Medical Compliance and Packaging

Key Benefits of Compliance Packaging:

• Improve Adherence: Clearly organized doses mean residents are far less likely to miss a medication. Each package shows exactly what to take and when, which is particularly helpful for complex regimens . This is critical in long-term care where adherence directly impacts health outcomes.
• Reduce Errors: By having medications pre-sorted and labeled by dose time, we greatly reduce the chance of staff giving the wrong medication or dose at a med pass. Compliance packaging cuts down administration time and mistakes – no more pouring from multiple vials for each resident or wondering if a dose was already given . It also prevents the confusion of old vs. new meds (since everything is organized in sequence, with no loose pills to mix up) .
• One Schedule, One Delivery: Many of our packaging systems allow us to synchronize medications to a single refill date or cycle. This creates a “one order date” calendar – all routine meds come due together . For staff, that means fewer separate orders and a predictable schedule. It streamlines workflow and inventory – you receive one consolidated package per resident covering, say, a 28-day supply for all their meds.

Our Packaging Options: Custom Care provides multiple formats, letting you choose what works best for your environment (and we can even mix formats for different needs). Our main compliance packaging solutions include:

• Multi-Dose Strip Packs (Custom Care Pack): This is a state-of-the-art solution where all medications for a specific administration time are sealed together in a single packet, arranged in a strip (roll) of packets. Each packet is clearly labeled with the resident’s name, the date and exact time to administer, and the list of medications (name, strength, and description) inside . We also include identifiers like barcodes for eMAR scanning when needed . These pouches come attached in chronological order – e.g. “John Doe – Monday 8:00 AM” then “John Doe – Monday 12:00 PM,” etc. To give meds, staff simply tear off the next packet at the scheduled time and open it – everything the resident needs to take at that time is ready to go . No sorting, no second-guessing. This format is fantastic for assisted living or group home settings where one caregiver may be administering to many residents; it’s fast and foolproof. It’s also great for residents who self-manage some meds, as the packets are portable and easy to keep track of. (Custom Care’s “Care Pack™” is our branded multidose strip packaging system – providing safe, convenient packets that give peace of mind to caregivers and families alike .)
• Blister Cards (Custom Care Card): A more traditional yet highly effective method, blister packaging places each dose in a bubble compartment on a card, typically organized by day and time (e.g., a 7- day or 14-day card with morning, noon, evening, bedtime slots). Each bubble contains the meds for that time. Blister cards offer a visual checklist – staff can see at a glance whether a dose has been given (the bubble will be punched out) . Our blister packs are labeled with the resident’s name, each medication inside, and the scheduled time. We also color-code them by time of day (for example, morning doses might have a yellow stripe, noon blue, etc.) to further prevent confusion . An advantage of blister cards is the familiarity – many long-term care staff are used to them – and they are easy to handle for facilities with med carts or medication rooms. Our “Care Card™” is an enhanced blister system that even allows portions to be detached for portability (e.g., if a resident is going out with family for a weekend, you can pop out or detach the needed doses) . We do not charge extra for specialized packaging like blisters; it’s included as part of our service, so you can choose what’s right for you .
• Traditional Vials: Of course, as-needed (PRN) medications, bulk items, or certain simple regimens might still be dispensed in classic prescription vials or bottles. We utilize vial dispensing for meds that don’t fit well into calendar packaging – for example, ointments, liquids, or a medication that’s taken only when necessary. We ensure these are clearly labeled with directions and any auxiliary warnings. And for PRNs, we can package in smaller quantities or provide monthly exchanges to keep stock fresh. Our process includes making sure refills on PRNs are monitored so your facility isn’t caught without something like a pain medication when it’s needed.

No matter which packaging option(s) you use, training is provided. We’ll educate your staff on how to use and read the packs or cards, and our nurse consultant can incorporate this into med aide training refreshers. We also maintain flexibility – if you want to switch packaging format or need special accommodations for a particular resident (say, unit-dose packets for a clinical trial drug or special labeling due to cognitive impairment), we can handle it. Our packaging is customizable to meet both facility and resident needs.

Bottom line: Medication compliance packaging from Custom Care simplifies medication administration to make it safer and more efficient. When meds are organized and packaged for compliance, your staff spends less time fiddling with bottles and more time caring for residents. Errors drop, adherence climbs, and everyone – from the caregiver to the resident’s family – can breathe easier knowing that no dose will be missed or mixed up on our watch. It’s one more way we uphold our commitment to resident safety and quality care. As we like to say, “Medication made simple means lives made better.”