A full 88% of people from age 50 to 80 want to stay in their current homes as they age, a recent study found. Increasing the use of smart technologies can help seniors safely age in place. Such tools can also improve health, comfort, and overall well-being at home, while helping caregivers better assist older adults.
Today, many smart devices can help track health status and behavior patterns. Such devices may include some or all of the following features:
- Health monitoring
- Medication management
- Medical alerts
- Geo tracking
- Security
- Cognitive engagement
- Socialization
- Care coordination
Wearable devices can monitor physical activity, tracking heart rate, body temperature, sleep, and other physical data. Moreover, they can reveal health patterns over time. They may also detect falls or other health crises, sending medical alerts to emergency contacts or services if needed. Further, some devices have geo-tracking features—an excellent safety option for those prone to wandering.
Advancements in AI-powered technologies can also provide a comprehensive look at seniors’ physical and mental health needs. This can help families respond promptly to emerging issues and modify their care plan as needed.
Let’s explore in more detail how various elder care technologies can support your loved one.
Fall Response Technologies
Smart home technology for seniors can enable a speedy response in the event of a fall. For example, Alexa Emergency Assist offers a fast response time and can also notify up to 25 emergency contacts that a fall has occurred. If a senior has fallen, they can say something like, “Alexa, call for help” to be connected with an operator who will take their information and call the paramedics. Devices like the UnaliWear Kanega Medical Alert Watch can detect and respond to falls automatically, using GPS location detection, even if a senior can’t verbally ask for assistance. Plus, today’s smart devices are often discreet, so no one else would know that it’s designed for fall response.
AI-Assisted Monitoring
AI-powered technologies can monitor seniors’ behaviors and overall routine, letting you know if significant changes occur. Behavior monitoring systems can draw data from several different technologies, from wearable devices to in-home sensors, to identify patterns.
How does this work? Systems like Sensi.AI and Constant Caregiver can help spot health and fall risks early on by detecting things like toileting delays, social withdrawal, dizziness, hearing difficulties, and other behavioral or physiological changes. They do this in a noninvasive way, operating in the background as your loved one goes about their daily life. For instance, Sensi.AI uses audio to identify subtle distress signals or unusual periods of silence.
Such systems don’t just detect crises; they also let you provide preventive care before issues grow more serious. They can help your family determine whether your loved one needs more frequent care or monitoring as well. In these ways, smart home technology for seniors can help improve their health and quality of life.
Tracking Tools
GPS tracking systems for seniors can help ensure that those with dementia don’t wander off or get lost. Wearable tracking devices like watches and shoe inserts can continuously monitor a senior’s location. Here are some common features of these tools:
- Sending alerts to family members if a senior wanders, conveying your loved one’s location.
- Letting you set virtual boundaries, so the system can alert you if the senior leaves them.
- Providing an “SOS button” that seniors can press if they’re lost or confused.
Such tools can help seniors quickly receive help if they begin to wander, while providing peace of mind for families.
Medication Management Systems
Following detailed care regimens and managing multiple medications can be difficult for many seniors. But research has shown that AI-powered technologies can help improve medication adherence and safety. Such tools can dispense medications at pre-set times, often in conjunction with a health app that provides reminders and notifications to caregivers.
Several studies found these tools can bring a 30% reduction in skipped doses, and one found a 28% increase in medication adherence, write researchers in the journal Aging Medicine. Importantly, smart technologies don’t just administer medications; they also track adherence.
For instance, the Hero smart medication dispenser provides alerts when it’s time to take a medication. It also lets caregivers know if a senior misses a dose, and it lets caregivers manage medications via an app.
Sensors and Cameras
You can use indoor security sensors to monitor or even talk to your loved one remotely. Speak with your loved one about installing the sensor first, so it doesn’t feel like an invasion of privacy.
Smart lighting and smart plugs that turn off appliances like heaters at particular times can also help ensure safety and comfort. You can use a comprehensive alarm system, like the Ring Alarm, to alert you to a range of issues from carbon monoxide leaks to open windows. Similarly, smart smoke detectors like Google Nest Protect can send alerts to emergency contacts as well as sound a verbal alarm with instructions.
Telemedicine Platforms
Telemedicine improves access to health care services. In a recent study, the majority of seniors surveyed rated telemedicine highly and wanted access to it as a routine care option. With the ability to connect remotely, seeing a health professional becomes more convenient, and potentially safer by avoiding driving and exposure to germs. A phone, tablet, or computer can be used for telemedicine sessions, as long as you have a good internet connection that allows for high-quality video.
Cognitive Engagement Tools
Emerging AI solutions can bring mood-boosting and cognitive benefits for many seniors. The tool ElliQ is a voice-based AI companion that provides wellness reminders and cognitively stimulating activities like games. It can also ask seniors about their mood and engage them in conversation. Through bedtime reminders and calming meditations, it can help seniors wind down at night as well. Plus, it can share health alerts with caregivers.
Similarly, the CloudMind system boosts mood through voice-based conversation that feels compassionate and supportive. These tools can also provide relief for overworked caregivers by engaging their loved ones and promoting a sense of calm.
Care Coordination Support
Platforms like Caring Village can streamline care coordination for your loved one. Through this app, care teams can all stay on the same page about needs and responsibilities. It also offers an AI caregiving assistant that provides personalized guidance and suggested next steps based on health needs. And the Thriving.Ai app integrates with different devices to provide comprehensive health updates and care coordination on a single platform. By building an organized “care circle” that includes family, friends, and doctors, it helps you keep everyone connected and in sync.
Additionally, AI solutions can provide care suggestions, checklists, or shared calendars for families. They can also highlight points to discuss with a doctor during your loved one’s next visit.
Socialization Tools
Smart technologies can also help reduce social isolation. Tools like the GrandPad, which supports video calls, photo-sharing, and emails, can help seniors stay in touch with loved ones. Skylight Digital Photo Frame is another fun option for staying connected. It lets family members share new photos remotely.
When choosing technologies for your loved one’s home, look for simple, intuitive options. Invest in a tool that fills multiple purposes, so adopting these technologies won’t feel overwhelming. Or, select two or three user-friendly solutions.
By using smart home technology for seniors, you can enhance your loved one’s quality of life. These solutions can improve continuity of care by tracking your loved one’s health status and personal care choices. And through tools that track health and wellness, you’ll improve your own peace of mind, too. Combined with in-home care assistance from an elder care professional, smart technology can help your loved one live as independently as possible.
Wondering if companion care is right for your loved one? Schedule a free nurse consultation call today to discuss their needs.
