Have you heard of the sandwich generation?
Those raising children, running their own lives all while having some responsibility for their parents or elderly relatives. It might be from a long distance (overseeing bills, medication, medical appointments, nutrition and much more) or in close proximity – seeing them daily or not. Or you may just be the lone carer – long distance or close – living in or out. Or any other numerous variations. A stressful and exhausting situation. Phone calls not answered, strange messages left on answering machines, incoherent texts. A constant worry. Stressful and anxiety producing.
However, some assistace is at hand as technology has kept up with the needs of an aging population and offers some assistance making life easier, safer, and less stressful.
Technology Aims To Keep Seniors Safe And Connected
Most of us remember the Life Alert tagline, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.“ This was our first real introduction to gerontechnology, or technology for seniors. This emergency transmission device was the first widely available way for seniors to instantly communicate when they needed a helping hand. Today, options are almost unlimited, and there are many smart devices that can help you or your senior loved one stay safe and connected.
The Obvious
Citizens For USR has highlighted the needs of seniors before. We talked about long-term care, but many seniors in the area choose to stay in their own homes. Because of this, the vast majority already have access to a smartphone, which they can use to make phone calls, video calls, and search for information.
But despite the accessibility of a handheld device, a full-size laptop or tablet also makes sense. A laptop or senior-friendly tablet has a larger screen, making it easier for someone with visual impairments to read. If you do not currently have anything larger than a phone, you can invest in new technology by shopping online for the best prices. Most new tablets and laptops already have webcams and communication apps built in.
Smart Home Helpers
Smart home technology goes far beyond controlling lights and temperature. Seniors should be encouraged to utilize tools — such as smart refrigerators and security devices — to help their families provide care. A smart refrigerator, for example, is remotely accessible — meaning that children, grandchildren, and other caretakers can easily see what food the senior has or doesn’t have. This can help them identify possible nutrition issues.
A home security system is another passive communication device that will allow friends and family to keep up with what’s going on in a senior’s life. Ring, a popular video doorbell/security camera, allows shared users to activate a live view of their loved one’s home or property. If something looks off, they can remotely initiate two-way communication. This is helpful in situations where a loved one is trying to reach out but the senior does not answer. Activating the camera will show if something is wrong or if the senior is simply busy living their best retirement years.
Specialized Care
In addition to visual and audio communication, there are plenty of devices that allow caretakers to keep track of their senior’s needs. Home Care online magazine mentions GrandCare and BeClose. Both of these devices sense movement and alert caregivers if there is a change in normal activity.
Seniors can also utilize smart medication dispensers, diabetes monitoring equipment, and blood pressure monitors to collect, store, and distribute health information to their loved ones.
Benefits Of Tech
In addition to keeping tabs on your loved one’s health, there are plenty of other benefits of technology for seniors. These include:
- Access to remote medical care. Telemedicine allows a senior to contact their healthcare provider for minor issues. This reduces the reliance on transportation and may eliminate any unnecessary doctor’s visits.
- Socialization. Smart technology, including texting and video chatting, keeps seniors socially connected with their friends and family. Considering that isolation is one of the top killers of our older population, anything we can do to increase the time they spend communicating with loved ones will only benefit their physical and emotional well-being.
- Convenience. Automatic lights, self-locking doors, and other smart technology makes life more convenient and eliminates the worry of whether or not many menial but important tasks have been completed.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever. This means that remote caregivers can best keep tabs on the ones they love, and modern-day seniors can enjoy convenience and communication like never before. Although technology is an investment, it is one that, when utilized correctly, will offer the best return of all: peace of mind.
Citizens For USR wants to ensure that our community stays that way, a community. Keep an eye for updates.
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