High-Tech Solutions for Aging in Place
High-Tech Solutions for Aging in Place . . . Even If You Aren’t Technically Inclined
New technology for seniors is easy to use.
Have you had this conversation before?
“Mom, I think we need to talk about you living here on your own.”
“I’m fine. This is my home. I’m happy here—my friends are here. My life is here.”
“But Mom, I worry about you constantly. What if you fall and there’s no one here to help you?”
“Stop worrying! You’re my daughter, not my mother. I’m not in any danger. And I’m NOT going into one of those homes—at least not for a long time.”
“But, I can’t stop worrying...”
It’s a scene that has played itself out countless times in this country. Elderly parents who are gradually becoming frailer but who refuse to move into a retirement or nursing home, arguing with their adult children who are plagued with worry over their safety.
The tension arises when the children experience anxiety over the parent’s safety to the point where they want to limit their independence just to keep them safe, like an overprotective parent but without the moral authority. The parent rebels, not willing to hand over their independence and quality of life just yet.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 89 percent of Americans over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes as long as possible, a phenomenon known as “aging in place”—a phrase we’re all becoming increasingly familiar with.
In many cases, however, their grown children resist. And, oftentimes, the elderly parents themselves are privately experiencing some anxiety over their ability to cope. Maybe they’ve had a frightening moment on the basement stairs and wondered what would have happened had they fallen. But, they don’t want to mention it to their children in case it’s used as ammunition to move them to an institution.
Although aging in place research is limited, there is evidence that it will have significant benefits in terms of the social and emotional well-being of the elderly person, as well as financial savings for individuals, families, and government. In many ways, it seems like a win-win situation, if it can be made to work.
Aging in place requires the support of family, neighbors, and the community if it is to be done safely. House cleaning, gardening or snow removal, meal preparation, or perhaps some personal or nursing care may be required. If the adult children live a distance away, friends or neighbors nearby might be solicited to be the “boots on the ground” in an emergency or to check in at regular intervals. This responsibility can take a considerable toll on the peace of mind and the busy schedules of all involved.
And, even with all of that support, adult children, especially those who live at a distance, may still be reluctant to get on board.
Fortunately, the high-tech industry has responded to the challenge with a myriad of new technologies that can help ease the tension by allowing the children a greater degree of peace of mind, while parents retain their independence for as long as possible. Whether the children are worried about their parents falling, wandering off, or forgetting to take their meds, there’s a gadget for that.
Technology Tools for Seniors
Remember the days when the being tech savvy meant knowinghow to program the VCR?
There's no shortage of technology these days, but new technology can also be overwhelming and difficult to figure out how to use. However, technology can have a lot of benefits when you know how to use it. Check out these easy to use tools that are fun to use and have a lot of benefits.
Here are just a few examples:
Tablets
Everyone has a tablet these days. While Apple iPads are known forbeing designed to be intuitive, they can get confusing for people who aren't used to Apple products. Samsung's Breezie tablet is specifically designed for seniors. It has a simple interface that is easy to use and allows you to do allof the same things you can do on a normal Samsung Galaxy tablet. It can be customized to have the settings and apps you want and has a support service incase you have any questions. Tablets are a great way to enhance your brain fitness through apps, games, reading, and more.
Health Trackers
By now you've probably seen people with some type of fitness tracker on their wrists in place of a watch. But these are for people who run alot or always go to the gym right? Think again. A lot of fitness trackers cantrack everything from steps to sleep quality to heart rate (and they tell youthe time like a normal watch would). You don't have to run a race for these to be effective. These devices are meant to help you lead a healthier, more active life. Try one out and head over to an adult playground to see how you like it!
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
Safety matters, but you also want to be able to maintain your independence. Personal Emergency Response Systems, or PERS, allow you to call for help whenever you need assistance (not just when you fall) wherever you are. It gives families peace of mind knowing you are safe. Some systems also have GPS tracking which is great when someone is out and about and loses their way or needs assistance away from the home.
The Medical Care Alert Home & Away system combines all of these features and is small and water resistant, allowing you to keep it with you wherever you go.
Video Games
Who said you can't have as much fun as your grandchildren with video games? Many studies have found that people who play video games for mental exercise experience a boost in memory and brain function. If you have a Wii, you also get in some light physical activity as well. Grab a few games and practice and then challenge the grandkids!
Pendants and wearables.
Wearable alert devices, such as a medical alert system from Medical Care Alert, which can be worn as a watch or pendant or can clip onto clothing, have a large emergency button that seniors can use in case of distress. Medical Care Alert offers a two-way voice console and 24/7 monitoring by a human being who will summon assistance and maintain contact until help arrives.
Activity sensors.
A number of products on the market, Lively for example, feature a central wireless hub that interfaces with small individual sensors that can be placed on the fridge, cupboards, doors, or medicine cabinet (or worn on the person) and will relay a report of activity to a family member, so they know their loved one is moving around and engaging in the activities of daily living.
Medication reminders.
For seniors with complicated or critical medication regimens, but who can be forgetful, an automated pill dispenser such as MedMinder’s Maya can remind them with sounds and flashing lights when to take their meds, going so far as to telephone the person if necessary. The service can also be accessed via the internet by the family to ensure things are going according to plan.
Video monitoring.
A do-it-yourself, secure, cloud-based video camera system such as iWatchLife is a low-cost way for family to be able to see their elderly parents with their own eyes, in real time, without invading their privacy. It’s easy to install and operate. In addition to offering a live video feed that a family member can access from anywhere by phone, tablet, or computer, the service will also send real-time alerts about kinds of activity that the family deems important, e.g., the bedroom door opening every morning, or activity on a staircase. The family can log in at any time to see the live feed or a recorded event, and reassure themselves that all is well. Video monitoring can also help the family keep an eye on the personal support workers who come and go in the home to make sure they are treating the parent well.
Children of those who are aging in place should take the time to investigate the new technologies available to help the ones they love live a safer, more satisfying and independent life as long as possible. In the long run, it’s a win-win situation that promises greater quality of life for the aging and can be done in a way that will ensure the peace of mind of their children.
