Safety and independence are the main priorities of older adults. Currently, seniors prefer to continue living in their homes instead of moving to senior households. This is challenging since their health declines while their needs increase. The latest advancement in technology has significantly mitigated these challenges by improving the safety and independence of seniors. The following are some resources and technological advances that will help keep seniors safe in 2021.
1. Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems are essential tools for seniors and act like life-savers during their most vulnerable moments such as car accidents, sudden illnesses, falls at home, or exposure to the elements. These systems are monitored 24 hours a day and can dispatch family members, caregivers, police, and ambulance personnel within moments.
Through these systems, seniors can receive the assistance they want, besides treatment. Currently, many seniors have been isolated in Southern California due to the prevalence of COVID-19. As a result, they cannot get the required services and medical maintenance due to public health protocols. Investing in the best medical alert systems available may solve such challenges. Once installed, caregivers will be better positioned to monitor the health of seniors with few in-person visits. You can find rankings, reviews, and more on devices like Bay Alarm medical online to pick the right device for you.
Additionally, these systems are easy to use even with incapacitated seniors. They are commonly designed as bracelets worn on the wrist and neck. Moreover, they utilize a two-way open communication channel through push buttons, enabling seniors to seek help without the need to shout for assistance or use cell phones.
2. House-Cleaning Robots
This is a new technology trend that will spare the seniors the trouble of continually bending to clean minor messes. House cleaning robots are also designed to sense and clean up unseen messes that have the potential to cause accidents. Also, many of them are integrated with tracking devices that ensure the entire floor is covered.
House cleaning robots are convenient for seniors since they are easy to use. For instance, when low on battery, they automatically return to the charging station. They increase safety by immediately cleaning spills, which are the leading causes of falls with seniors.
3. Smart Medication Managers
Memory loss is commonly associated with aging and can have detrimental effects on seniors who require medication for survival. Current technology trends are mitigating this problem by developing medication reminders such as smartwatches.
When seniors miss medications, they are alerted by an alarm system installed in the designs. Also, smartwatches alert caregivers and family members remotely when daily medications are not taken.
4. Motion Sensors
Remote motion sensors help in delivering care efficiently and help alleviate many safety concerns regarding seniors. They send signals to a remote receiver, letting the caregiver know that the patient is leaving the bedroom, approaching the bathroom, among other places. With this technology, caregivers and family members can assess the senior’s progress with a few in-person visits. Motion sensors may play a vital role for caregivers, especially during the current global pandemic, which has seen many seniors in isolation.
5. Stovetop Sensors
Cooking may pose a danger to seniors due to lack of mobility, focus, and memory loss. Nevertheless, stovetop and oven sensors help to eliminate potential fire hazards. They are integrated with sensors that automatically shut down the stove or the oven when it stays for an extended period of mind. Thus, seniors have peace of mind knowing that they are unlikely to face fire issues while cooking.