For seniors who cannot reopen childproof containers, what are the best tips for closing medication regularly?
Step 1: Push the CR (child-resistant) Lid and Spin.
These lids are made of two plastic outer and inner caps. The outer one spins freely; to open the inner cover, you should push the outer one. There are two ways of dealing with this. The first method is the Thumbtack method. I try to use this method as much as possible. It causes the edge of the thumbtack to pierce the cap. For liquid medications, you can use the “Toothpick” technique. It also works excellent with lids that have metal inside. Avoid handling objects with metal-inside tops since they’re usually toxic. You can also pry the outer lid apart from the inner cap. However, this can sometimes be tricky. You may harm yourself while you want to cut it off.
What is Thumbtack Technique?
It’s effortless to repair a cap that has both plastic inner and outer lids. Push a thumbtack with a flat head into the top. I assume a pushpin will do the trick. I use the ones with flat heads, which are easy, inexpensive, and don’t protrude from the surface of the cap.
Step 2: Press Down and Turn
It would be best if you place the thumbtack near to the sides rather than in the center. It may not reach the inner cap if it is too close to the edge, so it slips between the caps. It can be challenging to get the thumbtack through the outer lid if it is made of rigid plastic. You might keep tapping it in with a hammer or another tool. I’ve also noticed that rotating the thumbtack a little while applying pressure is enough to get it through on the harder ones. Place the thumbtack on the table with the point facing up. Turn the bottle over and slam it flat against the thumbtack. If the pressure isn’t even, it’s possible to bend the thumbtack. You can use three thumbtacks to keep the pressure even. Place them equally around the edges and push down on them with the bottle. Even if only one enters, the lids will get locked. The only cost is a thumbtack, and how much is it worth? It’s cheaper than a penny, and it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
Step 3: Press down and Spin.
You can do a few things if you’re worried about the tip on the inside lid sticking out: The most obvious one is, well, don’t put your finger in there. For the next step, use the “toothpick” method. The tip didn’t go very far in my sample. On other bottles, there has been a more extended point. I used a spoon to bend over the tip, and I succeeded. Don’t use your fine valuable silverware. Choose a strong spoon that you don’t mind scratching a little. You may also tap it with a hammer. You could start by carefully removing the liner. Insert the tack. Bend the point and place back the liner. Removing and replacing the liner is probably a good idea if you’re using this method on a liquid-holding container. It should protect it from leaking and may even keep the metal from reacting with liquids if you’re careful not to damage the liner. I think there’s no easier way to remove the liner. To lift the edge, I used a safety pin, which worked well.
Last step: Push down and Turn – You’re Done!