As technology advances, caregivers and family members are increasingly turning to smart devices to support elderly individuals living independently or in care. Whether it's for communication, monitoring, or assistance with daily activities, using smart home devices is improving elder care.
Smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and others are gaining popularity as tools for seniors for their simple ease of use once everything has been set up. These little nifty devices can act as virtual caregivers, assisting with reminders for medication, controlling smart appliances, or, in some cases, providing a bit of companionship.
According to ExpressVPN, voice-activated smart home assistants offer seniors a simple way to manage their daily routines, making it easier for them to live independently while staying connected to their caregivers. Still, 27% of Baby Boomers struggle with setting up and using them, requiring the help of younger, much more tech-savvy family members.
It's not as simple as plugging a smart device in and calling it a day. Using any smart device will inevitably lead to the user's data being gathered for things such as targeted advertisements, which can feel intrusive to the elderly, who value privacy above all in the digital era.
Beyond that, however, intelligent monitoring devices equipped with motion sensors and emergency alerts can provide peace of mind for caregivers who are not physically present. Wearable technology, such as medical alert systems, enables the elderly to call for help in emergencies by simply pressing a button or through automatic fall detection systems.
As reported by The Verge, Alexa’s Care Hub is a notable example. It allows caregivers to check on elderly relatives remotely by monitoring their activity patterns, providing a discreet way to stay on top of things. Alerts can be sent if unusual patterns occur, such as a significant lack of movement, which may cause an alarm.
Beyond setting up devices and dealing with technology, something as simple as staying connected with your loved ones is pivotal for the mental health of older adults. There are plenty of easy-to-use accessible apps to make video calls on smart devices.
The aforementioned is highlighted in an article by AbilityNet and how technology can reduce feelings of isolation in older adults. Devices such as tablets with simplified interfaces are designed to cater to elderly users, enabling them to communicate with loved ones or access entertainment without needing to understand complicated technology.
Smart technology is not just about staying in touch or helping the elderly with their daily routines via reminders or monitoring their health. Still, it also helps them streamline processes involving home appliances. For example, automated lighting can help prevent nighttime falls by ensuring well-lit rooms when motion is detected. Home sensors can alert caregivers to open doors or windows, reducing accident risks.
If you are dealing with old adults looking to remain independent, then according to Age Space, integrating these technologies into daily routines can help them maintain that autonomy without making them feel like they constantly need help from others, which can cause mental problems such as dependency could make them feel like a burden.
Knowing your smart tech and how to best implement it will help the elderly around you live in much more comfort. So whether it's something as simple as resetting the router or setting up a new device, always lend a hand to those in need.
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