6 Tech Gadgets to Promote Independence for Your Loved One
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a smart robot that could help your senior loved one live safely at home? The robot would help them get ready in the morning, assist with medications, drive them to doctor’s appointments, play music, keep them company, make dinner and clean the house.
Unfortunately, this robot does not exist yet. But there are many new, and even old, types of technology that can help older adults continue to live independently in their homes as long as possible. The proper use of technology together with consistent in-home care can ease the caregiver burden that many family members feel.
Here are 6 types of products that you need to look into for your loved one:
1. Shower Accessibility
Getting in and out of the tub or shower is a high-risk activity for seniors. It is wet, slippery, and you can easily lose your balance. A walk-in shower eliminates the need to step over a raised ledge and decreases the chance of a fall. This type of shower will become a lifesaver if your loved one is recovering from surgery or an injury. Grab bars and handrails add yet another level of support as your loved one makes these necessary transitions.
2. Automatic Lights
As we age our vision changes and it can become harder to see clearly at night. Automatic lights in the bathroom and hallways can reduce the chance of stumbling in the dark. You might want to consider lights on a timer, motion sensor lights or a voice-activated lighting systems.
3. Emergency Response Systems
Emergency response systems (ERS) have been around for years but have evolved to be quite advanced and even stylish. An ERS can provide fall detection, GPS tracking, and automatic emergency alerts. Depending on the system you may pre-program the system to call you, another family member, a neighbor, or emergency services in an emergency.
Smart watches can even be multi-purpose providing in-home monitoring of blood oxygen levels, heart rhythms, temperature as well as fall detection, and GPS tracking.
4. Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
The old thought that seniors are not interested in technology is not true in many cases. Today’s seniors are often eager to stay connected with the world and use technology for telehealth visits, therapy, and video calls with family.
Depending on how tech-savvy your loved one is, they may benefit from a laptop or may prefer a simple tablet such as a GrandPad with a user-friendly interface. Isolation is one of the greatest risks facing the senior population. Being able to use a device to make video calls can help a senior who struggles with getting out to continue to stay in touch with loved ones.
5. Voice Activated Speakers
Using a voice-activated speaker such as Amazon Echo, Alexa or Google Nest can be a sanity saver for someone with limited mobility who isn’t confident using technology. These speakers can be used to do an internet search, make phone calls, set up reminders, and play music.
These devices are hands-free so your loved one does not need to be able to type or even find the device to use it.
6. Automated Medication Management
Remembering to take medications at the right time can get more complicated as your loved one may have many different medications to take. Automated medication systems can be as simple as an audio or text reminder to take medications. There are also sophisticated medication dispensers that can be pre-loaded and automatically dispense the medication at the set time. (Hero is one example.)
Depending on your situation, these products can make it easier and more comfortable for your loved one to safely live at home. Technology continues to advance and provides more valuable options for aging in place.
Even so, there is no replacement for the personal connection and care of a caregiver. The well-thought-out pairing of good technology with kind, capable in-person support can help your loved one live independently at home while relieving your worries about their safety.
