A Welsh government pilot has been praised for helping older people retain their independence through using “digital dispensers” that alert them when to take medication. 

Bridgend County Borough Council's social services have had 70 participants take part in the pilot over the last year because they were struggling to “safely manage” their medicines. 

The participants had issues including sensory loss, cognitive impairment or dexterity issues, and the two dispensing devices piloted are designed with alarms that beep for when to take the right dose of their medication “at the right time”. 

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The devices, called Pivotell Advance and YOURmeds, claim to offer “timely support” if a dose is missed by alerting family members and the council’s alarm receiving centre. 

The pilot found 80% of participants used the devices successfully, which reduced missed doses and medication errors that could “potentially reduce hospital admissions”. 

Welsh minister for children and social care Dawn Bowden said the pilot results “speak for themselves”. 

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He said the pilot demonstrated "80% medication adherence, reduced pressure on our care services, and people feeling more confident and supported in their own homes". 

"This is exactly the kind of preventative, person-centred approach we need as we build an NHS and social care system fit for the future." 

Additionally, 83% of family members said they felt “more supported, less isolated, and more confident” that the person they cared for was being supported “more effectively”. 

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The devices reduced the need for medication-related visits by family members, which the pilot said can help “unpaid-informal carers” to stay in paid employment. 

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board clinical lead pharmacist Thomas Sauter said working as an integrated health and social care team has helped people take their medicines “independently and safely”. 

“That independence makes a real difference — not just to individuals, but to their families, who feel more reassured and have reduced worries about daily medication," he said. 

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The pilot was shortlisted for an NHS Wales Award and Bridgend County Borough Council have secured more funding so the pilot’s participants can continue using devices as well as support new users.   

In July, a rural health initiative celebrated a year of directing Welsh farmers to their local pharmacy or GP for medical support.  

In April, a robotic medication machine was installed to help rural residents access urgent medication was trialled in Wales.