How Can Technology Help Older Adults in Place at Home?

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Introduction:

Older adults are significantly less likely to have the same level of mobility as their younger counterparts. These mobility issues can lead to difficulties performing basic tasks that most people take for granted, including cooking and grocery shopping. As a result, older adults often struggle to maintain an adequate diet that is nutritious and healthy. Technology has several tools to aid in day-to-day activities for older adults living at home. It offers an opportunity for seniors to retain their independence and allow them to live more comfortably. Below are lists of several technologies that can potentially help seniors elevate their quality of life. It may have higher costs, but you can’t underestimate the comfort it brings.

How Can Technology Help Older Adults in Place at Home?

1. Computer for Independent Living and Medication

A computer in older adults’ homes can provide the ability to stay connected to their families and friends and access various internet-based applications. For example, they can find local shopping locations with a computer, print out coupons from online stores, and order medications. They can also receive care from a medical professional online via telehealth systems such as live video chat and search information on health issues or learn new skills with an online course. It also provides seniors with the ability to easily communicate with family members without using long-distance phone calls or the mail.

2. Mobility Aid

Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and scooters that help seniors with mobility allow them to remain independent. These are valuable tools because they assist older adults in maintaining their independence in various facets of their life such as cooking and gardening. Mobility aids also help seniors to remain active and participate in social activities by allowing them to get around the house more quickly.

3. Personal Assistive Technology

These devices provide control over many issues associated with daily living, such as lighting and temperature settings. They are also used to control automated systems like lights, heating/cooling systems, security doors, alarm systems, medical equipment/devices, etc. These devices allow older adults to function in their homes without having to seek assistance from someone.

4. Safety and Security Systems

Security systems such as alarm systems, intercoms, and security cameras can help seniors feel safe in the home. In addition, they provide peace of mind because they help seniors stay connected with family members and others.

5. Voice Recognition Technology

This technology allows younger people to take care of mundane tasks for older people like making appointments, answering the telephone, taking essential messages, and communicating via email or other forms of electronic communication (email).

6. Medication Reminders

Many medications that older adults take have strict schedules that must be followed for them to be effective. These medication reminders are designed to help seniors remember when to take their medications and how much to take. Medication reminders also let the seniors know when they need to contact their doctors for refills and other information regarding the medication.

These technologies are undoubtedly beneficial among seniors. However, seniors are most likely not aware of these new inventions. Therefore, it could be hard for them to adapt to these new ways. Well’ no need to worry! As someone who looks after your senior loved, you must slowly introduce them to these new ways and support them in discovering the usefulness of these technologies. Below are suggestions on how you can do it.

How Can You Help Seniors with Technology?

• Have them use the computer and voice recognition software daily. 
• Keep the senior’s health information updated in your email so that you can help them see what their doctors have to say when they have a question. 
• Have the seniors choose a specific device they would like from your list and then ask them what they think is vital for functioning perfectly or even conveniently. 
• You can give your loved ones an application like Alarm Clock, which can be programmed to wake them up at a particular time or help them set up a Digital Alarm Clock equipped with voice recognition software and motion sensor. 
• Show your loved ones how to use the voice recognition software by telling them what it does and ask them if it involves the way they communicate with you. 

Technology is undoubtedly beneficial to older adults. As a caregiver with a senior loved one, you must know that technology can help their lives become more independent and free from many challenges. In addition, technology can improve the quality of life of older adults by allowing them to remain active and receive assistance when needed. Hence, you must have them learn how it works and help them get used to it by introducing them to these new ways of living and teaching them how these technologies will benefit their everyday lives.