When our parents were young, telephones were attached to walls, mail was only the paper variety, and if adult children lived at a distance from their parents, checking in on them was as simple as asking someone nearby to stop in to visit. If someone was unable to leave home because of illness or infirmity, isolation could quickly set in. Social circles became smaller, and faraway family members often felt helpless if they couldn’t be there in person to help. But life has drastically changed since then, and technology has evolved how we communicate and manage the everyday activities of living.
Technology for seniors has allowed for innovation in home care, and for those who otherwise might not have been able to handle living on their own. With the increase in smart technology, social media and interactive telecommunications programs, maintaining independence in the elderly is easier than ever, allowing for better connection, comfort and engagement than ever before.
A variety of new types of technology are now available, with unlimited applications for home care for seniors, from medical apps to enhanced social engagement capabilities. Not only can these tools bring peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones, but, even more importantly, they offer a greater level of freedom, more independence and an improved overall quality of life and wellbeing. Even if someone is home alone, he or she can still connect, converse and engage with those outside of their immediate environment. Not only that, but should a medical emergency arise, technology helps keep seniors safe and cared for. Here are a few of our favorites for maintaining independence in the elderly:
- Webcams: Placing webcams throughout the home allows family members and caregivers to check in on a senior loved one 24 hours a day. Webcams also allow loved ones who live far way to video chat with and visit with their loved ones “in person.”
- Alarms: Alarms can now be installed with cameras placed at a senior’s front door, providing a means to verify who is at the door before answering it. These can be connected to a computer or smart phone.
- Sensors: As with webcams, sensors can be positioned in and around the home to track a loved one’s movement. These are especially helpful for seniors with wandering problems. Most sensor systems can be hooked up to a TV or computer with an internet connection.
- Medical Alerts: These devices have been around for quite some time, but continue to be updated to improve functionality and effectiveness. They are worn by the senior, who can simply press a button in the event of a fall or other emergency. The older adult is then connected to 911 or another emergency response service. Some systems can even tell if the individual wearing it has fallen, without the need to even press a button at all.
- Automatic Pill Reminders/Dispensers: These are incredible tools for those with dementia or early stage Alzheimer’s who are still living independently. An alarm sounds, alerting the older person to take his or her medications, and the correct dosage is dispensed. If the senior misses a dose, a message is sent to the caregiver after a pre-determined period of time.
- Games: Technology has also given us fun, innovative forms of entertainment, such as those for the Wii game platform, which encourages physical activity, as well as memory games that help with cognitive functioning, such as puzzles. Games offer hours of enjoyment, but may also help enhance physical and emotional health. And through an internet connection, games can be played with friends and family who live far away.
To help reduce worry and stress when you aren’t able to physically be with your parents, and to help with maintaining independence in the elderly, Compassionate Care Home Health, a premier Michigan home care provider, offers a free in-home consultation to determine the ideal home care solution, as well as to recommend technology that may be beneficial. Contact us any time at 877.308.1212 today to learn more about our senior home care in Midland, MI and the surrounding areas. See all of the locations we service in Michigan.