This article comes to us from Judith Smith an d her team at MedicalAlert.org
Aging comes with its fair share of challenges, from memory impairments to reduced mobility and more. Luckily, there is more assistive technology on the market today than ever before, and there are many ways in which you can implement this technology to make your life easier. Read on to learn about some of the best assistive technology devices for seniors and how it can help you.
Home Modifications Give Seniors More Freedom to Live in Their Preferred Environment
Things like mobility challenges have often limited seniors in the type of home they can live in for their Golden Years. But with modern home modifications, you can alter your preferred environment to meet your needs so you can age in place rather than move to a retirement or assisted living community before you truly feel ready.
One of the most useful home modifications for seniors is the stairlift. Though the device has been around for decades, today’s version can be custom-designed to fit virtually any space, including curved and outdoor staircases. Plus, they often have high-tech features like motion detectors that stop the lift if it detects a potentially dangerous obstacle in its path, making stairlift safer than ever. Installing a stairlift in your home can both make you safer and allow you to remain in the environment where you feel most comfortable.
Other useful home modifications include walk-in tubs and showers and installing grab bars in these high-risk areas, which the CDC recommends as a top fall prevention technique.
Medical Alert Systems Provide 24/7 Backup Protection and Give Caregivers Peace of Mind
Whether you spend most of your days at home or remain very active, it’s always a good idea to have some backup protection in case of an emergency. Wearing a medical alert system is an easy way to ensure that you’ll be able to get the help you need if an emergency is to occur.
Medical alert systems are small, wearable devices that come equipped with a personal help button that you can press at any time to connect with an emergency operator, or in some cases, directly to a preferred contact like your caregiver or a family member. Modern devices are small, lightweight, and discreet- some even come with the option of upgrading to an artist-designed or jewel-toned pendant, so it looks just like a standard piece of jewelry. Though options may have been limited in the past, the industry has grown so there are now numerous reliable medical alert system providers to choose from to find a device that works for your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Many devices today even have automatic fall detection, which uses motion-sensing technology to detect if you have fallen and immediately send a call to the monitoring center. Given the high risk of falls that seniors face, this feature can give you more confidence to stay active or do things independently.
As an added bonus for your loved ones, many devices come with extra “caregiver features” such as device location tracking and health monitoring. This can give your loved ones peace of mind that you’re safe and going about your day as usual, without having to constantly check in.
Smart Home Systems Can Help Seniors Feel Safer and More Connected
More and more households are choosing to add a smart home device to their collection of gadgets, and seniors are particularly poised to benefit from the new technology. Adding on security features, such as a doorbell camera, gives you the peace of mind that you always know who’s on the other side of the door before you open up. Another safety-enhancing option is smart locks, which lock your doors for you based on a timer and/or motion detection. This can be especially useful for forgetful seniors who worry they may sometimes neglect to lock up.
Another great benefit for seniors is the communication aspect. Smart home devices allow you to call friends and family via voice-control, making it easier than ever to stay in touch with your loved ones- there’s no need to remember anyone’s phone number or physically dial it. The devices that come with a screen even give you the option to video chat, so you can have some “face time” with your grandchildren, even if they live states away.
All of these devices can make your life easier, safer, and in most cases, more enjoyable. And, as technology continues to improve, its benefits for seniors surely will as well.