SimplyHome - The Solution for Seniors Aging at Home (Guest Blog Post)
January 1, 1946 marked the beginning of the Baby Boom - "the single greatest demographic event in U.S. history," according to Steven Gillon, historian and author of Boomer Nation. As noted in a recent USA Today article, the first of 77 million Baby Boomers turn 65 years old on December 1, 2010, with one Boomer turning 65 every eight seconds from 2010 through 2029.
Cost-Effective Assistive Technology
In a time of soaring health costs, Boomers face the formidable task of remaining independent as they age. Many are seeking options for aging at home. This highly adaptive generation has lived through the evolution of modern technologies, from answering machines, to computers, to mobile phones and on-demand internet access. As seniors, this same generation is looking to assistive technology to improve their lives.
SimplyHome, a provider of safety monitoring that allows individuals to live independently in their own homes, provides innovative solutions tailored to meet the needs of each client seeking caregiver assistance.
"Seniors and their families often are not just comfortable, but proficient with technology," says Allen Ray, CEO of SimplyHome. "SimplyHome offers cost-effective technology that benefits people choosing to age in place."
Innovative and Affordable Long Term Care At Home
According to the AARP, 80 percent of Americans age 50 and older own their home, and nearly nine out of 10 older Americans want to remain in their home as long as possible. The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) recently projected that the aggregate national retirement savings deficit is $4.6 trillion, or approximately $48,000 per person aged 65 - and nursing home and home health care costs potentially are doubling that amount.
With nursing home care costs averaging more than $50,000 a year and climbing, caregiving adults wishing to provide loved ones long term care at home are seeking innovative, healthcare monitoring systems, including remote monitoring of medication and daily activities. SimplyHome's affordable options offer a gateway for adult children of aging parents by individually tailoring solutions to include safety monitoring, health monitors, life alert, emergency alert, and medical alert systems.
Americans are looking to change the experience of growing old while facing the challenges of home long term care. The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) was organized as a community management initiative to provide support, planning, and assistance for seniors wanting to remain in their homes for as long as possible. The NAIPC, appreciating the importance for older Americans to be able to participate in family and community activities, defines aging in place as, "the ability to continue to live in one's home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level."
"We provide solutions to meet the needs of those seeking long-term care at home," adds Ray. "A SimplyHome plan can prevent unexpected events from turning into crises, and can provide your loved one the freedom to live independently."
Safety Monitoring Maximizes Independence
SimplyHome understands that every customer has different needs and requirements, including connecting long distance family members. SimplyHome provides safety monitoring via innovative technology and the expertise of local care providers. Options such as the SimplyHome Butler System and Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Plus utilize sensors to detect problems, potential needs, or unplanned events. The sensors alert staff that a deviation from your loved one's routine has occurred. Family members determine which alerts should be directed to designated caregivers or the SimplyHome call center, and if alerts should be sent by phone call, text message, or email.
Ultimately, SimplyHome assists individuals to create a cost-effective plan to age in place, while understanding the importance of maximizing independence and creating a supportive home environment.
About the Author
Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He is the Feature Editor of Action Pursuit Games Magazine, Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie.