Medication reminders with a smart speaker and other smart devices

Reminders are only one part of taking medicines safely

The CDC’s medication safety tips for adults include keeping a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement, using timers or a reminder app to take medicines on schedule, following the label and asking the pharmacist or doctor when instructions are unclear. This page is about the technology layer. It does not tell you what to take, when, or what to do about a missed dose: ask the pharmacist or doctor, and keep their instructions as the rule.

Option 1: Voice reminders on a smart speaker or display

All major voice assistants can set recurring reminders: “Remind me every day at 8 a.m. to take my morning pills.” The speaker announces it aloud, and a display shows it on screen. This is the lowest-cost option, since many households already own a speaker.

• Use a general phrase such as “morning pills” rather than drug names. Speakers announce reminders out loud, in front of visitors.
• Place the speaker where the reminder will be heard: kitchen or breakfast table for mornings, nightstand for bedtime.
• Make the volume match the person’s hearing and test it from the next room.
• Set a second reminder 30 minutes later if the person wants one, rather than a single one that is easy to ignore.
• Ask the person to say “done” or tap the reminder, if the assistant supports it. This is only a habit, not proof of anything.

Settings differ by ecosystem and change often. See the maker’s help page and our guide to smart speakers for older adults.

Option 2: Visual and physical cues

Sound alone is easy to miss. A smart plug or smart bulb can turn a lamp on at medication time, a color change can mean “now,” and a motion sensor in the kitchen can trigger a light. The CDC also suggests turning on a light and putting on glasses when taking medicine so labels are not misread, which is a good use for an automatic lamp.

Option 3: Pill organizers with alarms

A basic organizer with compartments for days and times, plus an alarm, costs a few dollars to $50. It suits people who already use an organizer and want a sound. Ask the pharmacist whether any of your medicines cannot be stored in a pill box or must stay in the original container.

Option 4: Connected pill dispensers

These devices hold medicines in compartments, release a dose at the set time, flash or beep and notify family if a dose is not taken. Prices range roughly from $60 to $200 for the device, and some charge a monthly fee for monitoring or app features. Things to check:

1. Who loads it, how often, and whether the pharmacy can prepare compatible packaging. Errors when loading are a risk, so the loader should follow the pharmacist’s or caregiver’s checklist.
2. Whether it can hold the dosage forms involved (small round tablets are easier than large capsules, liquids or patches).
3. What happens during a power or Wi-Fi outage, and whether it has battery backup.
4. Whether the alert goes to an app, text or a call center, and who is responsible for acting.

Add a caregiver alert without a camera

If a family member needs to know about missed medicines, a contact sensor on the pill box lid or medicine cabinet can send a notification when it has not opened by a set time. Take the limits seriously: “opened” does not mean “taken.” Use the alert to prompt a phone call, not to make assumptions. Agree on this with the person first (see checking on a parent living alone).

Privacy and security

Reminders often reveal health information. Use a unique password and two-factor authentication on the speaker or pill dispenser account, as the FTC advises for connected devices, and avoid putting drug names or conditions in reminder labels. Review who has access to the app and remove people who no longer need it.

What to do when it does not work

• If reminders are missed regularly, ask the pharmacist about simplifying the schedule or adherence packaging; do not change doses on your own.
• If the person is confused about medicines or seems unwell, contact their doctor.
• For local help with caregiving services, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) connects you to your Area Agency on Aging.