People are more connected now than at any other time in history—thanks to advancements in technology. Seniors who embrace cutting-edge devices and gadgets benefit just as well as the tech-savvy youth who are born into our emerging tech society.
Certain recent devices can be simple to use. Ease of use allows even elderly individuals, who may be intimidated by the complexity of new gadgets, to seamlessly integrate them into their daily lives. We’ll explore the world of tech and how seniors can benefit.
1. Ease Loneliness
A problem that plagues the lives of many older people is isolation. Loneliness is the inevitable consequence for some elderly as their spouses, friends and loved ones pass away. Adult children also move away to start careers and families, leaving aging parents alone and lonely.
Recent technology is a boon for lonely seniors. Innovations like Skype and FaceTime bring the sunshine into an isolated senior’s dreary life. Via video calls, aging parents are able to see and speak to their adult children and grandchildren, though they may be miles away—and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Social media makes it convenient for isolated seniors to engage with others relatively easily and frequently. Social apps, chat rooms and online groups are filled with like-minded individuals who give seniors a chance to connect with people and discuss a myriad of shared interests.
2. Shop Online
Disability can leave an older individual stuck at home. Seniors with mobility issues may be prevented from driving to the grocery store or shopping for necessities. The prevalence of online shops, grocery stores and home delivery services take the sting out of being unable to leave the confines of home.
Fresh produce can be delivered to a senior’s door when they subscribe to online grocery delivery services. A senior who loves to cook but is homebound can place online orders from meal kit delivery services; ingredients are delivered, and the senior can enjoy cooking well-balanced dishes.
If a senior is no longer able to cook for themselves, they can rely on the help of a caregiver, through home care services, to prepare these meals for them. Their caregiver can also assist them with purchasing the food items online, carrying them in when they arrive, and preparing the meals. This is
3. Remember Medications
Seniors are likely to improperly adhere to medications due to forgetfulness or inattention. Rather than be sped off to the emergency room or experience a life-threatening crisis, seniors remember to take their medications on time with the help of medication management apps.
Apps notify the senior and family when a pill bottle has been opened, the number of pills removed and whether the individual has already taken the pill. Designed to also ensure older people refill their medicines on schedule, apps save lives and billions of dollars in hospitalizations and doctor’s visits.
4. Receive Medical Care
Telemedicine facilitates a physician’s visit from the comfort of a senior’s home. Telemedicine or telehealth is conducted via a microphone and camera on the senior’s computer or smartphone. The elderly experience a virtual visit and real-time communication with their medical doctors.
Scrambling to find transportation to the doctor’s office or missing visits are no longer critical issues. As the aging population starts to rely on telemedicine, their number of hospital stays decreases significantly. Videoconferencing through telemedicine has a markedly positive impact on seniors’ health.
Remote patient monitoring is another medical enhancement where older people have access to urgent care, primary care, and follow-up care by using technology in their home. Even high-risk patients’ vital signs, like blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar, are tracked by wearing biomedical sensors.
Equally important is that through telehealth, elderly individuals can remain independent at home and still continue to receive the ongoing medical support they need. Seniors who live in rural areas especially benefit from the practicality and convenience of the latest in telemedicine.
5. Live Independently
Smart homes are rapidly gaining ground. Appliance-monitoring systems ensure the safety of the seniors at home. Alerts are sent to the seniors and their families when appliances, like the oven or lights, are left on. Such systems also allow family members to remotely turn off appliances.
Seniors on a tight budget find comfort in smart home technology. Home energy costs are reduced by smart thermostats that automatically regulate heating and cooling. Older people no longer have to worry about forgetting to adjust the thermostat when they are not at home.
Smart assistants are essential for seniors who spend significant time alone at home. Serving as an in-home intercom, smart assistants are capable of making phone calls without seniors having to access a phone. Smart assistants are life-saving when seniors fall or require swift medical attention.
A smart home can be equipped with smart appliances, like refrigerators. When the food quantity is low, the smart refrigerator notifies the caregiver or family so that groceries may be replenished. Smart refrigerators may be programmed to order produce from online grocers on pre-determined schedules.
The amount of vital help technology gives to seniors continues to grow with each new advancement. Elder-friendly gadgets that can be used intuitively are the most beneficial. Older adults use technology when they know how to. Seniors who have someone to show them how to operate a device are more likely to be open to their benefits.
6. Personal Emergency Response Systems
Caregivers are often the first to respond to a senior who needs help at home. When the caregiver is not in the home, the next most optimal option is a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) provided by Assisting Hands Home Care.
A PERS through Assisting Hands Home Care ensures the senior’s well-being is secure 24 hours a day. While the PERS is backed by an emergency response team, caregivers provide the hour-by-hour personal care necessary to satisfy the daily needs of seniors.
Get Help from a Caregiver
Assisting Hands Home Care professionals are trained and experienced in providing compassionate home care. Our comprehensive services include assistance with meal preparation, bathing and transportation. We implement technology advancements in our caregiving services to improve the quality of your loved one’s life.
When the senior in your life requires reliable support at home, turn to DuPage County’s most reputable home health care agency, Assisting Hands Home Care.
