Technology Helps Seniors, Especially Those who Plan to Age in Place.
Of course, technology often seems to widen generational gaps. However, tech advances can also allow better care for family members with special needs, including seniors aging at home. Gadgets can make the home safer. And, assistance from technology, unlike other forms of healthcare, has actually gotten more affordable in many cases. In clinical environments and at home, technology helps seniors more than ever.
Applications Where Technology Helps Seniors:
Fall Alert Systems
Fall alert or “medical alert” systems have come a long way since the first airing of the TV commercial with the famous line “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” The fall alert need is timeless, and now enhanced by GPS technology, smart phone alerts and fall sensors using acceleratometers. Falls continue to be life-threatening events for seniors, and these systems are a key security assurance for families. Top systems to look into include Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, MobileHelp, Greatcall Lively, Medical Alert, Philips Lifeline, LifeStation, ADT and Medical Care Alert.
Home Automation
Video doorbells, affordable camera systems, and garage door monitors are all useful upgrades to traditional alarm company offerings. With alerts and monitor access from multiple smartphones, families can assist senior relatives with home automation and security. From lighting to security to distance-care-monitoring, home automation will continue to advance the quality and abilities of aging in place.
Electric Mobility Scooters
A mobility scooter is a mobility aid similar to a wheelchair but configured like a motor-scooter. Scooters are a helpful alternative to wheelchairs, increasing mobility and reducing the need to widen doors and reconfigure bathrooms. Sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. A scooter is useful for persons without the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swiveling the seat of an electric scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most wheelchairs. A mobility scooter is helpful for persons with disabling conditions who are still able to stand and walk a few steps, sit upright, and control the steering tiller.
Electronic Connections Enhance Personal Connections!
Connectivity
Internet connections shorten the distance between family members. Communication and checking in on loved ones is easier than ever due to internet connections through multiple devices and even appliances. To assist elders, internet-enabled devices can be put on a shared home network, such as email-only devices, televisions, streaming media players and others.