As people get older, it’s natural to think about their ideal living situation.
While some are set on moving to a retirement or long-term care home, others prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. Indeed, for the vast majority of senior Canadians, staying at home has become a preferred lifestyle. In fact, a recent Home Care Ontario found that 96 percent of baby boomers want to age in place.
While it can be advantageous for seniors to age in place, there are some common challenges that accompany the concept. Of course, many seniors are entirely capable of safely living independently, but statistics show that health risks increase as we age. For example, the risk of falls is higher for over-65s and seven percent of the senior population need help with personal care. Family and friends are often happy to offer support, but this isn’t always enough to provide peace of mind. This is where aging in place technology comes in.
Aging in place technology is any system or device that helps seniors live independently at home for as long as possible. This can include everything from personal emergency response systems (PERSs) to automatic pill dispensers. These technologies provide reassurance to seniors and their loved ones, easing the pressures of aging in place.
Here are five types of aging in place technologies that are helping seniors stay at home.
1. Health Monitoring Apps
One of the most popular aging in place technologies is the health app. These apps allow seniors to track their medications, blood pressure, weight, and other important health metrics. This not only allows seniors to keep an eye on their own health, but also to share this information with their doctor.
These apps can also be used for things like reminding users to take their medication and schedule doctor’s appointments. A couple of popular examples include MyTherapy for tracking medication and Blood Pressure Monitor which helps you track your weight, temperature, blood pressure, and more.
Certain health organizations have deployed at-home monitoring devices that not only provide health benefits but are customized to care for specific needs. Devices such as BlueTooth thermometers, ECG devices, and pulse oximeters can be linked to an app to provide ongoing monitoring of critical metrics. These apps provide a real-time, sustainable option for healthcare practitioners.
2. Fall Detection Devices
As mentioned, one of the biggest dangers for seniors living at home is suffering a fall. Falls can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma, making fall detection devices extremely important for aging in place. These devices use sensors to detect when a person falls down and then send an alert to a designated caregiver who can check on the wearer or call for additional assistance.
Galaxy Medical Alert Systems is one example, and offers systems for at home or on the go. SecurMEDIC is another popular option:
This company provides instant two-way voice communication with its emergency monitoring center in case of a fall.
3. Stair Lifts
Stair lifts offer an extremely helpful solution for seniors with mobility issues to stay safe and independent in their own homes. These devices help the user navigate stairs, which can be difficult or dangerous to tackle independently. They attach to the stair railings and allow users to travel up and down the stairs with ease.
Completely customizable, stair lifts can be installed in nearly any multi-story home, regardless of whether the stairs are straight or curved. Many companies, such as Acorn Stairlifts even offer outdoor options. Stair lifts are generally affordable and aesthetically pleasing, and can be folded away when not in use.
4. Security Monitoring Services
Security monitoring systems can be a deal-maker for many seniors wanting to age in place. They provide reassurance for anyone home alone as well as their loved ones. These systems provide all the benefits of traditional security systems, for example, keeping out intruders.
Many also go a step further, for example, connecting to smart door locks, so that caretakers can provide access to certain visitors. A newer concept uses door sensors to help prevent “break-outs” in cases where there is concern over disorientation or “wandering.”
Some systems can even allow seniors to stay in touch with their caretakers and family through two-way cameras and speakers. SimpliSafe is one example of a robust security system:
It’s easy to install and includes video verification of alarms as well as 24/7 emergency response.
5. Automatic Medication Dispensers
As we age, it’s common for the number of ailments we suffer from to increase. As a result, seniors are often prescribed a variety of medications. For many, particularly those with deteriorating cognitive abilities, it can be difficult to remember which pills to take and when.
That’s where automatic medication dispensers, such as the Hero Health smart dispenser come in. These devices typically hold a week’s worth of medications and dispense them at specific times of the day. This not only ensures that seniors are taking their pills on time, but also that they are taking the correct dosage.
Final Comments
The majority of seniors understandably want to stay at home as they age. While there are some concerns associated with aging in place, advances in technology are making this option safer and more comfortable than ever before. Aging in place technologies such as those described above help with everyday tasks and health and safety monitoring, providing peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones.