Tech Updates for Senior Safety & Security


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Updated: February 25, 2023

Senior using an iphone

 

More than ever before is it important for senior citizens to safely and securely age in place. Thankfully, we live in a world where technology makes that possible. Here are some ideas on the types of products that may be beneficial for you or your aging family member.

 

Fall Detectors

We know that medical alert systems aren’t new to the scene, but the technology surrounding them is constantly improving. The problem with the old systems was that they only worked when a person in distress was able to push a button to ask for help. But we know that in some health emergencies, a person may be unconscious or incapacitated after a fall.

That’s why if you are considering purchasing a medical alert system, you may want to pay extra for the fall detector option. Most monitored systems will try to reach out to the user when a fall is detected. If no one responds, medical personnel will be dispatched.

 

Home Integration Systems

Home integration systems companies have been hustling to create products that will assist seniors with aging in place. Such products can include motion sensors throughout the house, that will turn on lights when an elderly person gets up to use the bathroom at night. Home integration systems also often include video doorbells, which will allow a senior to decide if they know the person at the front door or not before answering.

Many home integration systems can alert the user multiple ways in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leaks. You can set up such systems so various people are notified of the emergency. The user who has a hearing problem can be notified via text alert or flashing light.

 

Medication Management Systems

Does your loved one have a difficult time remembering to take his or her medicine? There are plenty of systems available to assist with this important daily habit. Some will dispense the appropriate medicine at the specific time of day it needs to be taken. The user will receive an alert, and if it is ignored a family member will be informed.

 

GPS Tracking Systems

If you are concerned that your loved one seems more forgetful than usual, you may be concerned that he or she will wander off unattended. Some families receive peace of mind by equipping their loved one’s shoes with tracking devices. Of course, you need to make sure that only those shoes are available for your loved one to wear. There are also medical alert devices that offer GPS tracking solutions as well.

 

Motion-Sensor Lighting

There’s no excuse for not installing motion-sensor lights all over the house of your aging loved one. They are cheap, run off batteries, and are easy to install. Consider placing the lights wherever floor transitions occur.

 

Motion Detectors in the Home

Families can buy a variety of sensors for their loved ones’ homes. Almost any type of movement can be monitored. You can also design a system to alert someone if no movement is detected for a period of time. You can also track movement in particular areas of the house — such as the kitchen — if you are concerned that your aging parent isn’t eating regular meals.

 

Voice Activated Systems

Some families have reported success in using voice-activated systems like Siri, Google and Alexa to help with making phone calls or gathering information about the weather. But some families say that such systems are still too cumbersome for an elderly person to use.

It is important to remember that there are a lot of government resources available to those who choose to age in place. Meals on Wheels is one such resource that not only provides one nutritious meal each day, but it also means that one more person physically checks on the elderly person each weekday.

 

Featured image Credit: Pixabay Image