Technology guide to making life easier for independent seniors
Getting to the golden years of life means seeing through a lot of changes — becoming empty-nesters, recovering from surgery, and most importantly, learning to become independent again. Many seniors are opting to stay on their own instead of receiving care or moving into a hospice because it’s more affordable and they value the comfort of their current community.
However, age may bring less mobility and added medication for some. This is a common concern many share and are therefore hesitant on letting their beloved elderly relatives live alone. The reason behind more families growing confidence in independent senior living is the rise of the digital era. There may be a stigma about old people and technology, but in today’s world, we’re starting to see more seniors embrace gadgets to help make life easier.
In this article, we detail a comprehensive guide on how technology for seniors can provide peace of mind for everyone. Let’s get started!
Get Smart for More Effective Medication Management
Keeping track of medication and the exact timing to take them can be a tedious task for anyone. For many of the elderly, taking the right medicine at the right time can make or break their health — which is why it is important to have an effective pill management system. Calling them daily to check on their medication routine isn’t going to cut it, and in the long run, it could prove ineffective.
Advanced gadgets like medication dispensers are a literal lifesaver. Many seniors have to take more supplements or medication, and sometimes the variety can get overwhelming to keep track of. With these smart gadgets, all it takes is a quick input of the medication schedule. The dispenser does all the reminding for you and ensures accuracy and consistency in pill intake. This has helped many older people living alone stay on track medication-wise and provides loved ones assurance. Plus, this cuts out the need for a helper to prepare medication daily.
View products: Hero Medication Dispenser | Memo Box 7 Day
Make Life Less of a Chore
Sometimes, independent living can become challenging for seniors — especially if they have disabilities, reduced mobility, or are recovering from surgery. Daily tasks can start to take a toll on their day, and may even be hard to keep up with. With smart gadgets and products for the elderly living alone, seniors can prioritise their wellbeing without worry.
One daily task many seniors may have difficulty with is keeping the house clean, especially if they have to get under small crevices to sweep or vacuum. Some elderly have reduced dexterity and/or mobility, which makes it hard for them to lift heavy furniture or carry out deep-cleaning. Neglecting housework is not a choice, as a cluttered environment can affect their health.
Thankfully, there are intuitive gadgets like smart vacuums that seniors can rely on to help clean up after them. Yes, these cool vacuums are more than just for cats to surf on! These are incredibly useful gadgets for the elderly as they can reach narrow spaces and automatically clean when it detects mess. This helps maintain a livable and healthy space many independent seniors need and want.
View products: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac
Ensuring The Best Safety and Security for Seniors
Safety is a constant concern for everyone at any stage of their life, but more so for the elderly living alone. Recently, there have been more cases of the elderly being robbed and assaulted in their own homes. This is a huge cause for concern, which is why it is important to have a good security system set up to keep the elderly safe.
With today’s high-tech security systems, seniors can lower their chances of falling victim to crime. For starters, their homes should be fitted with reliable locks on both doors and windows. Avoid hiding spare keys outside the house and that it is well-lit at night. For added security, home alarm systems or panic buttons can be easily set up to provide an immediate line to authorities and help.
One of the mistakes seniors make is answering the door without having a second thought about who is behind it. It is highly recommended to request photo identification when someone comes to the door to deliver or provide a service. Alternatively, to skip the hassle, it is easy to set up a video or CCTV system at the entrance to see who’s ringing the doorbell. This is extremely handy as seniors can evaluate whoever is behind the door without having to get up from wherever they’re resting.
Other than crime, seniors living alone are more susceptible to falls or accidents at home. When you’re alone and injured, it can be a huge struggle to get help immediately. Taking preventive measures are better than thinking of solutions. It is essential to set up their home in a way that is slip- and trip-proof to minimise the chances of falls. Some examples of home modifications include handrails in the bathroom or by the stairs, anti-slip mats in the bathroom, and installing a tidy wire-management system. Avoid storing items in tall places, especially if they’re frequently used.
An important thing to note when it comes to safety is if your beloved senior is going through cognitive changes. For example, there have been cases where some of the elderly forget to turn off their stove. This is a huge hazard to their own security and it should be re-evaluated if they can live alone. It is unfortunate, but at the end of the day, their safety is always a priority over anything else.
View products: Ring Video Doorbell | MobileElite Emergency Response System | Ring Alarm Panic Button
Being a Social Senior
It is a natural human desire to need social interaction — even as you go on to your golden years. It is healthy to have a community and also a mentally-stimulating activity for seniors. It can be advantageous for seniors to live near a community centre or at least have access to one that engages them in activities weekly to allow them to meet more seniors. Such activities include morning Tai Chi practice for the elderly, arts and crafts activities, a book club and more.
Besides engaging your loved ones in activities, you can also ensure they have a direct line of communication to you! Teaching your seniors how to use smart gadgets can allow for weekly catch-up video calls, and give them confidence in using technology to contact those closest to them more frequently.
View products: SPACETALK Life
Cheers to Innovative Products for the Elderly!
As the saying goes, Old is Gold! It’s all about experiencing life in a different way, and making do with what we have. There are numerous ways to make life more convenient, safer and more connected. Additionally, with the help of useful gadgets, it doesn’t always mean facing difficulties during daily routines. Hopefully, this article has assisted your search to alleviate life’s demands, or has served as an inspiration for gifts to get your beloved seniors.
Guest Author: Danielle Roman. Writer at Gadget User
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