Having an ageing member in the family can be stressful, especially when you and other members have a hectic schedule. You are always concerned about how your elderly loved ones are doing alone at home, while you are away working or doing something important.
Now, how can you get that peace of mind that they are safe by themselves? How do you help them keep their dependence at the same time?
Aside from having someone to come to your home and help them with their activities of daily living (ADLs), you should take advantage of technological advancements that are designed to make aged care much easier.
Here are technologies that help seniors live at home comfortably and conveniently:
Home monitoring system
By installing this system at home, you will be able to monitor your aged loved ones’ daily activities and receive alerts when there is something wrong. Stay updated with your seniors and never miss a moment with this state-of-the-art equipment even if you are away. Knowing your seniors are safe and secure gives you peace of mind like no other.
Typically, a home monitoring system uses a set of sensors, such as motion and leak detectors, which are placed strategically all over your house. Some even include communication features, such as phone reminders and text messages, which are very helpful when you are away.
Medication management device
According to a paper published by the Medical Journal of Australia, almost half of the ageing population in the country take five or more medicines of any type in a span of 24 hours. This can be difficult to track, especially when your loved ones are suffering from memory-related problems.
With medication management technologies, such as smart pill dispensers, it will be easier for your ageing loved ones to take the right medications at the appropriate times of the day. There are also apps that notify you in case they forget to do it.
Personal emergency response system (PERS)
A PERS, or sometimes called the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” alert system will notify a caregiver or anyone synced with the system that your loved ones need immediate assistance. It is a life-saver in emergency situations. For example, this system will be useful in case they slip, fall, or experience medical distress.
With the use of sensors, the system can even be set to send help immediately in case your loved ones can’t push the button themselves. Seniors are prone to injury and providing them with the means to call for help is a good countermeasure. Making use of technology to help seniors call for help is definitely worth the trouble.
Smart fall guard
Older people who have mobility issues are prone to nasty falls. In worst cases, they can’t get back up and call for assistance. This is where smart fall guards come in handy.
You can install these devices on your loved ones’ beds and chairs. After securing the guard, once they leave, the system will send you an alert. This gives you a heads-up to check on them before a serious fall happens.
Global positioning system (GPS) tracker
Make no mistake—there are times when your seniors will wander and get lost, especially if they are suffering from memory problems. Now, a GPS tracker enables you to find them quickly in case they do get lost.
It is common for seniors to wander off and if they cannot remember which way is home, then they might be in a lot of trouble. The need to locate them as soon as possible is tremendous. The failure to do so could result in serious injuries or even death. Having a GPS tracker in hand will help ensure that you avoid these unfavourable situations. This gives you peace of mind even if you are away.
Senior citizen assistive device
There are assistive devices specifically designed to help seniors stay safe while moving from one area to another. The most useful of these devices are stair lifts, mobility scooters, and power wheelchairs. Make the life of your aging loved ones easier by providing them with such convenient devices for their well-being and also for your peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Having your elderly loved ones use two or more of the technologies mentioned above is a massive step forward in ensuring their safety, convenience, and comfort at home. Especially when they are alone at certain times of the day, these devices can be a life-saver.
So, do you think that the technologies mentioned above are necessary for your situation? Technology keeps on evolving and making use of state-of-the-art technology to assist seniors in their activities of daily living is worth all the hassle. Start investing now for the safety and security of your aging loved ones, especially if you are not around to do the monitoring constantly.
Author Bio:
Marley Smith is a health blogger about conditions that affect a person in the later years, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Aside from this, he is an ardent advocate of high-quality aged care in Australia. He believes that older people should live happily, whether they choose to age in place or in modern facilities, such as Arcare. Visit website for more details about Arcare.