A High-Tech Way To Age In Place
Home Monitoring Enhances Seniors’ Independence and Caregivers’ Peace of Mind.
story by MARK KOOPMANS
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 77 million boomers reside in the U.S. and by 2030, this demographic will represent an estimated 20 percent of the population. This means each day for the next 19 years, more than 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65. Studies show the vast majority of seniors wish to remain in their homes as they age, and about 85 percent of those “aging in place” will require some sort of in-home care from family, friends or home health services. Fortunately, numerous companies are working to make staying connected with seniors easier with a variety of home monitoring systems.
Several companies are investing signifi- cant research and development funds with the goal of creating affordable technology that will revolutionize how people age in their homes. Much of this new technology involves wireless devices that communicate with a main touch screen monitor. The com- ponents have been specifically designed with seniors in mind, with large text and simple navigation. Installation is in most cases no more complex than setting up a desktop computer. A half-hour training session with the dealer representative is usually sufficient, and maintenance is minimal.
Many of these systems come with health monitoring equipment like a weight scale, pulse oximeter, glucometer and blood pressure cuff. Each accessory is designed to work with the main unit to read and record health data, which can be stored for access by client-approved family and medical pro- fessionals through a web browser, or sent to contacts of the client’s choosing. Some systems also incorporate wireless sensors throughout the home to monitor move- ment, temperature and lighting.
What’s more, these systems often offer entertainment options and photo and video sharing functions, which not only allow families to monitor the health and well- being of their loved ones, but can also enrich their relationships.
SIMPLYHOME SYSTEM
The SimplyHome System is a sophisticated in-home monitoring system to track and manage various items and events within a home.Various discrete technologies from medication access tracking to a stove sensor work together to help notify family members and caregivers of potential issues based on choices and activities within the home. Additionally, every event that happens in the home is tracked on your own secure website. Using the reporting tools in the website, you can quickly identify changing behaviors or trends.
Finally, you can incorporate the EMT Call Center with the system to help respond to any need.The EMTs are available to respond to a missed medication access, an in-home emergency and every need in between. SimplyHome, 877-684-3581, www.simply-home.com.
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