New technologies are transforming senior healthcare. More specifically, new technologies are allowing seniors to live more safely, independently and healthy longer than ever before. If you want to age in your own home longer, take a look at some of the solutions below:
Medical Alert Systems
As seniors age, they become more likely to experience a fall. A startling 30% of those over the age of 65 fall each year. Wearing a medical alert system gives seniors the ability to call for help in the event of an emergency, or to automatically call for help through fall detection. It has been proven to save lives.
Newer medical alerts are mobile, smaller, lighter, and often come with fall detection.
Here are some great resources, to help you find information on some great medical alert systems. We highly recommend you go with a 5 Diamond Certified emergency center and FDA registered equipment.
Smartwatches
The number one reason medical alert systems don’t work as well as intended is because they often tend not to be worn. This was especially the case when they were larger and bulkier. Some, especially “younger” seniors, would much prefer a smartwatch, which offers many of the advantages of a medical alert.
Similar to a medical alert system, smartwatches are attached to your wrist, have GPS, fall detection, 2 way talk and can be programmed to contact a monitoring center in the event of an emergency. Not all smartwatches come with those features, so just make sure you choose one appropriate for your needs.
Location Trackers
Location trackers can be especially useful to help caregivers monitor the whereabouts of loved ones with Alzheimer’s who tend to wander or get lost. Some trackers can be placed in shoes, purses, wallets, or in other locations that your loved one typically uses when they leave the house. Unfortunately, watches and pendants often get removed, and won’t provide 24X7 protection.
If wandering is an issue, you may want to combine a GPS location tracker with a door alarm that will notify you in the event it’s opened.
iPad
Isolation and loneliness are two significant issues the elderly face as their mobility declines and their social circles dwindle with age.
One thing we have learned is that new technologies are a great way for seniors to stay in touch with friends, family, community and even their healthcare providers. iPad, or something similar, given seniors the ability to video chat, email, communicate and play games with the outside world. It also gives them access to entertainment, news and learning opportunities.
If technology is intimidating, take a look at iPad that have been adapted, or simplified, for senior use.
Health Apps
Monitoring one’s health is a great way to get more involved in one’s own fitness. Giving mom or dad the challenge of 5,000 steps a day, or giving them an app that measures their heart rate, blood pressure or the frequency of their exercise, are applications that allow seniors to cost effectively focus on what will help them improve their fitness and quality of life.
Whether it’s concerns around safety, isolation, well-being or health, technologies are revolutionizing senior independence and care.