procedures and other health-related activities.

• Sensitive information may be kept from view by checking the Private box. • Protected data can be accessed at the owner's discretion through the Edit 911 function.

Log Button:

The Log displays a Y, N, M, or C for each event.

Y = Yes - drug taken or task completed.

N = No - event cancelled or purposely not done.

M = Missed - no response to the alarm.

C = Changed – to correct a 'missed' or a No response.

Making Log Corrections:
If a dose or event was not logged properly, limited changes can be made to correct the Log. The Compliance rate and Days Supply are automatically adjusted.

Select the incorrect Log entry and click Menu button to edit the Log Detail. Missed Log events displaying 'M' can be changed to 'C'. If doses or events were logged as 'No' in error but were taken or done, the 'N' can be changed to 'C'. Do NOT change the 'M' or 'N', if a dose or event was actually missed.

Transfer button:

BlackBerry Data Transfer function is not currently available.

The following “copy and paste” work-around will facilitate loading extensive 911 Information into OnTimeRx on your Blackberry device. For additional assistance, contact: Support@OnTimeRx.com

A 30-day free trial version of OnTimeRx-Windows software is available for download from: www.OnTimeRx.com All of the suggested 911 categories are listed in the OnTimeRx-Windows desktop program. Data can be entered on a Windows XP or Vista computer utilizing this program. Copy the data into an email message and send it to yourself. Open the email on your BlackBerry device. Simply copy each section from the email message and select 911 Info – click the Menu button - Edit 911 to paste the compiled data into your OnTimeRx 911 Info.

To utilize the OTRx-Win desktop program for data entry beyond the 30-day trial period, a registration must be purchased separately from the Developer. See purchase details on the developer website or call or email support@OnTimeRx.com for further assistance.

About Us button:

Welcome to OnTimeRx®, your reminder system for all health-related activities. OnTimeRx® was designed by a pharmacist to remind each user to take all medications as prescribed - on time - every time. Medications will only work properly if they are taken properly. This reminder system can be invaluable, if it is used routinely. For best results, it is recommended that users respond to all reminders promptly.

DISCLAIMER: AmeliaPlex, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of information entered in OnTimeRx reminder software by the end user. Since the information is owned and maintained by the User or his/her agent or health care professional, OnTimeRx software is not subject to HIPAA rules. No claims are made that the information and/or reminders entered by the user will be 100% accurate, reliable, or effective. No guarantee is made that the user’s data will not be lost due to unforeseen conditions that may disable the device or devices on which the software is being utilized. Every effort has been made to assure that OnTimeRx software will perform properly, but software is always sold “as is” and may not work on all devices or on any device that is damaged or has batteries that are not charged properly.

BASIC USER INSTRUCTIONS:

When an Alarm sounds and the Alarm screen displays:
• Read the screen.
• Do what the screen says.
• Tap YES to record the dose or event on the Log.
• Tap NO - if dose was not taken.
• Repeat above steps for all drugs or events scheduled at this time.
• Always check the Days Supply to avoid running out of pills.

It Still Works - Why Change?

2009-08-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

As we get older, certain changes are inevitable; but if you're like a lot of people, change doesn't come easily.

How many people do you know who "proudly or defiantly" announce that they:
1. don't use a computer! -(How sad. They are missing out on sooo much!)
2. never learned how to set up a VCR or TV remote -(OK, Hubby controls the controls.)
3. haven't changed their hairstyle in over 20 years -(my hair does it's own thing!)
4. haven't moved or bought any new furniture in 10 years -(make that 30+ years!)
5. are still driving the same car that they got back in the '80s -(why not? ... if it still runs.)
6. still watch TV reruns from the '80s -(it IS like visiting with "old friends".)

There's really nothing wrong with resisting some change, I guess - but I'm always impressed with people who are at least willing to try new things. It is pretty amazing how many older people are actually using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, GrowingBolder and other social networking sites. But even those who are not afraid of new technology, may not want to leave their "comfort zone"! As a self-proclaimed "Techno-Geezer", I love new gadgets up to a point, but even I have my limits.

I was really happy with my Treo 650 smart phone, until the folks at Sprint stopped supporting it, and I was more or less forced to switch phones AND carriers!

Wish I could have asked my doctor " which phone is right for me... ?"

Why must we have so many different models to choose from? Why do they all have an overwhelming number of bells and whistles I'll never use? Why are new ones being launched every millisecond - or so it seems? If the old phone still works, why change it?

In a recent piece on networkworld.com, Carolyn Duffy Marsan listed 12 terms that should never be used in the workplace. This inspired over 300 comments, and I agree with Toni Bowers that they can be used in the right situation, as long as it doesn’t mean your learning stopped with these terms:

Intranet
Extranet
Web surfing
Push technology
Application Service Provider (ASP)
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Internet Telephony
Weblog
Thin Client
Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs)
Long-Distance Call
World Wide Web

Hmm... "If it ain't broke..." I still use my trusty Palm PDA along with my BlackBerry, which uses "push technology". I make VOIP calls and surf the Web daily, and I run a web-based ASP business. Obviously I like to "Weblog"... so it looks like I'm still very comfortable with this list of terms. What's wrong with that?

... I'm still willing to learn about new things. How about you?

Read the BOLD Print

2009-08-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Orlando Sentinel has a "Ticked Off" feature that lets readers gripe about anything that... has them ticked off. And they also include some good news items on the other side for balance. Both points of view make for some quick and interesting reading.

Older Americans are always advised to "read the fine print" before signing anything. Easier said than done! One reader recently wrote in to publicly send a "Thank You" to a pharmacy for printing her prescription labels in a large font. She said she could actually read the directions for a change.

That was an interesting and scary twist, because she's right - it's nearly impossible to read most Rx labels these days. However, it's especially important to be able to read prescription labels, to avoid problems like taking the wrong drug at the wrong time or in the wrong dose.

I have "low vision", also commonly known as ARMD (age-related macular degeneration); and I've never been offered such a service or even knew it was available. Since I consider myself to be "up on all the latest technology", and I hadn't thought to ask for help, you have to wonder if many other patients ever think to request a larger font? Even more disturbing is the thought that pharmacies have this capability but don't routinely offer the service or option to older patients.

This font-size issue brings to mind several other challenges we all face as we age. Phone books have gotten so large in many cities that they are nearly impossible to lift and even harder to read. After 40, most people can't see as well as they used to, and my ophthalmologist assured me that it's not just my vision that is to blame. The phone books really are printed in smaller fonts.

There's always 411-information, but that "comes at a price" and it's hard to justify any extra expenses when a person who must count every penny still comes up short at the end of the month.

It's fairly easy to Google something to find phone numbers online, but not all seniors have access to a computer. For those who do, there's an exciting, ispiring online social network called "GrowingBolder.com".

I'm a GB member and I'd like to say Thanks to the lady for the "GrowingBOLDer" Rx labels idea. I'm phoning my pharmacy right now to make a BOLD move of my own... ! I hope her comment and this blog will inspire others to do the same.

Presto + OnTimeRx = Another Great Combo!

2009-08-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

On June 27^th, I blogged about the senior-focused Jitterbug cell phone and described how it could be used very effectively with automated OnTimeRx reminders to improve medication adherence. Turns out, there is another simple senior-focused system that works very well with OnTimeRx.

The Presto system is nothing more than a printer that is connected to an ordinary phone line. It receives email and prints it out at pre-selected times - up to five times daily.

Here’s how one OnTimeRx subscriber/caregiver utilizes this combination for her mother:

Mom lives alone and has never used a computer, nor does she want one. However, she is happy to get twice daily medication reminder calls on her regular home phone. The automated phone reminders were set up and managed by her daughter, who is very determined to help her mom stay independent.

She will do whatever it takes to get the job done, and that's why she bought the Presto machine and service. She utilizes it to provide automated OnTimeRx email reminders as an additional “hard copy backup" for the automated phone calls. (A little extra insurance is always a good idea.)

We all know that interruptions can occur, and if Mom doesn’t take her pills as soon as she hangs up the phone, it’s easy to forget to do it later. The daughter has the Presto machine scheduled to print out emails twice daily about 30 minutes after the phone reminders.

This two-pronged system serves two purposes.

1) The email print out provides an additional reminder – sort of like a snooze for the phone calls.

2) The printout can serve to document that Mom actually took her pills, because she jots down the time when she's done.

This documentation also reassures the daughter that her mother is, in fact, doing what she’s supposed to, when she’s supposed to.

Everyone is less stressed and the desired objective is met – to enable Mom to continue living on her own.

Big Foods - the next Big Tobacco?

2009-08-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Dr. Lundberg posted a provocative video about obesity on Medscape Today in 2004. http://bit.ly/27L3YG He invited viewers to respond. So I wrote a letter that was chosen and published online as "More Serious Letters About Obesity".

I took exception to his comment: “nobody seems to care.[1]” As a healthcare provider myself (a pharmacist), I care very much. The main points in my letter still ring true 5 years later.

1. It's really sad when people in the United States are literally eating themselves to death. And their resulting poor health will surely bankrupt our already sick healthcare system.

2. The movie, Super Size Me, should be required viewing in every school everywhere. It was scarier than any movie that I've seen in years! I've preached “moderation” to my patients for years, but headlines about moderation and common sense are just not sexy enough to create a media frenzy. Nobody makes money selling common sense.

3. Maybe the powers that be will finally take on “Big Foods” like they did with "Big Tobacco".

(Who ever thought that that could really happen, but who knows? Maybe lightning can strike twice!)
I'd love to see the Feds require food processors to cut the Salt content in half on every prepared food product - not just "Killer Snacks"! That alone would be a great start toward a healthier population.

Unfortunately, in most cases, obesity is the obvious "side-effect" of over-eating, which is the cause of Diabetes and many other self-imposed disease states .

In an effort to help people manage their growing array of medications successfully, OnTimeRx will remind these same diabetic, cardiac, and cholesterol-loaded patients to take their pills on time, even while they're supersizing themselves at McDonalds!

Wouldn't it be great if we could give everyone a "virtual headslap" to simply make them eat less?

How Can I Help?

2009-07-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Through a chance meeting at a Borders bookstore, I was invited to attend a Family Services of Metro Orlando Community Connection Tour meeting. This was a get acquainted networking meeting for an assortment of attendees from the community. We learned about the various services the agency provides and their needs for assistance to make their efforts reach further.

This is a non-profit agency of dedicated social workers, who are working with kids and families in crisis. They provide the whole gamut - everything from finding foster homes and adoptive parents to enlisting the skills of a lady who enjoys scrapbooking to help them tell their story. Those who attend these monthly meetings are asked to help Family Services spread the word about the agency and possibly find others who can also contribute time, talent, and resources. This was an excellent example of the value of "viral marketing".

We also learned that FSMO exists because every year in Florida:

* more than 58,000 children are abused or neglected.
* nearly 30,000 children receive out-of-home care.
* more than 23,000 teenage girls give birth.
* nearly 40 percent of children live in households headed by single parents.
* child abuse rates exceed national averages and federal standards.

There are so many ways to get involved and you can help in very small ways as well. Even a little bit of involvement can make a major difference. You may not be able to bring peace to the world or solve the problems in health care, but everyone has what it takes to make a difference in a child's life - and who knows what a difference that could make...??!!

I DARE YOU TO CONTACT this group! You will be impressed, and you will want to do what you can to make positive things happen. Guaranteed!

Truth - or Consequences?

2009-07-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you don't tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" about your symptoms or your condition, it's extremely difficult for your doctor to treat you properly.

I'm sure we have all slanted our answers to medical questions from time to time, but the consequences of doing that can be quite serious in some cases. So why would any sane person do it?

I knew one 60-yr old female cardiac patient who was otherwise very honest and trustworthy, but she nearly died because she was not being truthful with her doctors. She had very high blood pressure, which was seemingly uncontrollable. Because she only weighed about 90 lbs soaking wet, she ALWAYS took half the dose of any new prescription, but she never told anyone what she was doing. (For some reason, she thought she knew more about proper dosing than her doctors!)

This practice caught up with her one day! Her pressure was dangerously high, so the doctor DOUBLED her dose... thinking the previous dose wasn't high enough to be effective. In fact she had only been taking a half-dose. She felt a little guilty about her deception and became concerned about a possible stroke; so for once, she took the dose just as he prescribed. Well, I'll help you do the math.
From 1/2 a dose to a double dose was really about 4 times what she had been taking. Needless to say, her B/P dropped dramatically and she passed out. Luckily, she was a receptionist in a nursing home and her co-workers were right there to save her from herself. If this had happened at home, the lady would probably not have survived.

Here's an interesting blog piece about patients who lie to their doctors. These are mainly bipolar patients, but this misinformation problem can affect nearly everyone.

Most patients will swear that they are taking their medications exactly as the doctor prescribed, but they know better. Have you ever done that? It is a known fact that we are only about 50% compliant. Sometimes it's because we think we're more adherent than we really are, or sometimes it's because we just don't want the doctor to know we've been "naughty"! In either instance, it's not good for the doctor or the patient to work with the wrong information. It can have disastrous results.

But who or what are we trying to protect? Our self esteem? Not likely when we know we're being dishonest! Or is this some parent/child need to avoid punishment - such as a stop-smoking treatment plan that we don't want to follow, or a diet or exercise regimen, or whatever...???

In any case, honesty is the best policy when your health is concerned. Even if you have to come clean and admit to the doctor you have no intentions of doing what he just ordered. You've always had trouble cutting down on salt, have never been able to diet, and can't afford the time or money to go to a gym. At least he'll know what he's up against, and there may be other options, which you can both agree on... honestly!.

Plus you won't have the added guilt of knowing you're lying on top of everything, which could possibly do yourself more harm.

I'm a health care professional, and I can "honestly" say that I have not been totally honest at times. There - I've admitted it and I feel much better now. ; D

Jitterbug + OnTimeRx Reminders = Great Combo!

2009-06-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

KISS = Keep It Senior Simple!

Jitterbug has done an excellent job with their simple "senior-focused" cell phone.
OnTimeRx employs this concept in the design of our automated medication reminder service.
These two senior products are meant for each other!!

Life will be much simpler for the caregivers and family members when a senior is using these simple tools.
It provides peace of mind and is a stress-reliever to boot!

How Does Pre Stack Up?

2009-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

According to a lot of chatter on Twitter and on a nursing listserv I follow, the Palm Pre is looking like the obvious choice over iPhone or Android. There's a Comparison Chart that's getting a lot of looks on Twitter and other places, and if those numbers are correct, the Pre will save nurses and other health care providers a lot more money in the long run.

The yearly service costs are less for the Pre, but an even bigger savings will be possible for medical/clinical users. Since the Palm Pre can run the MotionApps Classic emulator, it won't be necessary to buy all new software to get the specific funcionality that's needed in health care settings. Most of the trusty old Palm OS programs will still be useful and useable on this nifty new phone.

Many health care providers have invested hundreds of dollars in very specific programs for their particular areas of expertise. These targeted applications include drug databases for various geriatric, pediatric, and diabetic specialties; and there are dosage calculators, patient assessment tools, and yes, even my patient-focused medication reminder program, OnTimeRx.

We're "GO" for Launch!

2009-06-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

The new Palm Pre phone (webOS) is in the final countdown for launch tomorrow - Saturday, June 6th, 2009.

This is also a very big day for OnTimeRx!

Not only will OnTimeRx run on the Palm Pre phone (with Classic emulator), it will run 2x as fast! The best part is, this will allow a whole new generation to experience the joys of using OnTimeRx software for medication management.

We didn't have to do a thing to our old reliable Palm OS program, which thousands of Palm PDA and smart phone users have been depending on for years. Now they can upgrade to the new Palm webOS operating system, and never miss a beat - or a pill.

OnTimeRx has been Certified Compatible with the Classic emulator, and we could not be more delighted.

Thank you, MotionApps, for this BRILLIANT Solution!

Palm Pre - Back to the Future

2009-05-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Palm OS - R.I.P. (Or... Reincarnation In Progress?)

As a Palm software developer, I've been greatly distressed by the demise of Palm OS. This is the trusted and reliable platform that made so many hand held devices do such marvelous things for nearly a decade.

Well, my friends, there is hope. I have just been informed that OnTimeRx software has been Certified for Compatibility by MotionApps and it will be able to run on the new Palm Pre (a webOS smartphone - launch date- June 6, 2009).

From the FAQ on MotionApps site:

Q: How can I install Palm OS app in Classic (on Pre)?

A: The installation of Palm OS apps is as straight forward as this:

Connect your Pre device with your PC using USB cable
Mount Pre device as USB drive
Navigate to ClassicApps folder
Copy .prc/.pdb file in the folder
Unmount Pre and start Classic
The application will be installed and ready for running

That sounds simple enough and is very good news indeed!!!

I am one of those passionate Palm-users who has bought and used many helpful and entertaining software programs over the years; and now it looks like I'll be able to continue to use them on this new operating system. I sure hope this Classic application/Palm OS emulator lives up to the hype, because it will really be one step backward and many, many steps forward into the future of hand help computing.

Way to go, Palm and MotionApps!

White House Forum on Health Reform

2009-05-29T13:30:00.001-07:00

The Obama White House is using technology to gather public opinion on what's needed for changing Health Care for all Americans. I posted my opinion and my solution online yesterday.

Medication noncompliance is costing the US over $200 billion annually. It is also one of the primary reasons that thousands of Americans wind up in hospitals, emergency rooms, and ultimately in nursing homes.

After serving as Director of Pharmacy Services for 18 years in a 400+bed skilled care nursing facility, I left active pharmacy practice in 1996 to develop simple, affordable technology-based tools to help patients manage medications effectively and reduce some of this unnecessary expense. My company is 100% self-funded and totally dedicated to helping Americans maintain their independence and achieve a much higher level of medication adherence than the current 50%.

Interestingly, there is no need to wait until a totally integrated health care and information system is in place. Our simple stand-alone solution can save millions of health care dollars right now. Provide patients the tools and technology to better manage their own care and everyone will save money in the process.

My suggestion is that inexpensive existing technology solutions should be considered when looking for affordable ways to reform health care. OnTimeRx is a mature, feature-rich medication reminder software program that works on multiple devices: Palm, PocketPC, and Windows Mobile hand-held computers and smartphones, Windows XP and Vista, and now on the BlackBerry smartphone. This reminder solution was launched on the Internet in 2000, and at that time, it was "ahead of its time". Even so, there are thousands of users worldwide who are now able to manage the most complex medication regimens easily.

This reminder software is patient-focused, extremely intuitive, and users of all ages are quite capable of utilizing it on their own. VA Caseworkers have purchased OnTimeRx software, and the necessary hardware, for several VA patients over the years. This is an especially helpful tool for VA patients with traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, and other memory problems. For only a small one-time purchase ($22.95 or $34.95/patient) a practical investment in patient-centric healthcare reform could provide a measurable ROI. This same helpful medication manager works for patients of all types and ages, many of whom are struggling daily to follow their doctor's orders. By empowering hundreds of thousands more patients with the tools to successfully manage their own medications, many of them could avoid going to nursing homes - a far more expensive alternative to home health care and aging in place.

As I continue to age, I am using more health care services; but I can personally attest to the value of using technology to manage and maintain my own health. I invite the White House Forum on Health Reform to take a close look at this very affordable option.

One final thought: The single-payer system is getting a lot of attention lately, and it is definitely needed to facilitate the economical delivery of medications. This would allow pharmacists to get back to being pharmacists instead of insurance claims processors. By adequately reimbursing pharmacists to deliver Medication Therapy Management services and patient counseling, health reform can elevate the practice of pharmacy to expand its role in providing better preventive care, which results in major savings in the long term. When pharmacists can concentrate on helping patients achieve medication compliance and better therapeutic outcomes, instead of chasing after insurance reimbursement, the entire health care system will be healthier.

Tech vendors - large and small

2009-05-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

One size never fits all!

That's true for panty-hose and it's especially true for IT solutions in the health care arena. There is no single solution for all that ails this industry, but some of us small vendors are trying to make a difference in small ways.

Thanks to Laurie Orlov @AgingTech on Twitter, I just learned that OnTimeRx was mentioned in Charles King's very prestigious Pund-IT Weekly Review, which offers unique insights on specific events affecting the IT industry and community.

Laurie Orlov was a guest analyst in the May 13, 09 issue dealing with technology solutions for aging in place, and OnTimeRx.com was mentioned as “The Prescription for Taking Medicine on Time”.

· Tech Vendors and the Aging in Place Market—Trying to Make a Difference By Laurie Orlov, Aging in Place Technology Watch

“As I try to make sense out of the aging in place technology market, new companies (or companies new to me) regularly surface. The following companies are all launched (or in beta) but are perhaps not well known in the marketplace as they could and should be. Here are some of them you should bookmark— all valuable solutions for boomers and seniors in need of improving technology access, personal experience or medical care…”

This obviously is my favorite part of her contribution:

• OnTimeRx – This vendor has been around for a while in the medication reminder space, but it is always worth thinking about in the context of the range of solutions required for this complex problem. Medication non-compliance is one of those thorny issues that gets lots of talk, many offerings, few of them light-weight (that is, without containers for the pills themselves). This company says it provides "the prescription for taking medicine on time"). It works on smart phones or can operate directly from a web-based portal to your cell or landline phone. Consumer. Learn more at: www.ontimerx.com.

Microsoft was also mentioned in this Review and - as big as they are - they don't have all the answers either. Apparently Bill Gates feels this seniors market is being under served; and in fact, Microsoft contacted my "little ol' software company" a couple of years ago. Now OnTimeRx for Windows (our desktop medication manager program) is included in all of their "SeniorPC" computer offerings, which are specifically geared for the senior and boomer market. There is a big promotion planned soon for the Senior PC to reach this market in the UK, too. OnTimeRx will be included in those systems as well.

It's really nice to be noticed and invited to the party by the Big Guys. Solutions for Aging in place technology... IT may really be a Small World After All.

Tech Solution for Tech Support

2009-05-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

"Do you have a video demo for our products and services?" People frequently ask us that question and up until now, I've always had to "just say - No"!

It always felt like it would be too expensive to develop a video, but that was before YouTube exploded onto the scene. I have a webcam on my new HP mini 1000 Netbook now, and have been thinking about giving it a go, but am not sure how to make it look good enough for "prime time". It's important to always make a good first impression - and all that... But "he/she who hesitates..." loses out on a lot of opportunities these days.

Not being a programmer myself is both a good and a bad thing.

It's Good that I don't have my poor old brain overloaded with all that strange code jargon. But it's Bad that I don't know how to do some of this stuff for myself. Even though I'm a dyed-in-the wool "Do-It-Yourselfer", I have to pay others to do my programming and solve some of the problems for me or I have to rely on "the kindness of strangers" to help with Open Source solutions.

One of those stranger- solutions just came to my attention recently, and it's called CamStudio. I haven't installed the application yet; but already I know it's going to be a HUGE help. As a result, this blog piece will be just a bit short on details so I can get started on my latest learning adventure.

This is sure to be quite exciting and hopefully, it will help me eliminate some of the same tech support questions that OnTimeRx customers frequently ask. Guess that's why they call 'em FAQs...

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what's a demo video worth? We'll soon see.
IMHO - PRICELESS!!!

WES 2009 in Orlando

2009-05-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

The weather is perfect for WES, Wireless Enterprise Symposium 2009, which is currently on in Orlando.

It's the world's largest meeting of its kind for BlackBerry users of all "makes and models" - from major enterprises to the individual BB device owner. They've all come to Orlando to compare notes, learn new techniques, and check out the latest developments from RIM.

As a developer of OnTimeRx for BlackBerry, I was very excited about attending at least a part of this symposium, to connect with lots of other health care vendors in the wireless world and scores of pill-taking BB users... especially since it's being held right in my backyard. Unfortunately, plans changed at the last minute and I was not able to attend the first day. However, I did get out to the Orlando World Center Marriott & Convention Center on Wednesday, May 6th, and met with a couple of representatives from BlackBerryChicks, a relatively new website devoted to women who use BlackBerry devices. I really enjoyed meeting them and sharing ideas for marketing my medication reminder for the BB - especially since I just happen to be a woman developer and a BB-user myself. Guess that officially makes me a "BlackBerryChick", too.

I left a stack of my cards and am hoping that lots of people will go to my website and sign up to be notified when we launch OnTimeRx for BlackBerry. Hopefully, that will happen by the end of the month!!!

...or at least soon, very soon!

"TLC" vs. "No Rest for the Weary!"

2009-05-01T13:54:00.001-07:00

Caring for older family members can be extremely challenging and exhausting. Anyone who has ever tried to take care of an Alzheimer's patient will know what I'm talking about. It's difficult to get any rest yourself - and if and when you do sleep, you're probably dreaming about it.

I was the pharmacist in a wonderful long term care facility for 18 years. During my rounds on the floors in this 400-bed skilled care facility, I observed many of these patients over the years. I saw how difficult it was for our entire staff to care for them - even with all of their specialized training and equipment. While it's a noble and loving undertaking, I never understood how families could ever manage this kind of care in a home. It can be totally draining - both physically and financially. At some point it's kinder for all concerned to seriously consider assisted living or long term care - without feeling guilty.

Alzheimer's robs people of their memory in a backward regression. Several patients who had played the piano in their younger days, could still play an entire classical piece from memory, but they could not tell you what they had for lunch 5 minutes ago... or even if they had lunch at all. The older memories seem to be safely embedded in the deepest part of the brain, but recent events just bounce off the surface like water off a duck's back or a little like peeling away layers of an onion. (and both can make you cry...)

Families would often come into the pharmacy asking about some drug that they had seen on TV. These people were desperately looking for something... anything that would help their loved ones. Unfortunately, I had to tell them in all honesty, not to waste their money. True, there are drugs that are promoted for slowing the progress of the disease, but from my observations, they gave the family a little hope but did very little, if anything to help the patient.

To better understand what is happening, I would describe some very basic truths about aging, which seemed to explain a lot - about older people - and especially Alzheimer's patients:

As people age, all of the 5 senses will diminish over time.

"Sight" and "hearing" are usually the first to decline, which can severely limit mobility. If you can't see and you can't hear, it's difficult to get around on your own, and even the simple pastime of watching TV becomes a bother. This lack of freedom increases feelings of isolation and can cause depression and anxiety. It is even more troubling for Alzheimer's patients. When it starts to get dark outside, these patients often realize they're not where they should be (at home or in a familiar place) and they panic because they can't remember where home is. This is called: the Sundown Syndrome. I imagine this is what it would be like having amnesia.

When we lose our sense of "smell", it also affects our sense of "taste", which explains why most older people have lost their appetite. Familiar foods just don't smell or taste good - so why bother? They forget to eat and drink. Poor nutrition will lead to a rapid decline in health, and that's why it's important to provide daily vitamins to supplement the nutritional deficiencies and offer frequent glasses of water to avoid dehydration. These patients simply forget to drink water, because they don't remember what it means to be thirsty or what to do about it.

Interestingly, the sense of "touch" is the last to go. A hug, a kiss, a pat on the hand will still reach patients who may no longer even recognize family members or caregivers.

A gentle touch is the most positive and effective way to connect and provide real "TLC" when little else works. And best of all - both patient and caregiver will benefit from this type of "physical therapy" and everyone can afford it. So dispense it in big doses - as needed.

A smile never goes out of style, so wear one all the time - you may find that they're highly contagious!

Hope this helps a little.

Use Technology - Connect with Patients

2009-04-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Tip #71 in the APhA booklet, "100 Tips for the Pharmacist", describes how pharmacies can use automated email or phone reminders to connect with patients who are having compliance issues. (That's about 50% of all patients, if the stats are right!)

Several major pharmacy chains heavily promote the convenience of their auto-fill service, which sounds good and is supposed to improve compliance - in thoery. However, there is a very real potential backlash effect to these programs.

If patients haven't taken all of their pills consistently, they obviously won't "need" their Rx refilled on a consistent basis either. In fact, when a mail-order auto-refill arrives, and there are still a lot of pills left, the patient may think this is just another "senior rip-off" to sell more drugs. Sure looks that way...

When a patient fails to pick up the auto-fill in the pharmacy, someone will have to put the drugs back in stock, reverse the claim or credit card charge, and fill it all over again, when the patient finally does run out. That's a duplication of effort, and total waste of time and supplies. Medicare pays out enough already without creating stockpiles of medications that aren't being taken and may potentially wind up being shared with others.

Instead of focusing on automating prescription refills , the pharmacy should be more focused on helping the patient to take the pills routinely. Then an auto-fill program makes perfect sense.

A simple automated phone call reminder or two on a daily basis, or automated email/text messages could very effectively remind the patient to take each dose, and everyone would benefit.

We have the technology. It just needs to be utilized and provided to the patient by those who have the most to gain.

So... who benefits?

1. Big pharma!!! Better compliance sells more product and reduces therapy drop-out. Big pharma really has the most to gain and the resources to provide this service.
2. Insurers!!! Better compliance reduces costs by eliminating unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
3. Patients!!! Better compliance improves disease management and keeps patients healthier.
4. Everyone!!! Better compliance would keep costs down and that benefits the entire health care system.

100 MTM Tips for the Pharmacist

2009-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

What is MTM anyway?

MTM is the new "buzzword" in expanded roles for pharmacists. It's shorthand for Medication Therapy Management.

The MTM concept is nothing really new - most of us have been doing this sort of thing for our entire careers. What is new is the fact that Medicare has recognized MTM is reimbursable, and pharmacists can finally get paid for providing this valuable patient care service.

Pharmacists who are just now getting involved in MTM can learn from other practitioners who are reaching their patients and providing needed help managing medications. They can also learn about the kinds of services others have found to be truly effective. Innovative pharmacists are always looking for tips from successful practices and practitioners.

It's only fitting that MTM was one of the hottest of hot topics at the annual meeting of the American Pharmacists Association earlier this month in San Antonio. A new APhA publication, "100 MTM Tips for the Pharmacist", was showcased. I'm especially pleased with the booklet, which was authored by Marsha K Millonig, BPharm, MBA, a registered pharmacist. (I have a 1st edition copy signed by the author!) This booklet is available for sale to anyone - APhA member or not.

Marsha put out a call to the APhA membership for tips and comments on "What Works" in MTM and picked the 100 that she deemed worthy of inclusion. Three of those 100 Tips were mine!

Tip #24 - Provide a Medication Reminder Service for High-Risk NonCompliant Patients.
Obviously, I recommend OnTimeRx Automated Reminder Services. It's "my baby" and I raised it from a seed of an idea to be a valuable service to others. We have worked with professionals at transplant clinics and AIDS specialty pharmacies to provide reminders for those high-risk patients. I know the system works from first hand experience.

The success rate of any transplant facility depends on patient compliance; and if big pharma were inspired to provide a reminder service for organ recipients, it would provide major benefits - some subtle and some not-so-subtle. Better compliance can assure that more organs are available for the thousands on waiting lists. That's not subtle at all!

Newly-transplanted patients have to learn to cope with sudden and drastic changes in their newly "drug dependent" lives. That's not subtle either! But this simple reminder service could help them manage their very complex drug regimens more easily, which is especially critical during the early months after surgery.

I can't think of a more perfect example of a vitally needed MTM service for a high-risk patient. Maybe someday... in a more perfect world!

I'll tell you more about Tip# 71 and #87 in future posts.

Why Doctors Don't Give Patients Credit

2009-04-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

We are not talking about a patient getting a "Credit" for unsatisfactory services rendered. I'm talking about patients not receiving credit for being capable of using technology in any of its many forms.

Au Contrare! There are thousands of "ordinary people" with extraordinary medical conditions and physical barriers who use OnTimeRx every day, and tell me they could not live without it.

Ron, a VA patient and long-time user of OnTimeRx software, called me recently to find out the latest news from OnTimeRx HQ. During our conversation, we were bemoaning the fact that most doctors move at a glacial pace when it comes to adopting new technology. He was especially frustrated because the VA has spent a lot of time and money developing the "My HealtheVet" website, but there are many other inexpensive and practical technology tools that could be used by veterans to ease their burdens and simplify their lives even more.

Ron said, " OnTimeRx works really well for me, and I've told all of my VA doctors about OnTimeRx repeatedly." He also wanted to know, "So why don't these doctors order a PDA with OnTimeRx for Traumatic Brain Injury patients - and others - to help them manage their medications and other treatments?"

Here's my theory:
Doctors in general consider themselves to be pretty smart people; and rightly so. IF they are using a PDA, smart phone, or BlackBerry, it's my guess that they probably had a lot of trouble getting it set up and working properly. So, that being the case, they just naturally assume that patients who have less education and compromised mental skills would probably never be able to handle it. This is absolutely not true, but it's probably why the doctors don't even consider an inexpensive laptop, netbook or hand held computer (PDA) as an Assistive Device or Prosthesis for their patients.

Maybe it's time for VA patients with any kind of memory problems to start requesting this OnTimeRx software/hardware adherence solution and save everyone a lot of time, money and heartburn. For $23-$30 worth of software and $100 -$400 (depending on the hardware selected), any patient could improve his or her adherence rate and live better, with less stress, by using the technology that is readily available everywhere.

That's not a theory - that's a fact!

Portable Health Records in a FLASH

2009-03-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

...One never knows when an accident may occur and a few seconds could save your life. Would you be ready and able to answer questions about your medical history in an emergency? (That's a hard question to answer right there! You may be dazed - in shock - or worse!) I have trouble filling in all the blanks on a new patient form when I go to a new doctor - and there's no emergency medical team pressing me for answers!

It really pays to plan ahead and be prepared - just in case. Having your personal health record (PHR) with you is very much like buying insurance. You don't wait until you wreck the car to purchase a policy. You can't afford to wait in this case either. It just makes sense to spend a little money and a little time NOW for a whole lot of peace of mind later. Then you can rest easier, knowing you really do have everything "covered".

As a card-carrying" Organ Donor, I certainly intend for my wishes to be known and respected if the worst happened. I have made arrangements with my family and my primary physician, but those people may not be with me at "crunch time". So I now carry a MedFlash Personal Health Record on a flash drive.

Every EMT uses a laptop these days, and it's a simple thing to pop my MedFlash device into any USB drive and read all about my medical condition, such as: the medications I'm taking, my I.C.E. contact(who to call In Case of Emergency), my doctors' phone numbers, etc. Very simple - very easy.

It's also critically important to keep your information up to date. You can easily schedule an OnTimeRx phone or email reminder to tell yourself to access your online MedFlash account and review and update the information monthly.

Accidents happen in a flash! I strongly urge everyone to "Be Prepared"!

Put Your Old PDA to GOOD Use

2009-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

A caregiver contacted me recently and asked if OnTimeRx software would work on an old Palm devices. This person had an old M515 Palm PDA lying around and thought it might be useful for his elderly mother to remember to take her pills.

Not only will it work... That's a PERFECT USE for IT!! (It certainly isn't doing ANYONE any good stuck in a desk drawer storing dead batteries. )

I've been advocating the use of PDAs for older people for years. We can document that they work well by the results of a small compliance study that was conducted at PennState, using Palm devices. Dr. William Curry wanted to see if older patients in his Family Practice setting could handle the technology. Much to his delight and mine, they did very well. In fact the oldest participant in the study was 87 and she had a 97% compliance rate. It was almost too good to be believable, but it was true.

"In a pilot study in the fall of 2005, 10 individuals aged 36 to 87 years participated in a one month trial of the PDA and OnTimeRx software. Adherence improved by using the device and exceeded 95% in almost all participants, with a 97% rate in the eldest participant."

So... What's AGE got to do with it? Really!!!
Technology comes in many forms and can help people of all ages if they're willing to try new things.

One of the biggest barriers to more people using OnTimeRx software these days is the fact that Palm has stopped producing the Palm OS hardware. So about the only way that "Boomers and beyond" can utilize the PDA medication reminder approach is by borrowing old devices from their children or grandchildren.

This should not pose a problem for anyone concerned, because as each new device comes along, a person upgrades and rarely disposes of the old "obsolete" device. They're around somewhere, just aching to be put back into service for a "Good Cause"... and what better "cause" is there if Grandma needs to be gently reminded to take her pills.

Some older Palm and Windows Mobile devices can also still be found on eBay at really good prices - if you act fast. I would LOVE to see old PDAs collected and recycled for use by seniors - just like they do old cell phones.

Why not repurpose YOUR old hand held devices and turn them into excellent pill reminders for the grandparents in your life. Who knows? It may be just what the doctor ordered!... and he didn't even know it existed. Give it a try.

Phone Calls for all Occasions

2009-03-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

What types of people use automated phone reminders?

1. "Granddad" insists on living alone or has finally moved into assisted living. How do you make sure he's doing OK in either case? Like many older folks, he may be napping all afternoon and getting his "days and nights mixed up". Staying up all hours of the night can add a level of confusion that certainly isn't needed. Confusion can be caused by some medications as well and it all lumps together to make it even more difficult for him to remember all the things he should do - including taking his all important medications. So what's a family to do?

You may live in a different city or simply can't keep running over to check on him, but an automated phone call will wake him from his nap time at a reasonable hour each afternoon, and he won't miss out on dinner at his assisted living facility. It's a non-judgmental call, so he won't mind the wake-up call reminder.

2. "Grandmom" has been a widow for several years and insists she can manage just fine on her own. You aren't so sure, but you still don't want to insult her by questioning her capabilities. What can you do?

Maybe it's time to have the "Get-A-Call" discussion. Tell her there are ways to use the phone that will help her stay in the old homestead by herself and give you the peace of mind that she's taking her medications properly or waking up in time for her favorite TV shows, etc. Automated calls help maintain her treasured independence, and they take a bit of stress and pressure off of the family.

3. "Junior" doesn't like to stop playing video games to do homework. Mom and Dad are simply tired of nagging about it every afternoon. The confrontations are counter-productive and stressful. Why not schedule an automated phone call especially to remind "Junior" that it's time to put down the game controls and hit the books. Again, automated calls are non-judgmental and the request or directive is coming from a "third party" that "Junior" can't argue with.

4. "Auntie May" lives alone and is very independent, even though she's nearly blind and a bit hard-of-hearing. She needs to take very important medications at the same time every day for best results. She's tried several normal reminder alarms, but they aren't loud enough so they don't work. However, she has the volume turned way up on the phone ringer and hears it just fine. With an automated call, when the phone rings and she answers it, a special voice message will tell her that it's time to take her pills.

You can listen to an audio sample of a basic phone reminder. And you can also change any of your custom messages every day or every week if you want - just to keep it interesting and maybe even fun. Will it help? We think so. And it doesn't cost a thing to try it out.

Medication Management on a Netbook

2009-02-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

One of the presenters at the Silvers Summit at the January 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, was Michael Takemura, HP, Director of Accessibility & Aging Program.

This Summit was a special Senior-focused part of the CES tradeshow, that showcased the products and services that keep older adults engaged, entertained, connected, and healthy. Michael talked about the Microsoft/HP/ Senior PC offering (around 3:50 minutes into his video#2) and OnTimeRx was the "prescription reminder software" that he briefly mentioned. Michael also showcased OnTimeRx software in the HP exhibit and says it went over well.

He also talked about the new new HP mini 1000 Netbook, and this little gem has tremendous potential for older patients, who prefer to age in place.

Let me tell you why...

Back in the early days of hand held computers, PDAs were mainly used as organizers, but I always knew they made great assistive devices with OnTimeRx software onboard. Unfortunately, this technology and OnTimeRx software was about 10-15 years ahead of its time!

People are just now beginning to realize that Palms can do amazing things... just as Palm Corporation decides to stop making any more Palm OS devices!! However, there are over 40 million Palm devices out there somewhere (probably in desk drawers/deader than a doornail) but they could still be put to use as a reliable medication reminder.

But, as my son always says, I dye grass...

Say Hello to the adorable Netbook! This is the new "darling" in personal computing and for only $300-$400, I'm extremely excited about the amazing array of things it can do for seniors and their caregivers.

With an Internet connection in the Senior's home, the Netbook can be used to send and receive email, surf the Web, do online shopping, and basically stay in touch with the family through social networks like Twitter.

With a PCAnywhere type program installed, a family member can access the Netbook to check on compliance or change a medication schedule, and provide "tech support" remotely. It's almost as good as being there.

I'll tell you more things you can do with a Netbook, after I learn my way around a bit more.

...Stay tuned!

Technology Rocks for Caregivers

2009-02-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

Nearly every health care problem has a technology solution.

Managing medications isn't easy for anyone. It's confusing and one of the most stressful tasks that family caregivers have to deal with.

It's well known that thousands of patients and caregivers struggle to stick to complex medication schedules every day. But it doesn't have to be that way!

Nurses, and other professional caregivers use specialized tools to make their job easier. Family caregivers are at a definite disadvantage. No training and no idea where to find the tools and/or training that could help.

NEW CONSULTATION SERVICE

What's really sad is that so many helpful caregiver tools are "out there", but many don't even think to look for help. I suspect that a lot of people who do surf the 'net, simply don't know what to look for, or they can't determine what they really need, even if they do happen to stumble upon helpful sites.

With over 40 years of experience (18 years running the pharmacy in a 400-bed skilled care nursing facility in Florida), I am well-qualified to take your questions and offer suggestions and affordable solutions for very specific caregiving situations.

Click on the little green Online Consult button in the upper right corner of this blog to get started.

Seniors and others with various disabilities, could use simple technology, and online consultations are a great way to chat about your specific problems and find the answers you need.

Why struggle another day? Ask Susan!

Q & A for Using Technology in Healthcare

2009-02-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

"Do you have any questions? I've got all the answers ...as long as you ask the right questions."

I often used that one-liner to open many a dialogue about managing medications, when I was working as a retail pharmacist. I was always readily accessible to my pharmacy patients. That comes with the territory.

But it's interesting that very few people ask questions on their own about their prescriptions - or about much of anything when it comes to their own health care. Wonder why that is? Maybe they don't really understand why the drug was ordered and don't want to look stupid or foolish? Possibly, but pharmacists are a rich resource of information and most of us love the opportunity to answer real patient questions. ;D

Now that I'm an entrepreneur/software developer, my "territory" is literally the world, but I'm trying to use new online technology to achieve that same level of accessibility for my software customers (and I still consider them my "patients").

Through a Twitter friend or some other blog contact, (not really sure now), I learned about LivePerson.com and decided to check it out. It's an online informational service that matches people who have questions about a particular topic with a list of potential experts in that field.

I was impressed with what I saw and decided to give it a try. You can check out my LivePerson profile or simply click on the OnlineConsult button on this website to learn more.

This new venture is pretty exciting because I think it will enable me to reach - and help - more patients who have been silently struggling with their drug regimen issues.

I truly hope so anyway.

Service Dogs as Caregivers

2009-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Service Dogs are
TOTALLY AWESOME!!! ...
What a "warm and fuzzy" concept in caregiving.

It's truly amazing how many tasks these animals can perform for their owners.

OnTimeRx medication reminders can perform some helpful reminder tasks for people and their animals, too.

A long-time user of OnTimeRx manages a support website for owners of Service Dogs. This young lady has to manage multiple medications to treat her own health problems and at the same time, she's ultimately responsible for the care, health, and well-being of her own service dog. It's impressive how well she manages everything and even has time to go out and help promote OnTimeRx at the various conventions she attends (with her trusty service dog, of course.)

One of the most challenging dosage requirements is managing medications taken every 4 hours "as needed". This is a complex schedule to automate, because computers have no way of knowing when a drug will be needed. OnTimeRx has a unique method of scheduling such medications, which is explained in our User's Manual under Item#5 - the Hourly/PRN dosing routine. This method allows the user to log a dose and then automatically set an alarm for the next allowed dose (in 4 hours). As that next dose is logged, another alarm can be schedule for the next allowed dose, and so on.

This feature is especially helpful for managing pain medications, as this user comment indicates:

Richard Hamilton, a nurse says: 6/7/2006
"I found this software after I had a heart attack, and I highly recommend it to anyone. It's easy to use and very handy with the desk top program. Besides my heart meds, I am also a chronic pain patient and must take as many as 15 different meds at all different times. Thanks to OnTimeRx, I have missed none. My doctors think your program is great, too."

Many dedicated OnTimeRx users attest to the intuitiveness of all the features, and the overall usefulness and flexibility of OnTimeRx reminders. While Service Dogs are very smart, they cannot manage everything on their own - even with the help of OnTimeRx. They must rely on their owner's to remember to give them their medications so they can stay healthy.

Service Dogs provide a unique combination of companionship and caregiving and deserve all the LOVE and RESPECT we humans can give them.

Let's Hope Obama Really Cares

2009-02-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

A recent New York Times Editorial, "Caring for the Caregivers", concisely states why I'm so passionate about this topic.

Home health aides are vital to the health and well-being of many families in the US, and must be treated with care themselves. The work they do is difficult, tiring, and frustrating; and at the end of the day, the pay is often inadequate or unjustly withheld by unscrupulous home health agencies who hire undocumented workers.

Family members who provide home care for aging parents or other relatives represent another valuable resource that must be nurtured - not squandered. Family caregivers are by far the most cost effective means of dealing with a major health care problem in this country, but they can easily find themselves suffering from burn-out in this stress-prone situation. These people need our support and Congress and the Obama Administration must find a way to provide funding to help sustain the health of these caregivers. Some funds are available to pay for respite care, but I would bet very few family caregivers would have any idea how to apply for such assistance.

Let's hope that the health care reforms planned by the Obama Administration will recognize the value and support the needs of the family caregiver.

Sci-Fi meets "Little Shop of Horrors"!!

2009-02-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Lots of people dread dental appointments but I actually look forward to mine. It's always a learning experience.

My dental hygeinist knows I'm passionate about patient compliance and she shared the "latest" drug delivery method that she learned about recently. It's a Doozie!

Apparently, some geniuses have developed a new dental implant as a method of delivering drugs around the clock. (We've all heard of the handy cyanide pellet in a tooth, but this implant is supposed to help keep people alive.)

As I understand it, this "custom made tooth/drug dispenser" has tiny slits which allow the drug to leach out into the buccal or sublingual area on a 24-hour sustained-release basis. This way the patients won't have to remember to take pills. He just has to have some teeth missing to make room for the implant.

At first blush, it sounded like a fairly interesting approach to a huge problem... but lots of issues come to mind. While this might work OK for one drug, what happens if problems occur - a side effect develops - and/or the drug dosage changes? Do they have to jank the tooth?

From my experience, the people who are most non-compliant usually are supposed to be taking several drugs throughout the day. Does this mean they'll need a full set of special drug-leaching dentures? Also, how does the patient get a "refill" - or refills! He's not going to be able to call the pharmacy and have a new set waiting - that's for sure! And we haven't even begun to address the COST!!!

Honestly, it's interesting, but this doesn't sound like a very practical solution to me. I'll take OnTimeRx reminders any day, thank you very much. Then my doctors can change my medications as my medical needs change and I'll still be able to manage very nicely.

Patients aren't Compliant - why?

2009-01-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

"I get asked this question a lot!" (a quote from Craig Ferguson, TV's host of the Late,Late Show)
Most recently (today!) I was asked "...which chronic conditions are associated with the poorest compliance rates?" by a healthcare communications agency in the UK. Here's my reply:

I have no robust data, as requested, but compliance is pretty poor across the board. I've spent my entire pharmacy career trying to wrestle the compliance problem into submission. Frustratingly, the main barrier often comes from the patient himself. Few realize or will admit they're being noncompliant, so they don't seek ways to correct a problem they don't think they have! Denial is so much easier. Just ignore it and it will go away...

However, from my own personal experience, I'd have to say that diabetics face the most challenges with compliance. Diabetes is on the rise in the US, largely becaus oebesity is out of control and has almost become a "growth industry".

These patients have "3 strikes against them" from the day they are diagnosed.

Strike 1 - Many diabetics are poorly educated, and probably never fully understand why all these things are necessary.
Strike 2 - Many have limited income, so they don't or can't eat properly.
Strike 3 - More importantly, their drug regimen can be very complicated and difficult to follow under the best of circumstances.

Sadly, many never fully grasp or accept the seriousness of their disease until it's too late., resulting in amputation of limbs, loss of eyesight, loss of kidney function... This disastrous list is nearly endless.

At OnTimeRx, we've focused on simplifying routines with reminders to enable organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, and diabetics because it's very difficult for them to manage their complex drug regimens. Compliance is important for everyone, and even a slight improvement would save billions of dollars every year. Ultimately, patients would be able to stay healthier and have better treatment outcomes. Win-Win!

I invite everyone to test our software reminder solutions and even the automated email reminders available on our website. Reminders really do help as evidenced by our unsolicited User Testimonials.

Here's to your health!

Gift of Life - Organ Donation

2009-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Organ transplant recipients have been given a "second chance" at life, but often find it very difficult to manage all of the medications they need to prevent organ rejection. I've been working with many of these patients for a very long time.

Just heard from a transplant recipient who is a Registered Nurse from the UK, and has been using OnTimeRx software on a Palm hand held device since 2001. David's one of many OTRx owners who keeps in touch regularly - every time a loyal OTRx user upgrades or changes to a new device, I get a desperate email.

"Help!! My old Palm died, and I've just bought a Windows Mobile smart phone. I need a new OnTimeRx unlock key as soon as possible! Can't get along without it."

In David's case, going from a Palm to a Windows Mobile (Pocket PC) phone, he's very lucky. He can upload all of his current Palm data to our OnTimeRx-Windows desktop program and download it to his new Windows Mobile (PocketPC) device. That simple process saves an unbelievable amount of time for data entry.

Does anyone know of another medication reminder or hand held application that can provide that kind of functionality and capture such user loyalty? I sure don't! It's very rewarding to know that this simple software program is helping organ recipients all over the world to live simpler and healthier lives.

Take a moment to sign an Organ Donor card. Organ donation truly is a precious Gift of Life! Please pass it ON!!!

Freedom and Independence - Every Day

2009-01-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

Freedom and Independence - powerful words to live by and very important topics these days - in more ways than one.

When your "days dwindle down to a precious few", where would you rather be? At Home or in a Nursing Home - DUH!!! That's a No Brainer!

No matter how old I get, I never think of myself as OLD or belonging in that crowd - a bunch of "old people"? No WAY!!!. Being in familiar surroundings at home is much nicer than being a "stranger in a strange place", thank you very much!

Most importantly, I don't want to rely on anyone else to tell me everything I need to do. I can preserve, protect, defend, and maintain my own personal Freedom and Independence. So Don't call Homeland Security on my account! Here's how I handle it all by myself and you can, too:

I use reminders for medications, doctor appointments, and all my bloodwork and lab tests. Really... for absolutely everything!

For my EYES! - Like a lot of older people, I have macular degeneration in both eyes and have to look at a grid to check for any changes in my vision - EVERY DAY!!! My husband and I both get a "Check your Grid!" reminder daily by email, which I scheduled in my online OnTimeRx automated reminder account.

For my MEDICATION REMINDERS - These are set up in OnTimeRx software on a Palm Z22 device. Every dose of my 18 daily pills is taken and automatically logged when the alarms tell me to. Like thousands of other OTRx users, I absolutely could not live without this software!

Even for my BANKING - We all have to be fiscally responsible and keep our accounts up-to-date. I just got a reminder on my computer monitor to check my bank balance online. That one is set up in my OnTimeRx-Windows software program.

These are just a few of ways I use reminders on a daily basis. I'll tell you about more in another post... but you can try any or all of these for yourself at: http://www.ontimerx.com

Time for a "Reality Check"?

2009-01-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm frequently asked to describe OnTimeRx automated reminders, and this is the usual and immediate reaction:

"What a great idea! My grandmother is always forgetting to take her heart medication. She could really use this!"

But when I describe the reminders to a grandmother, I get a totally different reply:
"Oh good gracious! I don't need reminders. I'm not that far gone!"

No disrespect, but.... "Granny" needs a Reality Check!

This is a typical and totally understandable reaction - even if it's based on an irrational fear. She may NOT be remembering to do everything as well as she thinks. Very few of us do.

For some reason, we all tend to think it's inevitable that someday our family will decide that we can't handle our own care anymore. Instead of doing something NOW that will keep that from happening, people tend to deny it will ever happen to them - until it's too late!

I worked for 18 years in a nursing home and I know from experience that most of the residents were placed there by their families when they felt the parent could no longer be trusted to take their medications responsibly.

Even though medication reminders seem like the perfect solution to the younger generation, Granny sees this as a reminder of a different sort and the "denial" stage kicks in and the barriers go up. . Basically she feels she's being told she's getting too old to live alone, and she will fight that to the bitter end. Unfortunately, it's a downhill slope from there, but it doesn't have to be.

Most caregivers are in "sandwich generatiion", the 30 to 50-something age range, and are very comfortable with technology. Why not try some reminders for your own meds or tasks first and see if they help. Then try to entice "Granny" to get with the program. After all, what has she got to lose but her "independence"?!!!

Matter of Life or Death!

2009-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Organ Donation - the Gift of Life! Sounds wonderful and it is, but...

A lot of people (even some who are on the Organ Waiting List) mistakenly think that once the organ transplant surgery is over and a new "healthy organ" is working, the battle is won! That is just NOT so!

Cold hard fact is: If you mess up with your medications, you could lose the organ, which obviously requires another transplant, or you could wind up dead! Not a pretty picture.

So... Organ transplant recipients have a special need to be extremely compliant with their immunosuppressant medications to lessen the likelihood of organ rejection. Compliance and adherence is no small task for anyone, but when you consider that on average, they may be taking 12 to 20 different drugs every day, it's especially challenging for them!

As if the shear number of drugs weren't enough to deal with, there's an additional problem added to that scenario. The dosages and the drugs will change frequently in the first few months after surgery until the doctor finds the right combination and blood level balance to get the best outcome. It truly amazes me to think that anyone could successfully handle all of that with nothing more than a paper schedule and a will to live!

That daunting "life or death" need for compliance served as the motivation for my developing OnTimeRx reminder software in the first place. We have many devoted users of OnTimeRx software, who are transplant recipients, and I hear from them frequently.

A new OTRx user, with a new heart on 11/11/08, wrote me this week to say:

After my transplant I was not looking forward to having to type in all my new medical information on my tiny Phone keyboard, so I was very excited to find that there was a Windows version that can swap information back and forth. Especially since my meds keep changing (I certainly must be driving my Pharmacist and my Insurance company Nuts). I had 4 changes alone this week.

By the way when I take my Medication lists into the hospital with me (For my Biopsies). The list has received rave reviews, with the Nurses and doctors saying they wished more patients had this.

As a pharmacist and the OTRx designer, this is very rewarding but also very frustrating at the same time. I also wish more patients were using OnTimeRx so there would be more organs to go around for the 50- or 60-thousand people on the Transplant Waiting Lists.

Where are the drug companies who make the medications that keep these people alive? Why don't they provide this simple compliance tool as an incentive to keep patients alive? How do I get this message out?

On TV, patients are constantly being told to "Ask your doctor if this drug is "right for you"?...

Each transplant patient needs to start asking if all of these drugs are right for me, why can't I get OnTimeRx reminders to help me manage everything? The cost is so little and the rewards can be so great!

Talk to your doctor about OnTimeRx and ask him or her to talk to their drug company representatives, many of whom have "disposable funds" to use for less worthy projects than this.

Let's create some "buzz", people! Maybe we can get more people to sign the Organ Donor cards and while they're at it, even help people protect those precious organs - by talking about OnTimeRx which will enable them to improve medication compliance.

Who needs High-Tech?

2009-01-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

When it comes to managing a bunch of pills every day... Simpler is better! There were some high-tech dispensing devices shown at CES, but "One size never fits all". When you consider the complexity and cost of those high-tech dispensing devices, y ou really can't beat the old stand-by 7-day pill boxes - especially when used with some kind of automated pill reminders.

A "low-tech" system is all most people need to manage even the most complicated drug regimen. This pill box-reminder combination comes in all "flavors" and sizes now, and they work very well together - no batteries or electricity needed.

For the automated medication reminders, take a look at OnTimeRx. Please... Try before You Buy - Free trials of all software and services let each caregiver decide if these reminders will help.

I'm the pharmacist and developer of OnTimeRx software and reminder services. OnTimeRx has been available since 2000 for Palm and PocketPC, and a version for Windows XP or Vista can be used as a stand-alone program or as a desktop interface with the hand held devices.

Microsoft selected OnTimeRx-Windows for their HP/Vista "SeniorPC" systems available through enablemart.com because OTRx-Win works great as a stand-alone reminder program for home-bound patients or it can be installed and used on a computer at work. All caregivers should know about these reminder tools and give them a try, just to see how helpful this kind of computer technology can be.

From my own experiences with hospice, I know that being a caregiver or home health aide can be very stressful. It makes a major difference when you're well-organized. So why not let computers remember all of these things and help everyone to stay on track and !?

Care Bears or Care Barriers?

2009-01-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

What if Granny lives alone and starts needing help with daily activities? How do you handle it?
OnTimeRx automated reminders can be a wonderful solution as long as all parties "buy into" the process and there are no "surprises".

It is normal to be concerned when certain things start to slip, but It can get pretty tricky providing for the care needs of a senior without seeming to meddle or take over. The health and well-being of a parent may be your responsibility now, but most parents prefer to remain very independent and want everything to stay just the way it's always been.

Here's 3 things you should NOT do:

1. Don't ask her if she knows she's missing some of her pills. This puts her on the defensive right away, and she will probably deny that this ever happens or that it is a real problem.

2. Don't count the pills out in front of her to prove that there are too many left. Even though her prescriptions are lasting too long and it's quite obvious, this will tend to be demeaning.

3. Don't simply start sending reminder phone calls without her permission. It's not a good idea to surprise anyone with automated calls. They may get even more confused and wonder why this strange person is calling everyday.

So what can you do? Here's 4 things that should help::

1. Do pay her a sincere compliment. Tell her how much you appreciate all she's done for you in the past and ask how she managed to take such good care of the family all those years. Listen - actively and quietly. There may be some real gems in her answer.

2. Do ask her if there's anything you can do now that might make it easier for her at this stage in life? Turn about is fair play! This may also reveal some issues you might not have considered.

3. Do discuss her daily routine and find out which activities she really enjoys. If there are some that are a problem, ask what might make it better.

4. Do ask if she would be willing to help you eliminate some your daily stresses. Explain that you've found a very simple phone service that helps you stay organized, and ask if she'd like to try it, too. Explain that the calls are automated and it relieves you from "clock-watching" to get things done. Suggest trying the calls for a few days to see if a reminder might help her routine, too. If she mentions reminders for medications, GREAT! (But don't count on it...)

Several family caregivers have found that OnTimeRx reminders work well for non-medication related daily activities.

Example #1: One very socially active gentleman lives alone and likes to go out dancing every evening. He takes a nap in the afternoon and sometimes he sleeps so soundly that he would miss his "dancing date". Not only was this disappointing to his dancing partners, it thoroughly messed up his evening. So his daughter scheduled a wake-up call every afternoon that says: "Nap time is over, Dad! It's time to go dancing. Have a great evening."

Example #2: A lady living in an assisted living facility was frequently missing her mealtimes. The family paid for a full meal plan, but Mother often didn't get down to the dining room in time to eat. The daughter asked for her help. Because Mother was from the "Depression era", the daughter knew she didn't like the idea that food was being paid for and wasted, so she agreed to get a daily call at mealtimes and hasn't missed a meal since, and she's actually put on some needed weight in the process. Win-Win!

Don't Remind Me!

2009-01-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

"When I forget something, don't remind me. It just proves that you think I'm getting old!"

A lot of people will flatly deny they need reminders. For some reason they think that's the same as admitting they're too old and forgetful to manage anything on their own. But that's far from the truth...

This is NOT - I repeat - NOT an age-related problem. Everyone needs help remembering to do things... I'm no exception, and neither are most of the people who may read this blog. I'm on a mission to help folks stop worrying and learn to "Fuggedaboutit!!!"

By learning to use some of the many reminder tools that are available, you can consider yourself "older, bud-wiser" for doing so. No more clock-watching, no more missed appointments, no more missed medications. It's actually quite easy to get your act together - at last!

I find that I'm much less stressed when I've assigned the task of remembering everything to a reliable computer. Those reminders are timely and non-judgemental, so I never mind being told what to do and when. (I've never lied to you before, why would I start now?)

I'm actually very proud of our products and services, so here's the shameless self-promotion part:

Please take a look at the simple software programs and reminder services available from OnTimeRx. These programs are patient-focused and user-friendly and were specifically designed to be simple to set up and a pleasure to use. With over 12 years of responding to user suggestions and requests for enhancements, OnTimeRx now addresses every possible scheduling need and reminder option.

We started out in 2000 with the Palm version, and quickly heard from numerous PocketPC users, who wanted the same program for their PDAs. The PocketPC version was launched in 2005, and then a desktop version for Windows XP and Vista PCs later that year. Now we're developing a version for the ubiquitous BlackBerry, and who knows... maybe even one for the iPhone some day.

Don't just take my word for it. Read the Testimonials and then test it for yourself. Try it - you'll like it!

Just remember... Easier said than done!

2009-01-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

After starting many blogs over the past couple of years, I still have trouble remembering to add content on a timely basis. This is truly odd, when you consider that everything I do is related to time and reminders. I should set a reminder to blog daily or weekly, right? OK, don't mind if I do...

A little background on why this subject is so important to me...
For 18 years I was the Director of Pharmacy Services at a 400-bed skilled care nursing facility in Orlando, FL. It was such a caring place and was so wonderfully managed, the whole experience was delightful and very rewarding. We received a superior-rating every year, and I used to tell people that we had such a long waiting list that I already had my name on the list. That way a bed might be available for me by the time I needed it. (I was only semi-joking.) However, as the years ticked by, the facility changed hands several times and I have since "unsubscribed" from that list.

As a semi-retired pharmacist, I have devoted my second career to helping people stay out of nursing homes and remain independent as long as possible.

Over a decade ago, I started my own company and became the developer of OnTimeRx, a software program that provides reminders for medications and anything else users might need to remember.