In continuation of providing tips and resources for seniors and their families, this article is devoted to providing you with five technologies to put your mind at ease. Below are great ideas for utilizing technology for Seniors.
Modern technologies are paving the way for our older population to stay independent for longer. With the advent of sensors, gadgets, and other ‘smart’ devices, our loved ones can thrive while their caregivers can maintain their peace of mind. Let’s take a brief survey of these technologies.
Location Devices
Through the use of radio detection technology, LoJack has developed SafetyNet, a device which can be used for wandering loved ones. If the older person gets lost, they can be found through the use of wearable ankle device that hones in on their location.
For those who aren’t fond of putting on bracelets or other new devices, there is the GPS SmartSole. This can be inserted directly into your loved one’s shoes so their movements and activities can be monitored. If the person goes outside of a ‘geo-fence,’ then the caregiver is notified.
Medical Alert Bracelets and Pendants
Medical alert bracelets and pendants have come a long way since their inception over 30 years ago. The response ranges have gotten much larger. There are some medical alert systems which even have a two-way communication device right on the pendant so that the user can speak directly with someone on the other end of the line without being near the base station.
Health Monitoring
Health monitoring is not simply a fad for those who want to know their heart rate and caloric intake, it’s become a vital tool for our loved ones to stay in touch with their health care professionals and caregivers.
The telehealth monitoring system offered by Philips is able to get a person’s vital signs and then transmit them via a secure server to a health care professional. The professional can then assess and make recommendations without our loved one having to leave the home. We are gradually moving toward the time where dime-sized chips can be implanted inside the body that can transmit the same information to doctors, caregivers, and other healthcare providers.
Active Monitoring
One thing which is putting many caretakers at ease is the ability to monitor and record their loved one’s activities in real time. By being able to watch what’s going on, emergencies can be reacted to immediately. iWatchLife is a service where camera ‘hotspots’ can be placed throughout the home. With this ability to monitor, the caregiver is warned of activities and motions which are out of the ordinary, actions which might prompt action.
We would be remiss if we didn’t also talk about grandCARE, a caregiving tool which claims that it is a comprehensive care solution. It provides caregivers and other healthcare providers the ability to monitor and communicate with the loved one (or patient) with an easy-to-use interface.
Medication Reminders
Forgetting to take pills once in a while happens to all of us, but forgetting to take them on a regular basis can be a sign of more serious issues. There are a few technologies available which can help people remember to take their pills.
The MedMinder has several options for its users, including a non-locked pill dispenser for every day drugs and a locked pill dispenser for medications that can be dangerous if taken in excess. The pillbox informs the caregiver if medication has not been taken.
There are many technologies available for keeping our loved ones safe and active. Caregivers want to have peace of mind when taking care of their loved ones. These technologies can help both caregiver and loved one stay connected and healthy.
Author
Charlie Kimball is a Chief Communications Officer at MedicalCareAlert.com, a Michigan-based company providing home care monitoring for family members who choose to stay at home despite medical challenges. She also blogs for her company.