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19 Jan 2018

New Technology Making Seniors Safer at Home

   

Topics: Senior Health

Technology has come a long way over the past decade. Cell phones are never more than an arm’s length away, virtually everything is digital, and the innovative products just keep coming. While many seniors avoid technology, as it is an unfamiliar concept they’ve gone their whole lives without, this is one demographic that can greatly benefit from some of the technology that is already out there.

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If you’re wondering how you can improve the life of your senior loved one, consider getting them to use any of these technologies which can revolutionize elderly home care.


Alarm Systems

Many home invaders will break into the houses of seniors who live on their own, considering them “easy targets.” As such, it’s important that your senior loved one has an alarm system for their house. There are a variety of different systems that may be beneficial. From simple sounds to video alarms, one of the best way to keep your senior loved one safe at home is to prevent intruders.


Apps

Apps aren’t just for checking your Instagram feed or playing Flappy Bird; they can have practical uses for seniors at home. There’s a saying that if you can think of it, there’s an app for it—anything a senior might need, there’s an app for it.

For example, Park and Forget is an app that’s helping people avoid losing their cars. This can be great for a senior experiencing memory loss who may not be able to keep track of where they park their car.

There are also a variety of different medical management apps that can do anything from reminding your senior loved one to take their medication to testing their blood sugar levels.

Depending on the health needs of your loved one, there’s likely an app out there that can help them manage their medical conditions easily and effectively.


Skype

If you live far away from a senior loved one, Skype is a great way to stay in contact. With the video feature, you’ll be able to have a “face-to-face” conversation without having to be in the same room. This is a great way to check in on your loved one and have meaningful conversations.


Self-Driving Cars

Self-driving cars could ultimately revolutionize at-home living for seniors. People 70 and over have the highest accident risk rate of any other demographic. Not only would a self-driving car keep your loved one safe, but it could also help them maintain more of their independence for longer.


Roombas

Even the simplest chores can be exhausting for seniors. All that bending down and reaching to get a tough spot can cause injuries and strains. With self-cleaning home products, like the Roomba, seniors can have a clean home without having to do it themselves. It’s a great way to ensure your senior loved ones are living in clean housing conditions.


Personal Emergency Response Systems

We’ve all seen the commercials when an elderly person falls, accompanied by the classic line “help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” While you may be tired of seeing the commercial flash across your TV screen every commercial break, the product it’s promoting is very useful for seniors who are at risk of falls.

Between 20 and 30 percent of Canadian seniors fall each year. Personal emergency response systems call help with the touch of a button. A fall is scary to think about, which is why personal emergency response systems are so valuable.


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Tennille Kerrigan

Tenille is the president of Senior Helpers Canada, the premier franchise that delivers on what families and their loved ones need most. She has bachelor’s degree in business administration from York University, and has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and director. With Senior Helpers, our franchisees provide the professionalism and expert care that families and their aging loved ones require.

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