While no one enjoys having to take medicine, in fact many Americans go out of their way to not take it.

According to the American Medical Association, roughly a quarter of new prescriptions are never filled, while patients flat out avoid taking medications about 50 percent of the time. This is what’s known as “non-adherence,” and it has consequences:

• About 25 percent of all nursing home admissions are due to people not taking the proper medications.
• Avoidable healthcare costs in the United States add up to $213 billion. Of that amount, $105 billion are costs associated with people not taking their medication.
• Non-adherence leads to 125,000 deaths every year.

If you or someone you love is worried about sticking to a medication schedule, a medication dispenser might be right for you.

By 2060, there will be about 98 million seniors, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging. As people age, the risk of falls, slips and trips increases. A personalized medical alert system can provide autonomy and peace of mind for you and your family. Here are some tips to help you choose one that best meets your needs.

How does a personal medical alert system work?

In the 1980s, there was a series of commercials that helped popularize personal medical alert systems such as Life Alert. But the technology has been around since the 1970s, first introduced as simple push-button gadgets that people could wear around their necks.

When the user hit the button, the device would signal a call center operator. Modern systems are still wearable devices, but they also offer the option of placing buttons around the home that allow for two-way voice calls with command centers. There are also motion-sensitive pendants that can tell if you've fallen and then call for help.