Technology Assistive Devices That May Help One Age in Place
Most people want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, but sometimes safety concerns can affect that decision. There are a variety of products and services that can make aging in place safer and more accessible. Some of these products are listed below.
Automatic door locks – these are door locks that require either a code or a fingerprint and can also be locked or unlocked remotely from your smartphone. You don’t have to worry about keeping up with keys, and should emergency workers need to gain entry; they can easily do so without breaking down the door. If caregivers or others are coming and going, they can have their code, allowing family members to see how and when people visit. Kwikset, Yale, and Schlage are a few of the manufacturers who offer these.
Automatic/voice remote thermostat – the elderly may not constantly adjust the temperature setting appropriately. These allow the thermostat to be set and monitored remotely and adjusted via voice instruction. Google Nest and Amazon Smart thermostat are two examples of this technology.
Ring doorbell – this is a beautiful tool to see who is at the door without opening it. It also records, so there is documentation of visitors, and one can push an alarm button if needed.
Virtual assistants – Amazon Echo, Alexa, and Google Home all offer devices that can serve as an assistant of sorts, answering anything from “what’s the weather forecast” to locking doors, turning on lights, turning on the TV, making phone calls, etc. with simple voice commands.
Wireless water leak sensor—Freezing water pipes and leaks, generally, can be a concern during winter months. These sensors can turn the water off if they detect unusual usage or if the temperature dips below freezing. They can also be turned on and off via a smartphone. Three of these product lines are Ring, Moen Flo, or Dam-it.
GrandCare – Grandcare is a technology platform specifically designed for older adults. It is a computer that offers numerous medication management features and easy video chat, picture/video sharing, music, messaging, games, and more. It provides a safe and protected way to engage with others. https://www.grandcare.com/
Alarm.com wellness platform – This unobtrusive system utilizes many of the same sensors that security systems use (contact, motion, pressure, etc.) but allows caregivers to set parameters for when they want to be notified. It can alert caregivers if medications are not accessed, if movement isn’t detected for a certain amount of time (indicating a possible fall), if food isn’t accessed, if doors are opened during specific hours, and can monitor daily activities.
The system is user-specific and can be programmed accordingly. It also gives trend reports so caregivers can monitor activities and be alerted to changes. https://alarm.com/wellness-independent-living
Lively – we all remember the “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” commercial. This is a PERS pendant (Personal emergency response system) that can also detect falls. Some have GPS in case the elderly need to be located. They offer a variety of devices (watches, lanyards, etc). https://www.lively.com/medical-alerts/
Cookstop – this device will turn the stove off if left on and unattended, decreasing the risk of kitchen fires. https://www.cookstop.com/
Medication dispensers – these medication dispensers only allow access to the medications that are due to be taken at that time, alleviating the risk of taking more than prescribed. They contain 28 slots for drugs and can be locked to avoid tampering. They can be programmed to give an audible and visual reminder alert. Two brands available on Amazon include the med-e-let pill dispenser and the MedMinder. Some can also be used with a modem to alert the caregiver if the medications have not been accessed.
Security poles – these are tension poles that can assist elders in transferring. They are not bolted in but can handle up to 300 pounds and run from floor to ceiling. These will not work on vaulted ceilings. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=security+pole&ref=nb_sb_nossToilet lift – these devices fit over the commode and work much like a lift chair. It assists in getting up and down. LiftSeat and DignityLifts are two product lines that offer these.
On-line grocery delivery – with the COVID-19 pandemic, this service came to the forefront, as many did not want to go into grocery stores to do their shopping. It is still an extremely useful tool for homebound seniors or others who want the convenience of having their groceries delivered. Check with your local grocery store to see if this service is offered.
Telehealth appointments – along with the service of delivering groceries, many also utilized the service of meeting with their healthcare providers online. Check with your provider to see if this is a possibility. Most will send a link to your email that you can click on to attend the appointment via your computer, laptop, or smartphone.
