I love technology questions. As a care manager, one of my goals is to help my clients remain as independent and safe as possible in their own homes, wherever they are. Here are some of the latest technology strategies for seniors.
Smart Home Devices
Smart lights, thermostats, and door locks can be controlled with a smartphone or voice commands. Some seniors also use smart home technology to manage their daily lives. Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home can set medication and appointment reminders, and provide companionship through a virtual assistant.
Wearable Health Monitor
Many seniors turn to fitness trackers and smartwatches that can monitor their real-time health. Devices like the Apple Watch can detect falls, monitor heart rate, and even take electrocardiograms. These devices can alert emergency contacts or healthcare providers if they detect a problem, allowing for rapid intervention.
Telemedicine
Telehealth is an increasingly important resource, especially for those with mobility issues. Through video conferencing and online consultations, seniors can receive medical services without leaving their homes. This technology saves time, eliminates travel, and helps ensure seniors receive consistent care.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
Great strides have been made in devices for those who fall and can't get up. In addition to providing seniors with a direct line of contact to emergency services, the latest PERS systems include features such as GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way communication. Help is literally always available in the event of an emergency.
Assistive Technology
Hearing aids, mobility aids, and special glasses have greatly increased the independence of older adults. Innovations in these areas include hearing aids that can be adjusted via a smartphone app, lightweight, foldable mobility scooters, and even smart glasses (wearable computers with multiple functions).
Robot and AI companions
Yes, that day has come. Robots can now provide emotional support and companionship to the elderly. Though not on the scale of “Robby the Robot,” these devices can hold simple conversations, play music, assist with cognitive training, and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Home Monitoring System
Caregivers and family members can now monitor their seniors remotely using advanced monitoring systems. A variety of sensors track daily activities and detect abnormal patterns to alert caregivers to check on their loved ones.
Amazing, right? As technology continues to evolve, so does the potential for improving the quality of life for seniors. And that potential is right around the corner.
Lisa Conway is a registered nurse, certified dementia specialist, and certified care manager with Senior Partner Care Services (Viera). Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar called “Senior Health Fridays with Nurse Lisa.”
One Senior Place is a marketplace of resources and information, advice, care and on-site service providers for older adults and their families. Questions for this column are answered by experts in nursing, social work, care management and home care. Send your questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771.
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