MedsSync (Simple Medication Management System)

If there is someone in your life who needs support taking their medication, chances are you’ve looked into medication management systems like Hero. Not only are they expensive, they look clunky and clinical on your grandmother’s kitchen counter. This customizable pill box offers a tech-free way for people with memory loss to send their caregivers a confirmation they’ve taken their am or pm dose. Build trust with your loved one as they maintain their (assisted) independence and give you peace of mind.

This project was inspired by my experience supporting a woman named Mary in taking her medication (to make sure she doesn't miss a dose) and keeping her family updated. Sometimes I'm not always around to check so I'll give her a call. But if she doesn't pick up, I start to worry. I wished there was an easier way for us to communicate pill status and now it's possible with the MedsSync Notifier!

• Soldering iron & solder
• Wire strippers
• Flush diagonal cutters
• Third hand tool
• Small needlenose pliers
• USB A-B cable
• MicroUSB Power Adapter 
• Assembled Adafruit Feather HUZZAH with ESP8266 With Headers (solder-free option)
• Female/Female Jumper Wires
• 1 LED
• Tactile switch
• Air dry clay to make box and customize the button 
• Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Gloss (optional but recommended)
• Acrylic paints (optional)

Upload the MedsSync Notifier Code to your board. You should have a circuit that lights up an LED when the button is pressed.

Create a new feed in your Adafruit IO account, and name it "PillsTaken."

Note: If you need more instruction on Adafruit IO and IFTTT check out step 2-5 in @beckathwia's instructable IoT Class: Circuit Triggers Internet Action.

Copy and paste your AIO Key into the code. Also write in your wifi name and password.

Test your circuit's connection to the feed as seen in the example video.

Create a new Adafruit Applet and select the "Any new data" trigger. Next, select feed name "PillsTaken". For the output service I selected SMS (pro account) but you can select email for free. Customize your message and update the action.

If you're confident in your soldering capabilities and have the time, you can build your circuit with wires. If you want a shortcut, plan to use female jumper wires for minimal soldering and easy plugging into the Huzzah Feather board.

First, you'll want to connect/merge the two ground wires since there's only one "GND" on the board. Second, add a 100Ohm resistor to the (orange) wire that will connect the LED anode to pin 13. Now you're ready to solder the wires to the tactile switch and LED.

Tactile switch: the longer ground wire (blue) and the yellow wire.

LED: 2nd ground wire (blue) to the cathode and the orange wire to the anode. Note: I left the female headers on the LED wires but you can choose to attach permanently.

This section of the project is highly customizable. Since my current system with Mary is to place the am/pm dose in a little bowl for the day, I made a box to store the hardware and designed the lid as a serving dish for the pills.

When considering size, be sure to leave margin for the circuit board and wires. Air dry clay shrinks when dried. The dimensions of this box are roughly 2x2x2 inches.

Be sure to include a hole in the base for the USB cord to pass through. You also may want to tape or glue the wires to the bottom of the lid one you pass the wires through the hole to connect to the board.

I used acrylic paint and recommend using Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Gloss so you can wipe down the dish with a damp cloth when needed.

At this point your hardware should be integrated with your pill box. Go ahead and press the button! Did you get a text? (It may take a few minutes).

Mary was thrilled when I showed her my final prototype. She loves the mushroom and finds the interaction delightful.

You can customize the button cap to make your MedSync Notifier more personal. Some ideas include your loved one’s favorite flower, food, or pet. Once you’ve had a chance to make and test this project, I would love to hear how this system works out for you!