July 25, 2022
Learn how technology makes it easier for seniors to age in place and which devices might benefit your loved ones.
“You are always free to choose what you do with your life. To make changes in your future, make new choices today.” – Brian Tracy
Choosing where to live in our older age isn’t straight forward. The majority of older adults would like to remain at home for a lifetime, but aging in place is not without challenges. Will it be safe? How about mobility issues or other physical limitations? What happens if an older adult falls and is unable get up?
The good news is, there are a large variety of solutions which make it feasible for older adults to age in place. Technology, for instance, is constantly evolving and developing, providing answers to the challenges which could arise as we grow older. Just look at several of these tech devices and how they’re enhancing life at home for older adults!
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring connects patients with their physicians in ground breaking ways: wearable devices to track vital signs, smart pill bottles with sensors, bio-ingestible capsules older adults can swallow, even electronic tattoos that can gauge the progression of pneumonia. It’s one step above telehealth appointments, delivering more in-depth information on a client’s condition than can be detected via a video chat.
Home Safety
Smart devices provide peace of mind to a senior living alone – and to the members of the family who care about them. Older adults can choose from specific devices that meet a particular need, such as a smart door lock, doorbell, or fire alarm, or entire smart security packages for all of these features and much more.
In addition, a smart speaker system such as Google Nest Audio or Amazon Echo operates by voice command, an essential component to a home technology system. The senior can simply say what they need, for example, calling for assistance, and technology takes care of it.
Whole Home Automation
For individuals who want to jump into technology with both feet, a central control system will allow for a variety of functions to be executed at the touch of a tablet or smartphone, for example, lights, security cameras, sensors, window shades, thermostat, music, Wi-Fi, and so much more.
Michael Miller, author of My Smart Home for Seniors, sums up the many benefits of technology for older adults: “Technology helps all homeowners, but especially seniors, by automating things that are a pain or difficult to do.”
Of course, a human touch is definitely necessary for independent and safe living at home, regardless of how many tech tools we utilize! Connect with Continuum, a trusted provider of help at home in St. Charles and surrounding areas, at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 for customized in-home care support that will help seniors live life to the fullest.