New technology is constantly being developed that enhances senior care. However, caregivers must be aware of the latest gadgets and software to help their aging loved ones. If you’re ready to take your caregiving plan to the next level, consider these five types of technology that are beneficial for seniors who prefer to age in place.
1. Stay Aware with Remote Monitoring
Many seniors are capable of managing the majority of their tasks independently. However, it’s natural for family caregivers to worry about unexpected accidents. With remote monitoring systems, you can place sensors in the kitchen, bathroom, or other spots around your loved one’s home. The system can send you an alert if your loved one misses a meal or falls at home.
Fall-related injuries can make your loved one susceptible to several long-term health conditions. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a Green Valley home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
2. Encourage More Social Interaction
A senior who lives alone is at risk of becoming isolated, and even a short-term illness could limit your loved one’s ability to interact with friends. However, there are now senior-oriented social networking sites that allow older adults to find new friends and reconnect with old ones.
For families living in Green Valley, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Embrace In-Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
3. Set Up Alarms & Reminders
Gradual memory loss makes it challenging for seniors to remember when to take their medication. It’s also possible for busy family caregivers to get off track with their schedules and forget to remind their loved ones when it’s time for doses. You can use smartphone apps to send audible reminders to your loved one and other caregivers when it’s time to do tasks such as eat a snack or take medication. These types of apps can also be used to coordinate care among multiple caregivers by sharing a calendar with reminders of upcoming appointments.
4. Reduce Fall Risks with Automated Lighting
Many seniors experience falls when inadequate lighting causes them to miss steps or trip over objects. Today’s new smart lights can be motion activated or set to timers so seniors always have clear paths to the front door or bathroom. Automating your loved one’s home can also help him or her avoid having to get out of bed to turn off a light, since many smart lighting systems come with apps that can be used on a phone.
5. Use Smart Shoes to Address Wandering
The thought of your loved one wandering alone outside may be enough to send shivers down your spine. Many wandering incidents happen before families think they’re possible. While you should plan to have someone stay overnight with your loved one if he or she is prone to wandering, you can also purchase smart shoes with GPS tracking soles to help you locate your loved one if he or she strays from the house.
Although tech tools can be beneficial for aging adults, professional in-home caregivers can assist them with a variety of daily tasks that cannot be managed by electronic devices. In Green Valley, senior care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Embrace In-Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (520) 625-2050.