Automated Medicine Dispenser and Reminder IoT System for Elderly Care

Abstract

The administration of medicines at the correct time is essential for effective treatment and patient recovery. Over the years, medication management has evolved from manual schedules and written prescriptions to electronic reminder systems aimed at improving adherence. However, many patients, particularly elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses, still face difficulties in remembering complex medication routines, leading to missed doses, incorrect intake, and reduced treatment effectiveness. Traditional medication management methods primarily rely on manual supervision, alarm clocks, or basic reminder applications, which often lack automation, real-time monitoring, and remote notification capabilities. These limitations create a need for a more intelligent and reliable solution that can ensure timely medicine administration while reducing human dependency. To address these challenges, this study presents an IoTenabled automated medication management system that integrates a microcontroller, Real-Time Clock (RTC), Wi-Fi communication module, LCD display, buzzer, and motor-driven dispensing units. The system continuously monitors predefined medication schedules and automatically generates reminders when the scheduled time is reached. Simultaneously, it dispenses the appropriate medicine and transmits notifications to remote users or caregivers through wireless communication channels. The integration of automation and IoT technology enhances medication adherence, minimizes dosing errors, and supports continuous patient monitoring. The proposed approach offers a cost-effective, user-friendly, and dependable healthcare solution suitable for home-based and assisted-care environments. Its implementation contributes significantly to improving patient safety, treatment compliance, and overall healthcare management through intelligent and timely medication administration.