UKDW Students Develop Automated Medication Reminder System for the Elderly
YOGYAKARTA — Managing elderly healthcare remains a critical challenge, particularly in medication adherence. Many senior citizens suffer from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, mild strokes, and liver disorders, all of which require consistent and timely medication. However, the lack of an integrated and efficient medication reminder and distribution system continues to pose serious risks. Most facilities still rely on manual record-keeping and rudimentary storage methods, increasing the likelihood of missed or incorrect dosages.
This issue was identified during an observational study conducted by a student team from the Informatics Program at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta at Panti Wredha Mulya, a local eldercare home. Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, four students—Nicholas Dwinata, Stefani Hartanto, Angela Sekar Widelia, and Ivan Roberto Halim—developed an IoT-based application and device designed to automatically remind elderly residents to take their medications.
Team leader Nicholas Dwinata explained that the project aligns with the Public Health and Nutrition theme under the 2025 Student Creativity Program – Community Service Scheme (PKM-PM**)**, funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. Their proposal integrates a mobile application with an IoT-powered device equipped with digital alarms to improve medication management among elderly residents.
“This initiative is designed to assist caregivers at Panti Wredha Mulya in monitoring and supporting elderly patients more efficiently. The automated medication reminder system offers a structured solution to reduce human error and ensure medications are taken as prescribed,” Nicholas said.
The app features a digital log for medication names, dosages, and schedules. It issues automatic alerts via notifications and alarms at designated times. Meanwhile, the IoT device offers both visual and audible cues, allowing both caregivers and elderly users to receive clear, timely reminders—significantly reducing the chances of missed doses.
The innovation earned funding through the 2025 PKM-PM program, overseen by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs under the Ministry’s Directorate General of Higher Education.
“We’re truly grateful for this achievement,” Nicholas said. “The team worked closely and effectively, with clear task distribution and mutual support throughout the proposal writing and documentation process.”
The team credits their success to the guidance of Danny Sebastian, S.Kom., M.M., M.T., a faculty member in UKDW’s Informatics Department, who provided both technical and non-technical supervision during the project’s development.
With this system, the team hopes to establish a more structured and efficient healthcare management framework at eldercare facilities like Panti Wredha Mulya, helping reduce errors in medication administration. They plan to implement the solution directly at the care home in the coming weeks. [humasukdw/tr.drr]
