Senior citizens want to retain Independence
Senior citizens want to retain as much independence as they can for as long as they can. Most prefer aging in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by the people they love and the life they’ve built. A recent study showed that more than 90 percent of people aged 50 and over, want to age in place. While it can be a challenge, with some help, it is more than possible. In the ever-changing world, there is technology that makes it easier, safer and possible for seniors to stay at home. To help senior citizens live at home independently, try some of these ideas.
High-Speed Internet
One of the first things families will need to consider for their senior loved ones as they are integrating new technology to make living at home safer and easier, is access to the internet. For so many of the apps and devices to work, home internet or broadband services are a necessity. Many seniors have chosen over the years to simply head to the library to use the internet there for free, thinking they don’t need it that often. Or they simply use it when they head to Panera in the morning for a cup of coffee. For some, the cell service on their phone has been enough. But having it within the home should be a real consideration, as it will allow seniors to stay inside if the weather is bad, and will allow them immediate access to the internet and many of the services that they might not want to wait to use.
Video Calling
With communication just a touch of a button away these days, it is easier than ever to keep an eye on senior citizens to ensure they are safe and healthy. With apps such as FaceTime on Apple devices, or Zoom on a laptop, families can keep in touch with each other, which can help lessen loneliness among seniors living on their own. Video calling also allows families to actually see their senior loved one, and get eyes on them to make sure they look ok. They also can get a look at their surroundings to ensure everything looks ok for when they cannot physically be present in the home. Setting up a nightly or weekly FaceTime call is an excellent way for seniors to age in their homes, and also to give family members peace of mind about the situation.
Alexa Together
Many seniors enjoy using Alexa and the Amazon Echo to listen to their favorite tunes throughout the day. But these devices also can help provide a remote caregiving device for seniors. Amazon has a relatively new program called Alexa Together, which, for a monthly fee, helps families keep in touch and provide support when they are not together. Through the app, family members can help set reminders and alerts for their senior loved ones throughout the day. They can make shopping lists, send messages, play songs and more. The program also offers 24/7 access to urgent response teams should an emergency arise. And some devices offer fall detection as well, and Alexa will call emergency response teams. Through the program, as many family members as would like can join the circle of support.
Smart Alarm Wellness
Alarm.com has a wellness system that even includes sensors, which can help track seniors throughout the day in their homes. The sensors, which can be placed in each room throughout the home, or even on chairs and tables, can help detect any abnormal activity for your senior loved one. For example, if mom is usually up and in the kitchen eating breakfast by 9 a.m., but the sensor detects they haven’t left the bedroom by 9:30 a.m., family members, caregivers or even emergency response workers can be notified. The technology helps detect various activity patterns throughout the day and allows families and seniors to decide when an alert should be sent if there is abnormal activity. The program can send alerts when front doors are opened, especially if it is at an odd hour of the day. It also can inform loved ones your senior skips taking their medication for the day. The technological advances also include a two-way camera, which allows monitoring. The cost of the program and monitoring depends on how much is needed but usually is billed on a monthly basis.
Other Apps
In addition to monitoring systems, there are many technological advances that families can introduce their senior loved ones to in order to help make life easier. For example, there are many grocery-delivery apps, including Shipt, Instacart and Uber Eats, which allow seniors to get groceries delivered to their Winter Park without actually leaving their homes. Family members can even shop in conjunction with seniors to select the food on the app, and then order it for them. Some of the apps even allow you to order the food ahead, and then go pick it up without ever having to leave the car. If your senior doesn’t feel like cooking but needs food, there are also many food delivery apps they can learn to use, or that you can use to order food for them, including UberEats, Grubhub and more. The apps will allow you to specify whether you want the delivery person to ring the bell, or if you would feel safer if they leave the food by the door. Seniors can also use an app to order a safe ride if they no longer drive or to book the senior center bus for the day.
We Can Help Seniors Live Independently
If you are looking for a compassionate caregiver to help your senior as they age at home, Visiting Angels Winter Park can help. Our professionally-trained caregivers can provide companion care, fall prevention, help with getting ready each day and more.
Our compassionate caregivers help people in the Orlando Downtown East, Winter Park and surrounding areas of Orange County. We can come into your home to assess your needs and discuss how we can help make this journey easier. For information, contact us at 407-236-9997.