Today, there are numerous aging in place technologies that can help to promote personal safety, connection, and wellness from the comfort of your own home. Here are 5 tips to help you understand and navigate aging in place technologies.
Today, there are numerous aging in place technologies that can help to promote personal safety, connection, and wellness from the comfort of your own home. From smart home devices to smart medication management systems, these technologies empower older adults to live independently at home while providing reassurance to their loved ones.
Although aging in place technologies can significantly improve quality of life, nearly a third of Americans age 65 and older lack confidence in their ability to use electronic devices, according to a study published by the Pew Research Center. If that sounds like you or your loved one, don’t give up on tech just yet!
Here are 5 tips to help you understand and navigate aging in place technologies.
Think about your day to day routine. Which parts of your day could be simplified with the help of tech? Are there any tasks that you hope to eliminate altogether?
Most aging in place technologies fit into one or more of these categories: personal safety, companionship, and medication management.
Personal safety technologies help individuals monitor their health and safety at home. Some types of personal safety devices can also help to prevent potential crises by notifying caregivers, neighbors, or medical personnel in case of a sudden health or safety issue.
Examples of personal safety technologies include motion sensing lights, home security systems, and fall detection devices.
Personal connection is vital to preserving wellness, especially for seniors living and aging in place. Companionship promoting technologies serve to improve mood and decrease loneliness through consistent interaction with friends and loved ones.
If you are a smartphone user, you are already familiar with one of the world’s most prominent companionship technologies! Other examples include tablet computers and even some types of smart home devices.
It’s no secret that medication management can make or break your health. Traditional medication management methods often leave room for error. Fortunately, there are a variety of devices that can send reminders, dispense medications, and alert caregivers or professionals in case of a medical emergency.
Some of the most popular medication tracking and management devices include pill alarms and smartphone apps.
Before committing to a product, thoroughly research the long-term costs and savings associated with implementing and using the new technology. Don’t discount an option just because of its upfront costs – it may end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run!
For example, a new personal safety system could cost you hundreds per month, but save you thousands in in-home care expenses or medical bills. Similarly, installing home security may cost up to $600 but will protect your home and belongings for usually less than $50 a month.
If you feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your cost comparison analysis, this page offers a couple helpful charts to guide your research.
While home and personal care technologies have come a long way in the last few decades, it’s still important to understand and address potential security concerns. When considering a new technology, also consider its implications for your privacy and digital safety.
Reputable smartphones and smart home technologies require a rigorous certification process to ensure security. If you are unsure about the security of a device, you should do your own research to identify potential concerns. Read customer reviews online and consider options recommended by the AARP here.
To get the most out of aging in place technologies, it is important to have several that work together seamlessly. The best products will always be the ones that can help you streamline and simplify groups of tasks.
For example, a professionally installed smart home system might let you turn off the lights in your home, lock your doors, and turn on your security system with the push of a single button.
While setting up a security system or getting started with digital medication management may seem daunting at first, it is important to remember that you are not in this alone. There are several technology training resources for aging in place available for seniors and caregivers, from the AARP’s Personal Technology Resource Center to SeniorNet’s free applications and tech training courses.
And if you’re curious about other ways to simplify living at home, Truehold is here to help. Our Sale-Leaseback solution empowers you to age in place without worrying about home maintenance, modifications, or upgrades. It also enables you to access all of your home equity, which means more cash for smart home tech, new security systems, and more.
Fill out the form below or call 314-353-9757 to speak with a Truehold Advisor today.
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