Using The Best Technology for Seniors Helps Them Age at Home
Did you know that 77% of adults 50 or older want to stay in their homes rather than go to a nursing home or retirement community? But According to the AARP’s “Home and Community Preferences Survey,” many respondents acknowledge that they would have to make changes to their residences to remain at home safely in their twilight years.
Whether it’s good memories, a desire to maintain independence, or a combination of both, seniors want the option of aging in the home they’re already comfortable in. The good news is that technology for seniors makes this a realistic goal for many.
Prevent Falls
Slips and falls are among the most common dangers for seniors living independently. These stumbles can lead to long periods of downtime and may even result in permanent injuries that impact mobility. While children can often fall down, stand right back up, and get back to playing, it’s not as easy for adults—especially as they age. Technology for seniors can help.
You can’t go wrong with fall detector technology. It’s an emergency monitoring solution that will come in handy if seniors have mishaps in the tub, kitchen, or anywhere else in the home. The technology automatically detects falls through observing body movement. Someone will be notified if a fall is detected, and help will be dispatched to render assistance.
There are also some low-tech ways to reduce the instances of slips and falls. For instance, you can ensure adequate lighting which can prevent a lot of slip and fall events. Another option is to reduce clutter. An overly furnished living space can present tripping danger, so decluttering is a good idea. It’s also smart to use equipment like canes and walkers for stability.
Facilitate Access
Stairs can be an obstacle for seniors with mobility issues. If they have a bedroom upstairs or a laundry room in the basement, stairlift equipment can be an essential technology. This will allow seniors to safely access all levels of their homes. It’s the sort of technology for seniors that can help them remain in their own homes independently.
It’s also good to remember exterior access to the home. Consider adding a ramp if the stairs leading to the front door are challenging. If the space permits, you might even want to install a lift that allows easy access from the garage to somewhere on the main floor of the residence.
Digital Technology for Seniors
Today, there is a lot of technology for seniors who wish to age in place, and it’s essential to consider all the available options.
Safety and Security at Home
There are many smart home technology options to consider. For instance, home security systems will enable seniors to feel safe in their residences. Equipping homes with wireless cameras, motion detectors, and alarms can offer a layer of security.
In cases where seniors wander outside the home alone when they should only do so with supervision, the home security system can send a notification indicating that someone has left the residence.
Another technology for seniors to consider includes doorbell cameras. These will allow seniors to see who is at the door via their smartphones or tablets. It’s essential, of course, to ensure that seniors understand how to use these technologies so they can fulfill their intended purposes.
Another vital safety technology for seniors aging at home is smart lock technology. This makes it possible to lock and unlock doors remotely. If seniors have caregivers or family members they rely on for help, they can give these helpers codes to access the homes. This can be useful if there’s an emergency. Of course, seniors should only offer such access to people they trust.
Help With Cleaning the House
Have you heard of technology like robot vacuum cleaners? Seniors can use things like this to help keep their residence clean. If they’re able to vacuum their home themselves, that’s great, but it’s nice to have a backup that can do a decent job cleaning different flooring types.
Technology for Seniors Works Better in Conjunction With Caring People
When technology and caring people come together, seniors are safer. They’re better able to age at home rather than packing up and moving to a care facility or community against their will.
Family and Friends
Seniors aging at home are going to need support from family and friends. Even with the best technology for seniors in place, human connection is essential. Families can use smart technology to stay in touch with their aging loved ones even from long distances.
In-Home Care
Seniors may also need some in-home care. This might involve hiring someone to come in once a week or multiple times per week, depending on the need. Getting in-home care can make it easier for seniors to age in place.
Want To Learn More About Home Care?
At AVCC, we’re dedicated to helping those who have earned us the liberty we enjoy. AVCC was founded by a registered nurse helping her dad receive home care as a Veteran. We believe the brave men and women who have served this country should have the option to age at home, and our goal is to provide them with the resources and information they need to do so. Get in touch to ensure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to.
