According to AARP, nearly 90 percent of adults over 65 want to remain in their current homes as they grow older. But, with living independently there are some concerns one’s caretakers may worry about. With Smart Home devices on the rise, there are several that can be beneficial to ease a loved one’s mind.
Safety
Having an elderly loved one living independently can be scary, with the help of technological advancements such as the Arrival Sensor Key, it can help you alleviate the constant worry of the safety of your loved ones. Arrival Sensor Key is a small device that can be attached to a key chain, necklace, or even placed inside a purse or handbag. This device lets you stay connected with your loved ones 24/7 with the technology that notifies you when your loved one arrives and or leaves a certain location. If the Arrival Sensor Key is misplaced or lost, it can easily be recovered through the GPS and beep feature that allows you to make the device create a noise in order to easily recover the device. This can all be done through the SmartThings app through your phone. This device is crucial in the step to recreate aging in place today.
Fall Detection
Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. While Aging in Place, one’s fall can go undetected. Thankfully, there are now ways to detect when someone has fallen with smart devices. There are several to choose from, with different settings offered on each device. These have different price points for each device as well as the option of having 24/7 monitoring for a monthly fee or just the ability to call family/friends and 911 automatically. Some of the top conventional medical alert devices can be reviewed here.
No one device can be rated as the “best” it really comes down to personal preference. Many older adults dislike wearing a medical alert because they are bulk and stigmatizing. As a result, many who would benefit from wearing one, do not, but with the option of a smartwatch you not only are wearing something stylish, but also includes features such as,
- Fall detection;
- tells the time well;
- functions flawlessly as a medical alert;
- looks attractive;
- easy to use;
- weather;
- location capability (others can know where you are if you want them to)
Social Media
The hardest part of living independently can be the loneliness that comes with the decision to stay aging in place. FamilyGram is an app on any smart device that keeps you and your loved ones connected. Social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram can be overwhelming with the amount of posts and features that may cause frustration. With FamilyGram your social media platform is a closed network that can only be accessed by your family members and close friends. FamilyGram has created features such as GramQ which allows the user to stay connected with the simplicity of emoticons and quick reminders that are sent directly to your family and close friends.
Vision
Are vision impairments keeping you or a loved one from living independently? You’re in luck! IrisVision’s new software that looks like a normal pair of glasses can be easily programmed to fix your vision impairments almost instantaneously within use. IrisVision can be used for nearsighted or farsighted eyesight, or diseases such as IRS.
Smart Mirrors
With the feeling of loneliness of independent living, it can cause deep depression. With Smart Mirror technology, it is designed to read emotions within the user. It can detect early signs of depression and other mental illnesses and will notify your caretaker and or doctor as soon as the emotions are detected. The Smart Mirror can also identify early signs of dementia by sensing a change in regular behaviors.
DNC has experienced aging life care professionals, our purpose is to navigate, coordinate & institute high-quality & cost-effective solutions.
Contact Us to schedule a consultation.