Living Transitions

Technology to make a home aging friendly

The majority of individuals would like to grow old in a traditional home setting. With proper preparation, aging in place is a realistic alternative to assisted living facilities. Along with traditional modifications to make a home aging friendly, technology has greatly improved the lives of seniors and their ability to age in place.

The key with any technology is that the senior must be willing to use it in the first place. Many avoid the use of technology because it is too complicated or difficult to learn. Fortunately, many technology companies are creating tools specifically for a senior audience. Tools are available to improve home safety, provide medical services, transportation, and interaction.

Home safety tools

If a senior has difficulty with ambulation, consider the use of automatic door openers, stair lifts, or home elevators. Although stair lifts and home elevators can be costly, the cost may easily outweigh the ongoing cost of an assisted living facility.

A senior may have a number of caregivers. Instead of providing keys to each individual, consider the use of a smart lock that is controlled through a smart phone. The door can be unlocked remotely, and access can be denied once a person no longer needs access to the home.

Medical services

Falls and acute medical events are a significant concern. There are now “smart watches” available that can be activated to call for help when needed or will recognize when a senior has fallen and can call help automatically.

Sensors can be placed on the refrigerator to make certain it is being opened, pill bottles to monitor medication use, and toilets to check for daily use.

Remote cameras can be placed throughout to monitor movement. If modesty is an issue, the cameras can be placed at foot level.

Good broadband service will allow for the use of telemedicine and improved interaction with the outside world.

Transportation

With the advent of transportation services such as Uber, the inability to drive becomes less of an issue. However, it is important to become comfortable using these services long before there is a required need.

Interaction

Interaction with others is important for good physical and mental health. Seniors should continue to pursue activity outside the home augmented with interaction provided through technology. Tablets specifically modified for use by seniors are available to provide voice recorded emails, video calls, social media access, and interactive games.

By using technology, seniors can more safely age in place, which will improve satisfaction, a sense of well-being, and potentially reduce costs.