Whether it’s ordering a meal through a delivery service or a surveillance system to monitor your home, smart tech for seniors is improving every year. It can be helpful for a care partner or family member to see what’s happening in real-time and monitor health from anywhere on a smart device. Nearly 90% of adults over the age of 50 want to remain in their homes when aging. Despite this overwhelming number, few are aware of how to age in place safely.
Adult children and care partners often provide supplemental care for their parents or spouse and help them navigate the healthcare system. If that sounds like you, you may be on the lookout for resources and solutions to ensure that your parents are able to stay safe while aging at home.
Helpful Smart Devices For Seniors Living At Home
Technology has become increasingly necessary when aging in place. And the good news is that much of the technology available now is user-friendly and accessible enough to help the senior population stay safe. Many smart devices and apps are much easier to navigate than ever before. Given some time, older adults can start to feel more and more comfortable using high-tech smart devices.
Aging can be complex if you aren’t aware of all of your options and what resources are available to you. Sometimes the smallest intervention can make a lasting impact on your elder care plan.
Wearable Smart Devices For Older Adults
Would you consider a wearable device for your aging loved one? If you’re overwhelmed with concerns of safety, finances, schedules, and balancing your immediate family’s needs; a wearable device might prove beneficial. Consider a device that is worn, that can track heart rate, monitor sleep, and provide geolocation. Think of scenarios where it can be helpful to have a way to alert a family member or call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Stay Connected With Video Calls, Reminders, And Regular Check-Ins
Another option is video-calling devices that you can ‘drop in’ to check-in can also offer some relief. Many smart devices have features that can call family members through a voice-activated virtual assistant, or do a quick video check-in. They can provide basic communication features with additional benefits like lists and reminders. You can even upload pictures that can be changed remotely in a slideshow on the screen; as a way to offer your loved one some comfort or a message of support.
Smart Device Recommendations For At-Home Memory Care
If technology or a smart device is something you are willing to consider, there can be an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. If you have concerns about wandering or elopement (when an individual with cognitive loss leaves a secure place), it may be appropriate to invest in an Apple Watch? At ElderHealth we have found a few features very helpful; such as a GPS tracker, voice-activated phone calls, Siri assistance, and its health monitoring benefits.
If your loved one forgets to turn off their gas stove it may be worth looking into a Google Nest Protect that’s a high-tech smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector with remote control through your smartphone and Google Assistant app. Devices like the Echo Show, WYZE cam, Ring Alarm, and SimpliSafe System allow you to be able to drop in and check on your loved one any time even if you are not close by. These smart devices are built for security but can also be used as a monitoring device. These security systems can range in price, but there’s one for any budget.
At Elderhealth, we want our community to know all of the supportive tools to help them carry out their wish to remain at home. Our goal is to help you stay current on all the available resources out there for memory care and share them with you.
When we started this endeavor, we found that technology wasn’t considered an important resource. At ElderHealth we have researched popular devices, used them ourselves. We believe technology has improved accessibility and it can be considered as a helpful tool in our memory care toolbox.
We have a wealth of resources to help you and your loved one on the memory care mission in our Resource Library. We all use technology every day as a way to stay connected. Why not apply it to your everyday elder care routine? Learn new ways to improve safety, keep communication open, and help those with neurocognitive disorders stay connected while living at home.
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Doctor Recommended Smart Devices For Memory Care & Seniors Aging in Place
Ring 5-piece kit (2nd Gen) – home security system with optional 24/7 professional monitoring – Works with Alexa
Put whole-home security at your fingertips with Ring Alarm, a do-it-yourself alarm system.
SimpliSafe 9 Piece Wireless Home Security System w/HD Camera – Optional 24/7 Professional Monitoring – No Contract – Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Ready to protect right out of the box.
Google Nest Protect – Smoke Alarm – Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector – Battery Operated , White – S3000BWES
Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector that speaks up in a friendly voice to give you an early warning when there’s smoke or CO in your home.
Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Smart speaker with Alexa | Twilight Blue
Most popular smart speaker with Alexa.
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular, 44mm) – Gold Stainless Steel Case with Stone Sport Band
Multi beneficial functions in one simple watch.
All-new Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display with Alexa and 13 MP camera | Charcoal. 8” HD touchscreen, adaptive color, and stereo speakers bring entertainment to life
Make video calls with a 13 MP camera that uses auto-framing to keep you centered.
WYZE Cam v3 with Color Night Vision, Wired 1080p HD Indoor/Outdoor Video Camera, 2-Way Audio, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
24/7 continuous recording, color night vision, indoor/outdoor, no subscription required, motion and sound detection.