Mom's a Genius: Woman invents Pill Pouch to help prevent medication errors and confusion

(WXYZ) - It is still hard for Kathy Sitek to believe her simple idea is now being manufactured at a manufacturing facility in Troy. It’s called the Pill Pouch and the story of its origin is one many people can relate to. She was caring for her elderly mother.

“She was taking multiple meds and she was getting confused and we were having a conflict with it,” said Sitek. “And my mom, was actually 90, she was able to drive the car everywhere but when it came to her meds, she was confused.”

So Sitek came up with an idea. She made a piece of cardboard into an organizational tool for her mother. She taped a sample pill of each of her medications, and next to it she wrote all the necessary information for taking the pill; the dosage, when to take them, with or without food, etc.

“She would use it to set up her pill box, or if we went to the doctor, we took that with us.” Sitek said. “And it helped our relationship because she was able to take her meds and things ran much smother.”

Sitek knew she was onto something. So to help others she, and her husband, came up with the Pill Pouch. (watch video player above to see the product)

“It’s a medication management tool that helps you visually recognize what your taking as well as written information.” Sitek explain.

The goals include making more familiar and comfortable with what they are taking, so when pills are in their pill box, the person knows what they are and what they are for.

Another goal is to improve communication with your doctors.

“I have heard of people who take it in and the nurse just puts it right on the copy machine, copy it, and they are like, ‘OK, done. We have your [medication].”

The business is a family affair. Sitek's son and daughter left their jobs to work alongside her to build the company. With every Pill Pouch sold, comes a handwritten note from Sitek. So far, they've sold over 13 thousand Pill Pouches. They cost $15 and can be purchased on her website www.pillpouch.net and at Binson's Home Health Care.

The family is currently working with Henry Ford Hospital on a pilot program trying out the patented Pill Pouch with in-home patients.

This small product is making a big impact while continuing the legacy of a woman named Stella.

“Tells was a feisty lady,” Sitek recalled. “And so, I am really proud I could do this for her.”