Yes. There are several good options, but true cellular connectivity narrows the field considerably. For elderly parents, I’d prioritize a dispenser that can alert a caregiver when a dose is missed—not merely one that makes noise at the parent's house.
Best options
- MedMinder — strongest fit for cellular caregiver alerts. Its dispenser has a built-in cellular connection (and Wi-Fi), so it doesn't require your parents to have internet at home. Caregivers can receive real-time text/email alerts and review medication activity remotely. It also gives visual/audible reminders and can make automated phone calls.
- Hero — excellent for a simpler, more modern experience. It automatically sorts and dispenses medications, and caregivers get alerts for missed/late doses and low medication supply. It can send push notifications, SMS, or phone-call reminders. However, Hero currently relies on Wi-Fi, so I'd choose MedMinder instead if cellular independence is essential.
- Livi — another caregiver-oriented option. Livi automatically dispenses pills and sends caregivers text messages when doses are taken or missed.
What I'd choose
For parents who regularly forget medication and may not reliably maintain Wi-Fi, I'd put MedMinder at #1. Its built-in cellular connection is particularly valuable because the caregiver notification system isn't dependent on your parents remembering to keep a router or app working.
If they have dependable Wi-Fi and can handle a very simple one-button dispenser, Hero is probably the more polished alternative.
One important distinction: inexpensive "smart" pillboxes from retailers often use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth only. For example, MOBI's current smart dispenser is Wi-Fi-based, so I wouldn't put it in the same category as a cellular-connected caregiver system.
If you tell me how many medications/doses your parents take per day and whether they have Wi-Fi, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 choices and compare purchase/subscription costs, cellular connectivity, caregiver alerts, and ease of use.