Enabling Technology for Aging in Place
Many senior adults would like to remain in their homes, living independently, for as long as possible. This is known as aging in place. There are several ways to make changes to your home so that you can remain there longer, such as replacing door knobs with lever handles, installing kitchen counters at varying heights, and even adding grab bars to showers.
But it’s also possible to age in place through the use of enabling technology. By adding enabling technology to your current home setup, you can remain both independent and safe. Enabling technology can include:
Medication Dispenser
The medication dispenser removes the concern for overmedicating by providing access to prescribed medications at specific times of the day. The medication dispenser keeps the medication organized by only administering the specified dose at the set time. A caregiver can fill the medication dispenser with up to twenty-eight doses of medication and set up to four alarms per day when someone would need to be reminded to take their medication. If any medications are missed, caregivers can be notified via text message, phone call, or email. Learn More.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
A PERS can get you help quickly if you fall and need assistance. With the press of a button (on either a wrist strap, pendant, or base unit), a 24/7 Response Center is notified that assistance is needed and will triage the call to emergency personnel or one’s designated care team. Learn More.
SimplyHome System
When the sensors detect a potential concern such as wandering or elopement, the system generates an immediate notification through text message, phone call, or email to one’s care team. While remote support systems cannot prevent accidents, choices, or behaviors, caregivers can be alerted each time there is a potential concern. These alerts provide invaluable support to families and caregivers, especially if there are concerns such as dementia, falling, elopement, or memory problems. Learn More.
Ring™ Video Doorbell
With Ring™ Video Doorbell, the individual can remain safe in their home. The individual can answer their door from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or PC. A caregiver can simultaneously be notified if someone is at their loved one’s home. The device also provides the individual with instant alerts anytime someone presses the doorbell or when there is motion detected outside. Learn More.
Additional Resources for Aging In Place
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides tips for those who want to begin aging in place and aren’t sure where to start. These include:
Reach out to people you know. The NIA recommends talking with family, friends, and neighbors to see if they can help you get what you need in order to remain in your home in a safe, healthy manner. For example, this could be anything from helping get the mail to assisting with weekly grocery shopping or picking up medications.
Learn about local government and community resources. Many communities offer specific services for seniors who are living alone.
Speak with geriatric care managers. The NIA also mentions that trained professionals, such as geriatric care managers, can help you create a plan for how to remain in your home for as long as possible.
Ultimately, aging in place with enabling technology can provide you with autonomy, dignified quality of life, the ability to live safely in your own home, and access to help when needed.
Enabling Technology To Support Independent Living with SimplyHome
SimplyHome designs and installs innovative and affordable technology solutions that transform how we care for individuals with disabilities, aging adults, and veterans.
Our sensor-based systems can adapt over time to alleviate concerns about cooking safety, medication adherence, and the risk of wandering or falls. We work with service providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and families to mitigate challenges. Caregivers are notified only when they are needed, promoting the highest level of independence possible for the individual.