Most older adults prefer to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their long-time home and neighborhood. In many cases, this is also the lowest price option, but there can be unseen costs. Is "Aging in Place" a benefit or a liability if you risk falling while performing a minor maintenance item, or increasingly decide to forego social events because you cannot comfortably drive at night?
Following are technologies and services that can help bridge these gaps, offering peace of mind to senior homeowners and their families by allowing ...
greater access to resources
improved safety and security
mental and physical health support
enhanced social interaction
increased mobility
reduced cost of care
Decrease Care Expenses
The expenses associated with care in assisted living facilities can rapidly exhaust a family's savings. Conversely, aging in place (at home) can significantly alleviate the financial strain by delaying the necessity for relocation. While home and personal monitoring devices can result in substantial savings, the financial aspect is just one part of the equation. By enabling older adults to safely reside at home, these technologies promote independence and enhance confidence.
Modern Smart Home Solutions
Conventional technologies, such as personal emergency response systems requiring the wearing of a pendant, are becoming increasingly uncommon. Modern smart home sensors provide more sophisticated solutions. These devices can monitor daily activities, identify unusual movements, detect falls, and notify caregivers of irregularities. Furthermore, they operate discreetly in the background - without the need for intrusive cameras - safeguarding both safety and privacy.
These devices can monitor daily activities, identify unusual movements, detect falls, and notify caregivers of irregularities.
Best Buy Assured Living
Best Buy offers a customizable, non-intrusive, sensor-based activity alert service (Best Buy Assured Living). This system enables caregivers to observe activity patterns via a user-friendly dashboard. Unobtrusive sensors, strategically placed around the home, monitor daily activities (or lack thereof) and notify caregivers of any deviations from the routine. The accompanying app also allows caregivers to oversee other aspects of the household, such as thermostat settings, lighting, and door locks, providing a comprehensive overview of the environment.
GPS Insoles
GPS-enabled shoe insoles, like the GPS SmartSole® insoles, can assist families in tracking the whereabouts of a family member when they are outside the residence. These insoles offer real-time location tracking within a 15-foot radius, sending text and email notifications to caregivers upon the individual's entry or exit from designated geo-zones. This additional security measure offers families peace of mind, ensuring they can stay informed about their loved one's location.
Smart Watches
Most smart watches include GPS tracking and two-way calling. Multiple makes and versions are widely available. https://www.alzstore.com/gps-tracking-watch-for-elderly-s/2180.htm
One limitation is the inability to ensure the watch is worn.
Interactive Task Calendars
Daily task calendars help stay on top of daily routines and reduce reliance on others.
There is usually a hub unit that can synced with sub units around the house, keeping current information in front of you wherever you are.
Smart photo frames are now even smarter, integrating calendar and tasks that can be set up by any member.
TV Add-Ons
Sometimes the the most helpful tools are those that add new functions to items we already have. Technologies like JubileeTV do just that. From helping you to troubleshoot TV problems remotely, video-chatting and photo-sharing, or just checking in or keep track of activities, it helps problem-solve, interact and monitor from a distance.
Features include:
App-Based TV Control - see exactly what’s on the remote TV and control everything from your phone.
Non-Intrusive Activity Detection - get real-time updates on activity, including TV usage, presence, and more.
Full-Screen Video Call - connect instantly with full-screen video calls that don’t require the other end to answer.
Simplified TV Experience - create an easy-to-navigate TV setup with easy access to channels, streaming, and more.
Photo & Video Sharing - share photos and videos to their TV and turn them into a personalized screensaver.
Support Networks
This is any organized network of services to help older adults accomplish the essentials for daily life and stay connected. Commonly termed "Virtual Villages", several nationwide companies currently offer such services and are rapidly expanding, but I am not aware of any yet in Colorado Springs.
Nevertheless, anyone can create an online support system. Lotsa of Helping Hands (lotsahelpinghands.com) offers an platform for organizing and providing
support for
transportation for shopping and medical appointments
social get-togethers and outings
attending classes
appointment companion
pet care - walks, vet and grooming appointments
Using a family calendar-type app where requests and tasks can be posted and checked off on a communal calendar can fulfill similar purposes as well.
HOME Safety & Security
A visit to a home improvement store will reveal a variety of "smart" devices for home security and management. These devices, when connected through a smart hub, support safe aging in place for seniors and convenient remote monitoring for active retirees and snowbirds. Here are some examples of smart technology for home safety and security:
Video doorbell systems like Ring Video Doorbell send notifications to your smartphone when someone is at the door, allowing you to monitor activities and speak to visitors.
Smart locks offer keyless entry and virtual keys for visitors, such as the Google Nest, Yale Lock with Nest Connect.
Smart lighting systems like Philips Hue and Sylvania Smart Plus LED allow for scheduled lighting and automatic adjustments for enhanced security.
Next-generation smoke and carbon monoxide detectors from brands like Nest and Kidde send real-time alerts to your smartphone.
Water leak detectors help prevent water damage by sending alerts and shutting off the main water valve.
Smart video surveillance systems provide live remote viewing and two-way audio for enhanced security.
FINANCIAL Safety & Security
Unfortunately, older individuals, especially those exhibiting signs of dementia and memory issues, are vulnerable to financial exploitation. It can be challenging for families to strike a balance between safeguarding their elderly loved ones' finances and allowing them the freedom to make everyday purchases like coffee or groceries.
SilverBills® (www.silverbills.com) offers a bill payment service that ensures bills are paid on time and scrutinizes them for potential fraud.
TrueLink Prepaid Visa® (www.truelinkfinancial.com/card) enables a family member to establish a threshold that triggers alerts and blocks specific payments, such as those to telemarketers or TV shopping channels. The card also offers a petty cash option with spending limitations for caregivers to handle errands and purchases for seniors.
EverSafe® (www.eversafe.com) provides specialized protection for seniors by analyzing transaction patterns to detect irregularities like missing deposits and overdue bills. Alerts for suspicious activities are sent to a designated "trusted advocate" via email, text, phone, or the EverSafe® app.
Better Health
When families are faced with the decision of whether an elderly loved one can continue living at home, factors such as physical and cognitive health play a crucial role. New technologies offer a range of solutions that can provide support, connection with healthcare providers, and prompt assistance for seniors who require some level of medical supervision.
Telehealth Services
The landscape of healthcare delivery has been transformed by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a shift from traditional in-person medical consultations to virtual appointments conducted through platforms like Zoom and Skype. Virtual consultations are now widely-covered by major health insurance plans, as well as by Medicare and Medicaid in most states.
Technological Solutions for Independent Living
Smart Refrigerators: LG, Samsung and other brands (www.samsung.com/us/explore/family-hub-refrigerator/connected-hub) are now equipped with a Wi-Fi-connected camera allowing members to remotely monitor and manage the food supply of an elderly relative, ensuring they have access to proper nutrition.
GrandCare Systems®: Visit www.grandcare.com to explore a comprehensive system that offers monitoring, reminders, and communication tools. It tracks health metrics and daily activities, while also providing entertainment features like video calls, games, music, and news updates.
VitalBand®: Learn more about this wearable device at www.vitaltech.com/vitalband-lte. It offers real-time health data streaming, fall alerts, geolocation tracking, a panic button, and voice call capabilities to keep caregivers and family members informed.
Smart Pill Dispensers: Explore options for medication management that include organizing pills by schedule and sending automated reminders. Consider systems like MedMinder® (www.medminder.com) and Amazon’s PillPack (www.pillpack.com) for convenient pre-sorted refills and reminders accessible through voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
Enhancing Social Interaction
Well-being goes so far beyond physical health and medication monitoring; social interaction is equally, and arguably more essential. Maintaining connections with family and friends is key to staying emotionally and mentally healthy, reducing the risk of depression and cognitive decline, no matter what your age.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite challenges like limited mobility and distance from loved ones, technology offers solutions to facilitate social interactions.
Technological Solutions
Smart Photo Frames: Any $50 digital photo frames allows for easy photo-sharing, but many now include video chat, the ability to send notes and reminders, integrate calendars and more. Of the more feature-packed brands I found include ViewClix, Skylight and Cozyla.
Grandpad®: A personalized tablet with a preloaded family network and communication apps.
LifePod®: Integrates a proactive voice system with an Alexa device for reminders and suggestions.
ElliQ®: Utilizes artificial intelligence to engage users proactively and reactively, enhancing daily interactions.
JubileeTV: Allowed for remote control of a TV, video chat and monitoring (fuller review above).
Robotic Systems in the Modern Age
The convergence of artificial intelligence and robotic technologies is a rapidly growing field of research and development. While there are challenges such as high costs, safety, privacy issues, and user-friendliness, significant progress is being made. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, upcoming generations are likely to enjoy assistive technologies that enhance independent living, provide caregiver support, and even social interaction.
If you are interested in learning more about elder care robotics, simply search "elder care robotics" for articles and news about the latest developments in this field.
Increasing Mobility for Older Adults
The ability to drive is an important factor in maintaining independence, especially in areas with limited public transportation (Colorado Springs is getting better in some ways, but remains public transportation for seniors remains quite limited.) While services like Lyft and Uber help, older adults without smartphones may face challenges in using these options.
Fortunately, platforms like GoGoGrandparent (gogograndparent.com) serve as intermediaries, allowing family members to arrange Lyft and Uber rides. This service enables easy booking and provides text alerts for both pickup and drop-off.
Looking ahead, transportation alternatives may include self-driving vehicles. How far ahead - we just don't yet know. While fully-autonomous vehicles are in development, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration predicts that self-driving cars are still some years away.
All in all, there are many helpful technologies and innovations to help us continue to enjoy the freedom and pleasures of living in our treasured abodes in greater safety and comfort than ever. In all times of life, it's beneficial to be curious - explore, experiment, and grow. You may just find it's the key to an interesting and long life.
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