Governments around the world are promoting ‘aging in place’ as a core objective. It aims at enabling seniors to live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. While driven by many seniors’ desire to avoid institutional care, it has also been viewed as a cost-effective solution for a rapidly aging population. Many factors contribute to a successful aging-in-place experience, but health technology is undoubtedly the star of the show. It’s enhancing senior safety at home in the following ways:
Wearable Health Monitoring and Fall Detection
While having daily home care services in Haworth, NJ, or elsewhere means that you’ll have someone to seek help if you fall or become unwell, wearable health monitoring and fall detection have been a game-changer in this respect. Such technology can offer immediate access to help and continuous health tracking.
Many smart watches and specialized pendants have accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect falls and alert emergency contacts or monitoring centers. Some tech is even designed to prevent falls. Those same devices can also track heart rates, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, and ECGs, which can be shared with healthcare professionals if necessary.
For older adults aging in place with dementia, medical SOS smartwatches can offer them and their loved ones much-needed peace of mind. With GPS capabilities, they allow caregivers and family members to locate seniors if they wander.
Smart Home Automation for Safety
Falls are the leading cause of older people being taken to hospital emergency departments. Additionally, unaddressed fall hazards in the home are believed to cost the NHS in England £435 million. While not all falls and home accidents can be prevented, smart home automation for safety can be an effective strategy to reduce the risk of falls.
For example, automated lighting, such as motion-activated smart bulbs or smart plugs, can ensure pathways are well-lit at night to prevent falls. Smart thermostats can also learn habits and adjust temperatures automatically to ensure comfort without manual effort.
Manual effort is also reduced with smart doorbells and locks, which let seniors see who’s at the door without getting up. Even home safety can be improved with smart stoves and ovens that automatically turn off when left unattended.
Remote Medication Management and Patient Monitoring
Hospital readmissions can be common for seniors who miss medication or require constant health monitoring. However, technology has enabled easier virtual management of these tasks, helping older adults stay at home for longer.
For example, we now have access to digital pill dispensers, which store medications and beep when it’s time for a dose. If medication is missed, caregivers can receive alerts. One simple form of tech may address medication adherence issues, which is a $100 billion issue affecting over half the world’s population.
Virtual health monitoring is now also possible with at-home kits that include a tablet, a blood pressure cuff, a glucose monitor, and a pulse oximeter. With this kit, nurses can monitor readings remotely.
AI and Voice Assistants
With the installation of smart devices like Alexa and Google Home, older adults can create a much safer home environment. Simply using their voice, they can call for help and set reminders for important tasks like taking medication and turning off the stove. Some devices, when paired with specific apps, can even alert family if a senior doesn’t check in with a loved one or doesn’t show movement by a certain time of day.
Aging in place has never been easier than it is today, with a myriad of advanced healthcare technology solutions available for seniors and their caregivers. The more tech solutions we have, the more likely it is that our seniors will be safer in their own homes for longer.
