Are you a senior who’s considering aging in place? If so, you’re not alone. One survey shows that 76% of people 50 and up want to stay in their current home as long as possible.
Or perhaps you’re a caregiver looking for ways to make aging in place safer for your loved one. Aging in place offers elderly independence, but it also presents more potential risks, especially when a senior lives alone.
Keep reading to learn about technology options that can make aging in place safer and easier.
Wearable Medical Devices
Falls represent a serious risk for seniors with one in four adults 65 and older falling every year. Other medical conditions, including heart attacks and strokes, can also be a concern.
If a fall or medical incident happens, a senior who is home alone might not be able to call for help. Wearable medical devices let seniors press a button to call for help. This can ensure help gets there faster.
Video Doorbells and Security Cameras
Getting to the door can be challenging, and it can be dangerous if the person at the door is a stranger. Video doorbells make it possible to see who’s at the door to determine if it’s safe to answer. Many video doorbells also let you talk to the people outside, so you can let them know you’re on your way.
Security cameras can help seniors keep an eye on their property without getting up and walking around. Many systems also allow remote monitoring, which means caregivers can also keep an eye on the house.
Automated Medication Dispensers
Since 89% of seniors age 65 and older report taking prescription medication, having protocols in place to ensure proper usage is important. Forgetting to take medication or taking a second dose too soon can have serious health consequences.
Automated medication dispensers can be set to dispense the correct medication at a specific time. Locking pill dispensers can prevent a senior from opening it and taking pills when they shouldn’t. Many automatic dispensers also have an alarm or reminder system to ensure no doses are missed.
Activity Sensors
Activity sensors are discreet monitors that can let a caregiver or family member keep an eye on seniors without physically being with them. The sensors can go on things such as the bed, cabinet, or door.
They track movement, and they’ll alert a contact person if no activity is tracked for a certain amount of time. This can alert a family member that the senior could be in trouble or need help.
Smart Home Devices
Mobility often becomes an issue in seniors. Getting up to turn off lights, adjust blinds, change the thermostat, or do other simple things can be difficult. Smart home technology lets seniors who age in place control those features from a smart phone.
Electronic personal assistant devices also come in handy. They can provide reminders, create lists, and control certain electronics in the home to make life easier.
Make Aging in Place Safer
Aging in place is the most comfortable option for many seniors, but it comes with increasing risks for falls and other injuries. With the right technology, aging in place becomes easier and safer.
Explore more options in our technology for seniors resources and sign up for our free newsletter to receive three free mother in law suite floor plans.
