Embracing Technology to Assist in Elderly Care
Mama is not your typical tech enthusiast. However, in recent years, she surprisingly has embraced several modern tech gadgets.
Leveraging technology can make elderly care more manageable and effective. From health monitoring devices to apps that help organize medications, using technology can enhance the quality of care and provide peace of mind for caregivers and their elderly loved one alike.
Mama’s Journey | At 89 years old, Mama is not your typical tech enthusiast. However, in recent years, she surprisingly has embraced several modern tech gadgets. For example, it took quite a bit of convincing for her to let her flip phone go, but now her smart phone is her constant companion. She reads news stories, video chats on WhatsApp, and relies on it for medication reminders. Another example is how much she loves her Mama also Fitbit, which she uses to keep track of the time, but for how many steps she took each day.
Most recently she received a digital picture frame and she can be found in her favorite chair transfixed on the slideshow of her family. Each time she watches she retells stories, or, says names of her family out loud, then smile or give a belly laugh seeming to remember a funny story. Perhaps one of Mama’s most loved devices, is her “hearing aid necklace” which integrates bluetooth technology, allowing her to stream audio directly from her phone, making her phone conversations clearer and more enjoyable.
Equally significant are the health monitoring devices, which have become indispensable tools for me as her caregiver. They help track vital signs like blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate, providing valuable insights into her health and well-being.
These technologies offer peace of mind and proactive health management in addition to supporting Mama’s emotional wellbeing. Here’s how:
1. Health Monitoring Devices
Health monitoring devices are essential for tracking vital signs and overall health. These devices can provide real-time data and alerts, ensuring timely intervention when needed.
Wearable Health Trackers:
Devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, physical activity, and more. Some devices can also detect falls and send alerts to caregivers and others based on your settings.
Blood Pressure Monitors: Automatic blood pressure monitors allow for regular tracking at home, providing valuable data for managing hypertension.
Glucose Monitors: Continuous glucose monitoring systems help manage diabetes by providing real-time blood sugar readings. Some like the Dexcom G7 found, which you can found on Amazon allows sharing of your loved one’s numbers and provide easy access to glucose reports for keeping their health care provider in the loop. They also remove the discomfort of daily finger sticking.
Pulse Oximeters: These devices measure blood oxygen levels and are crucial for individuals with respiratory conditions.
2. Medication Management Tools
Ensuring that your elderly loved ones take their medications as prescribed is critical for their health. Various tools and apps can help manage medications effectively.
Smart Pill Dispensers: Devices like MedMinder and Hero dispense the correct dosage at the right time and send reminders to both your loved on and their caregiver. Here is the Adamson TimelyMed Smart Pill Dispenser that comes with App monitoring and alarm that I found on Amazon.
Medication Reminder Apps: Apps like Medisafe and MyMeds send notifications to remind users to take their medications and track adherence. Of course you can also use reminders on your smart phone.
Automatic Refill Services: Many pharmacies offer automatic refill services to ensure medications are always available without the hassle of manual reordering. For example the Amazon Pharmacy provides automatic refill and delivery services. They also takes most major insurance plans.
3. Safety and Security Devices
Safety and security are paramount when caring for an elderly loved one. Technology can provide solutions to help keep them safe at home.
Fall Detection Systems: Devices like Life Alert and Philips Lifeline detect falls and automatically notify emergency services.
Home Security Systems: Smart home security systems, such as those offered by Ring, ADT, Vivint, or Wyze, provide surveillance and emergency response capabilities.
Smart Locks and Doorbells: These devices enhance security and allow caregivers to monitor who is coming and going, adding an extra layer of safety.
4. Communication Tools
Maintaining communication with elderly loved ones is crucial for their emotional well-being and safety. Various communication tools can help keep the lines open.
Video Calling Apps: Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp enable face-to-face communication, reducing feelings of isolation.
Voice-Activated Assistants: Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home allow users to make calls, set reminders, and control other smart devices using voice commands.
Senior-Friendly Phones: Phones designed for seniors, such as the Jitterbug, have large buttons, simple interfaces, and emergency call features.
Senior-Friendly Tablets: Tablets such as the GrandPads, Claris Companion are designed for seniors to make and receive video calls, play interactive games, music, among the number of features.
5. Mobility Aids
Mobility aids help elderly individuals maintain their independence and move around safely.
Smart Canes and Walkers: Devices like the Smart Cane and U-Step Walker provide stability, track activity, and offer emergency alert features.
Electric Wheelchairs and Scooters: These provide enhanced mobility for those with limited physical ability.
Stair Lifts and Ramps: Installing stair lifts and ramps can make multi-level homes more accessible.
6. Cognitive and Memory Aids
For elderly individuals, technology can assist in maintaining mental acuity and managing daily tasks.
Reminder Systems: Using reminders from the smart phone, or devices and apps like Reminder Rosie and CareZone help manage daily routines and appointments.
Brain-Training Apps: Apps like Lumosity and CogniFit offer exercises designed to improve cognitive function.
Digital Picture Frames: These can display rotating images of family and friends, helping to trigger memories and provide comfort.
Check out this Kodak digital frame I purchased from Amazon that has Mama transfixed every day.
7. Daily Living Aids
Daily living aids enhance the ability of elderly individuals to perform routine tasks independently.
Smart Home Devices: Smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances can be controlled remotely or set to operate automatically.
Robotic Vacuum Cleaners: Devices like Roomba can help keep the home clean with minimal effort from the user. You can program them to clean each room based on your needs.
Voice-Controlled Assistants: These can assist with setting reminders, playing music, providing news and weather updates, and so much more. Check out the Echo series with Alexa or the Google series on Amazon.
Technology and modern tools can significantly improve the quality of care for elderly loved ones, making daily tasks easier and enhancing their safety, health, and well-being. By embracing these advancements, caregivers can provide more effective support and create a more comfortable and secure environment for their elderly family members. Whether through health monitoring devices, medication management tools, or communication aids, the right technology can make a world of difference in the caregiving journey.
