Vulnerable and elderly residents in Telford will be among the first in the country to have hi-tech machines installed in their homes to remind them to take their pills.

The battery-operated dispensers are an aid for patients, in particular the elderly or those with dementia or Parkinsons disease, who have difficulty remembering to take different pills.

The dispenser has an alarm which is programmed to sound or flash at certain times reminding patients when and which pills to take.

An internal cassette rotates and the correct dosage can be seen through an opening in the lid.

It prevents those who have difficulty remembering from overdosing or not taking enough.

The West Midlands Automated Pill Dispenser project is being piloted by six local authorities, including Telford & Wrekin Council.

It is the first such project in the country and council bosses, working closely with Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust (PCT), say it will help people to remain living independently at home.

It is hoped it will also reduce hospital admissions and recurrent ill health as a result of missed medication.

Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for adults and community protection, Councillor Jacqui Seymour, said: “Research by Birmingham University has shown that the dispenser can be effective in helping vulnerable people stay well and remain living in their own homes.

“The research suggests the dispenser is beneficial for older people and those with early dementia or Parkinson’s disease, and could be useful for adults with learning difficulties or mental health problems.”

Telford carer Shirley Smout and her mother Nancy, who has early dementia, are taking part in the pilot. She said: “It has given me real peace of mind. I used to be so worried about my mum, but now if I go on holiday, I feel reassured knowing that she’s not going to run out of tablets or accidently overdose.”

The project will run for six months after which a report on its use and cost-effectiveness will be published.

Also taking part are Dudley Council, North Staffordshire PCT, Staffordshire County Council, Wolverhampton City Council and Worcestershire County Council.

By Wayne Beese