Staying Connected and Independent: Using Technology to Age in Place

Jan 6

Embracing technology can make aging in place easier and more comfortable. Did you know you can set up Alexa to call a loved one in an emergency?

Technology can be a valuable tool for helping seniors age in place safely and independently. From medical alert systems and smart home devices to telehealth services and home delivery options, there are many technologies available to help seniors access the care and resources they need without leaving their homes. In this article, we explore the various technologies that can assist seniors in aging in place, as well as the importance of considering the specific needs and preferences of each senior when choosing the right technology

In this article you will learn:

How technology can assist seniors in aging in place safely and independently.
The different types of technologies available for helping seniors age in place.
The importance of considering the specific needs and preferences of each senior when choosing technology to help them age in place.
Examples of technology that can be used to help seniors age in place include medical alert systems, smart home devices, telehealth services, and home delivery options.
The benefits of using technology to help seniors age in place include increased independence and access to care and resources.

Using Technology to Help Age in Place.

Some seniors may not be able or are not willing to use technology to help them age in place. I have known seniors in the 70s and even in their 80s that embrace technology and are successfully using it to supplement caregiving and help in aging in place. With the pandemic, many people, including seniors, became more open to using technology as a way to stay connected to the world and more importantly stay in touch with their friends and family. Zoom, Facetime, emails, Facebook, Alexa, and Google Home allowed us to still have a connection with our loved ones. Telehealth services allowed patients to talk to and see their doctors without the risk of being exposed to illness. Grocery stores and restaurants began home deliveries to maintain their business and allow people to remain safe in their homes. Love it or Hate it, technology is here to stay and can allow seniors to be more independent as they age in place.

Home technology devices that may help to age in place

There are many technologies that can be used to help seniors age in place safely, including:

Medical alert systems: These systems allow seniors to call for help in case of an emergency, such as a fall or a health issue. The systems typically include a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, that can be activated to call for help.
Smart home devices: Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, smart lighting, and smart security systems, can be controlled remotely or through voice commands, making it easier for seniors to manage their homes. This might include Ring doorbells and other cameras if needed. These have the added benefit of a caregiver being able to make sure the senior is safe at home.
Telehealth services: Telehealth services, such as virtual doctor visits and teletherapy, can help seniors receive medical care and support remotely.
Home delivery services: Home delivery services, such as grocery delivery and medication delivery, can help seniors access the items they need without leaving their homes or needing someone to do their grocery shopping. You can even order from your favorite restaurant and have it delivered

It's important to consider the specific needs and preferences of seniors when choosing technologies to help them age in place. Do this early so they get used to using the products and see the advantages of the technology, don’t wait for a crisis to occur, as it will be much harder to learn the technology.

How Technology can Help a Senior safely age in place

Improved safety: Technology can help seniors stay safe at home by alerting them to potential hazards, such as a gas leak or a fall, and by providing emergency call buttons that allow them to summon help if needed.

Enhanced independence: Technology can help seniors maintain their independence by allowing them to perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. For example, video call systems can allow seniors to participate in social activities and receive healthcare remotely, and assistive devices such as smart home devices can help them manage their daily routines such as medicine management more easily.
Reduced social isolation: Technology can help seniors stay connected to their loved ones and the outside world, reducing the risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can have negative impacts on mental and physical health.
Cost savings: By allowing seniors to age in place, technology can help reduce the cost of long-term care and assisted living facilities.
Health management: Technology can help seniors manage their health by providing access to telemedicine services, tracking their vital signs, and reminding them to take their medications.
Comfort and convenience: Technology can help seniors maintain a comfortable and convenient lifestyle by automating tasks such as turning off lights, adjusting the thermostat, or ordering groceries online.

In the case of my sister, we purchased a medical alert device. She made it very clear she did not want one that came with a monthly bill. We found one on Amazon that we set up to first call my other sister, who lives less than 5 minutes away. If she didn’t answer, the device would call me. It was used successfully multiple times. We did not have it set for 911, but it did have the ability to call 911 as the third choice. We also had Google Home so she could see her grandbabies’ pictures. She could inquire about the weather, or ask other questions. I would highly recommend either Google Home or Alexa Echo show. It can be set up for them to call friends and family with a voice command, pill reminders, and other important reminders. Cameras and Ring doorbells helped to monitor who was at the house when one of us was not there.

For my Mother, pre-technology, we set up a locked pill box, that would open one slot and set off a timer when she was scheduled to take her pills. She was very good about taking her medicine, but too good when she started forgetting she had already taken it. This helped to keep her from overdosing. However, I was accused multiple times of trying to kill her when her neighbors couldn’t break into it. Thankfully they did not break it and we finally wrote on the device with a sharpie to NOT try and open it and to call me.

In conclusion, technology can be a valuable resource for helping seniors age in place safely and independently. From medical alert systems and smart home devices to telehealth services and home delivery options, there are many technologies available to assist seniors in accessing the care and resources they need without leaving their homes. By considering the specific needs and preferences of each senior, it is possible to choose the right technologies to help them age in place with confidence and independence.

How Developing Strategies for Maintaining Health and Wellness can Help?

As you or a loved one ages, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize your health and wellness in order to age in place successfully. By taking proactive steps to maintain your physical and mental well-being, you can improve your quality of life and increase your independence as you age. This includes things like staying active, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. It is also important to be aware of any potential health concerns and to take steps to address them early on. In the next article, we will explore ways to watch your health and wellness as you age, including tips for maintaining your physical and mental well-being, See the link below to read the next article and learn more about how you can prioritize your health and wellness to help you as you age in place.