Unlike millennials, seniors grew up in the years after the technology boom. Despite the fact that older people are new to technology, recent developments significantly help to improve elder care. Technology is accessible, convenient and increases the quality of life for seniors in a multitude of ways.
1. Virtual Communities
Virtual retirement communities are an affordable way for seniors to connect with others. With an annual price tag of $450 for individuals and up to $600 for couples, older folks can enjoy a wealth of assistance from staff members who organize services and provide assistance to members.
In order to participate in a virtual retirement community, seniors must have their own housing and access to the internet. Senior members receive assistance with doctor’s appointments, help with applying for benefits, transportation and may even join organized group trips.
2. Apps
Given the plethora of available apps, seniors may wonder how they got along without them. Apps are useful to seniors who experience forgetfulness, require medication reminders or need basic medical care. Most apps are free, making them readily accessible to seniors on a fixed income.
Seniors who take multiple medications are supported by medication reminder apps that nudge pill takers to ingest their scheduled medicines on time. Blood pressure monitors also track other vital statistics, which may then be shared with the senior’s medical doctor.
An absolute must-have for older folks who tend to get lost is the medical alert app on a smartphone. Rather than wear an alert, a simple press of a button on a smartphone will send an immediate signal for help and the senior’s current location to pre-designated contacts.
Seniors’ medical details stay organized via apps designed to track health information. Physician contacts, medication schedules, medical histories and details about health conditions are kept in one digital place. During a health emergency, the seniors’ medical information can be accessed immediately.
3. Wearable Technology
Fall-detection watches are available to monitor when seniors experience a fall. Upon detecting a fall, an alert is sent to either emergency services, family members or caregivers. The smart watches also track vital signs (including heart and respiratory rates), sleep quality and physical activity levels.
4. Tablets
Tablets are handy devices that can support seniors every day. Aside from using the tablet to reap the many benefits of joining a retirement community, aging adults can learn to use the device to stimulate and exercise their minds, remain social and be thoroughly entertained.
Seniors play games on lightweight tablets, keeping brain functions nimble and senses alert. Rather than sit at a clunky desktop computer, seniors may use tablets anywhere in the home to chat with grandchildren. Ebooks read on tablets keep seniors immersed in the world of stories.
The upfront cost of the tablet is the only major expense seniors on a budget pay in order to experience the numerous benefits offered by tablet technology. Loneliness and isolation become a rare occurrence as aging adults have access to social media, news and diversions at their fingertips.
5. Food Delivery
Due to health conditions, many older people are reluctant to drive. Until food delivery services made a big splash, getting to the grocery store regularly was a challenge for immobile seniors. With the advent of food subscription services, aging adults may have ingredients and recipes delivered to their doorstep.
Seniors with dietary restrictions benefit enormously when they opt for food delivery services that specialize in healthy eating. Older home cooks have at least a dozen reliable services from which to choose. Keep in mind that consumers will pay premium dollars for food subscription services.
6. Assistive Technology
Immobile seniors who spend their days at home can feel secure with assistive technology devices. Also known as adaptive devices, assistive technology allows seniors to continue to live independently in their own home. Incorporating assistive technology is more cost-efficient than paying for home health care.
Smart home modifications that make seniors’ lives easier include grab bars in the bathroom, ramps for wheelchair access and mobility aids, like a stair elevator. Additional assistive technology devices that seniors benefit from include voice-controlled light switches, entertainment systems and thermostats.
7. Robotic Pets
While pets bring joy into an individual’s life, they are an enormous responsibility. Older folks who would like to own a pet but lack the resources and stamina to care for one can turn to robotic pets. Programmed robotic cats and dogs offer invaluable companionship and engagement to seniors.
Robotic cats sense touch and will roll over and purr. Robotic companions simulate real-life dogs and cats, promoting calm, happiness and delight in their senior pet owners. The most practical benefit is that these robotic pets do not require ongoing food and medical expenses.
8. Internet
Older adults may scour the internet for help paying for senior care. The elderly are no longer subject to finding transportation to visit the Medicare office. Instead, information about Medicare coverage is available online. The National Council on Aging’s website also provides details about support programs.
The internet also offers a wealth of valuable information about senior care services, like those from the reputable home care agency Assisting Hands Home Care. Staffed with a team of qualified and experienced caregivers, our home care agency delivers the most reliable elder care in the area.
Our comprehensive, non-medical home health care services are designed to provide our elder care recipients with daily assistance at home. Compassionate caregivers provide discreet help with bathing, incontinence care and dressing, among a range of additional personal care services that technology cannot replace.
Optimum care for your aging loved one may be achieved through incorporating both technology and the compassionate support from Assisting Hands Home Care. Often, there is no substitute for the personal attention and customized care our dedicated caregivers provide to each of our senior care recipients.
While technology is vital, skilled in-home caregivers promote dignity and an overall higher quality of life for seniors. A helping hand can be found from the licensed, bonded and insured caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Naperville, Illinois.
