What Smart Technology Could Benefit Your Elderly Loved One
According to the Better at Home Report, the concept of live in care is becoming increasingly popular with older people, especially amongst those who prefer to hold on to their independence as long as possible. Live in care allows people to remain in their own homes amongst familiar surroundings whilst still receiving any care or help they might need. This can be beneficial not only for their physical health but also their mental health.
With the huge advancements that have been made in recent years in smart technology, this idea is not just acceptable to family members who might be concerned, but offers real benefits for everyone. Here we take a look at some of the ways smart technology can help your elderly loved ones.
Fall Alerts
Over the last couple of decades, fall alerts have become increasingly popular, and much more common. Accidental falls in those over the age of 65 account for the majority of injuries they will suffer and any fall which is not dealt with promptly can have serious implications. Fall alerts which used to only be available in the form of a button worn by the person and pressed in the event of an emergency have moved on significantly; after all this type of alert isn’t 100% fool proof because it requires user intervention.
Smart home sensor systems which use wireless technology can be used to monitor movement and day to day activity in the home. These can alert you to any sudden unexpected changes that might have occurred, easing worry and allowing you to check up on your loved one when necessary.
Video Doorbell
As we age, simple tasks become more difficult and mobility is hampered. The video doorbell offer our elderly loved one the ideal way to answer the door without the need to get up and physically answer it. This allows them to see who is at the door and if it is a cold caller simply ignore them if they so wish.
Whilst getting used to using a system like this may offer a steeper learning curve to an older person, once they have mastered it, it will prove very useful.
Voice Assistants
Whether you choose Amazon Echo, Google Home or the iPad Pro – voice assistants are a fantastic use of Smart Technology that can really benefit older people.
You can use them to set up reminders and of course they can also answer almost any question you care to ask them. They can be set up to help control the light, tune into a radio, call a family member of play your favourite music. They are one of the most adaptable devices that are out there.
Research by the live in care hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) shows that whilst they obviously cannot replace regular visits from a family member or carer they can help to keep your loved one entertained and help them out with simple tasks.