How Can Technology Help a Loved One in Aging in Place?
There’s no denying that caring for others is a demanding task. Luckily, there are a growing number of devices and technologies available to assist older individuals with aging in place. Here are a few tech solutions that might be useful.
SMART HOME
Investing in a smart home with seamlessly incorporated sensors might go a long way toward assisting your loved ones in living in their house as they age. Smart home technology encompasses anything from smart stoves that turn off automatically to sensors that regulate the climate, detect fire and flooding, and monitor carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels.
Many smart houses include motion sensors that turn on lights instantly. They can also notify caretakers if a resident has been immobile for a long period of time
Smart sensors have the advantage of collecting and processing data while people move around the house. Some smart sensors can even detect dementia development by watching a senior’s activity and alerting carers to any odd behavior.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS
A personal emergency response system (PERS) can be a lifesaver for many elderly people who live alone, ensuring that they receive assistance in the case of a fall, slip, or other medical emergencies.
PERS are lightweight pendants or bracelets that your loved one may wear while going about their daily routine. Some devices need elders to push a button to ask for help, while others activate immediately when a fall is detected.
WEARABLES
Wearable gadgets like watches, smart activity trackers, and smart clothing can monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. Gadgets like these immediately notify patients, family members, and physicians if readings go alarmingly low or high.
Sensors detect things by emitting ultrasonic waves that can be attached to clothes or woven into vests to assist persons with impaired vision that helps them move around safely. Another advantage of wearables is that they can help you to keep an eye on your loved one without being intrusive, such as by putting Smart Soles, a GPS-enabled orthotic, into their shoes.
VIRTUAL MEDICINE
Anyone who is aging in place needs to be as healthy as possible. Patients can connect with healthcare practitioners from home using two-way video calling technology thanks to telemedicine.
This removes the need for elders and their caregivers to go to clinics or medical offices, making it easier for them to maintain their health.
MEDICATION REMINDERS
Your loved one, like many older individuals, may have a large prescription medication cabinet. Taking a variety of medicines at various times during the day may be difficult for anybody, let alone someone with dementia.
Medicine reminders can help by informing them and/or you when it’s time to take medication and keeping track of missed doses. A specialized setup, such as a pillbox that vibrates when it’s time to take medications or one of the many smartphone applications that send out automated alerts when it’s time to take the next dose, are two options.
Aging in place can be very tough for some people, but it can be done. Help your senior loved one age at home by following this guide, this will make the process easier and make sure to establish the proper network of support around them.
Make some home improvements to give you peace of mind that they are going to be safe. You can also count on Encircle Life to make aging in place easier. We provide senior transition services and empower seniors to live well. Contact us for more information.
