Three Ways Technology Keeps Seniors Safer
When most people think about personal-use technology, flashy phones, wearable cameras and trendy headphones come to mind. But technology has advanced in ways that can truly help people live safer, more fulfilling lives. In fact, almost no population benefits more from user-friendly technology than senior citizens.
Below are three such tools.
Medical Alert Systems:
Medical Alert Systems have come a long way from the often parodied “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial. Units now are fashionable, they can be worn as necklaces, bracelets or even watches. Most have fall detectors, GPS for elderly people who still drive, walk, hike or get out and about and the services, and ranges have expanded immensely.
Reasons to Have A Medical Alert System
The fear of falling or suffering any medical emergency is certainly the primary motivator, but not the only reason to consider getting a medical alert system. Medical alert systems assist in other types of emergency help, as well. If a fire breaks out, the device can contact the fire department. Some systems even monitor for fire, smoke or carbon monoxide. A push of the button will alert the police of a suspected break in or other suspicious activity. Some mobile devices come with GPS tracking. Other medical alerts can also track activity through motion detectors and beacons. This would allow someone to know something is wrong or if the user has been in one place for an unusual amount of time.
Features to Look For
When choosing your device, there are some features you will want to consider:
Risk-Free Trial
A risk-free trial will allow you to test one or more devices at home and choose the one you’re most comfortable with.
Water-Resistant or Waterproof
It’s best to look for a device that is 100 percent waterproof or at the very least, water-resistant so, you can wear it in the shower or bath.
Long Battery Life
Most systems and devices have a battery life that will last a week or up to a month before needing to be recharged - do your research to find out the average battery life of the system.
Signal Range
Medical alert systems either operate through a landline or cellular service. A landline service operates through your traditional telephone line covering a range up to 1,000 feet. A better bet would be cellular coverage which should work anywhere there is cell service.
Live Assistance Availability
It does you no good if you have a monitored medical alert and no one answers when you call. Look for a monitored service who has medically trained representatives available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Fall Detection
As mentioned, many monitored and non-monitored systems come with fall detection. Technology allows the device to automatically detect if you fall. It will call for help without you having to do anything.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is a great technological advance that is offered on many medical alert systems. It can pinpoint your location and make it easier for someone to find you.
For further information about medical alert systems, including who should consider them and unbiased reviews of the most popular systems visit AginginPlace.org.
Medication Minders
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) up to 50 percent of prescribed medications are taken incorrectly.
Medication management doesn’t have to be hit-or-miss. “Smart” medication management devices can be set to open at certain times when certain medications are needed.
Devices like PillPack, Reminder Rosie, Pillo have voice recognition software that can tell you about the medications you’re taking and listen to your commands. They can also be connected to your phone or computer. This is all in the name of making the process of taking medication safer, quicker, and easier.
Key components to look for include:
Voice Recognition
A nice value-add is a unit that can understand and answer your questions.
Automatic Refills
Some services allow the user to avoid having to go to pharmacies for refills. Simply upload your rx and they will send your refills to your home.
Alert Volumes and Reminders
Make sure the volume and type of alert will be heard and acknowledged by the user. Also research how often it reminds the user they need to take their medicine should they fail to do so with the first alert.
Drug Interaction Checker
Most pill trackers notify users of dangerous drug interactions, food and alcohol’s damaging effects.
Prescription Refill Reminder
A reminder to refill prescriptions can be just as vital as a reminder to take the medication.
Telehealth/Telemedicine
Systems like Grandcare, Curavi and Vivify Health have created a suite of services track things such as daily activity and your health information in real time (heart rate, weight, glucose level, blood pressure, oxygen) and uploads this information to a safe website where your long distance caregiver can access it.
You can also make specifications as to when you should receive alerts say, “alert me when mom doesn’t go for her daily walk” and so on. The interesting thing about this device is that it comes with many other features such as Facebook to connect with your loved ones, video games to challenge your brain, and music to relax you.
These systems can be customized to an individual’s needs/desires but some things you may want to include are:
Touchscreen
This system will only be used if it is easy to do so. Make sure there is one, touchscreen hub that operates all tools.
Medication Management
Most units come with varying types of medication reminders – be sure to choose one that is user friendly.
Social Media
Services include, email with family members, access to online social media, games or local news.
Caregiver Alerts
Receive alerts if you forget to take medicine or upload wellness readings.
Wireless Transmitters
Make sure your system can upload readings from wireless devices like blood pressure or blood glucose monitors.
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