This request came from outside the Alice Saddy group of supported people. Brenda, who has been living independently for many years now and has had some struggles with her mental health. She ended up in the hospital a few years ago. Since then, she has had difficulties accepting that she needs to take medications to assist her with her psychosis and depression. On medications her psychosis has been improving and so has her moods, but the problem is she keeps forgetting to take them. She is aware that there is a correlation between taking her meds and her overall well being.
She wants to remain independent and not rely on others to remind her to take her medications. She has tried setting alarms in her cell phone to remind her to take them but she becomes distracted and then forgets.
She is interested in an automated medication reminder/dispensing machine that she could get the pharmacy to fill every two weeks. This machine flashes lights and keeps beeping until the medications are removed. It will also keep forgotten medications securely contained so she will not “doubled up” on them. Brenda lives in a market rent apartment, and is on ODSP. Between her high rent and the cost of groceries, she simply can not afford the machine.
Brenda wants to remain well and has been working hard to engage in community activities and services. When taking meds, she meets her goals and is able to stay focused on being healthy.
The request was for $133.18 for the machine and 1 extra tray (to enable pharmacy to refill and deliver with no “gaps” in service).
We happily approved this request and wish Brenda a continued recovery.