Did you know that around 75 percent of seniors in the United States use the Internet? While older folks used to consider themselves Luddites, it’s now common to see your parents and grandparents using an iPhone, a tablet, or a smart television.
Technology has made leaps and bounds in the past two decades, and not just for young people. The advent of senior living technology creates a world of opportunities for aging citizens.
If you’re looking for elderly care gadgets for your loved one, you’re in luck. Here are some of the best retirement community tech solutions available today.
Social Media
Social media is a fantastic way to get in touch with your elderly loved ones. As they get older, they may have issues with driving or mobility in general.
You can help them make a social media account on a popular site such as Facebook. Facebook is the best way to connect with friends and family and share content.
Facebook also has groups, where users can join spaces with people who have similar interests. For instance, senior veterans can discuss their triumphs and struggles.
Medication Dispensers
As your loved one ages, they may need more medications to manage their health. Coupled with memory and cognitive issues, this could be a disaster if you cannot give it to them personally.
This is where medication dispensers come in. Gone are the days of the weekly pill organizers. There are many affordable, high-quality options for seniors.
You can purchase a pill dispenser that opens only at certain times and stays locked otherwise. Some pill dispensers can even connect to your smartphone, so you’ll be able to track your loved one to see if they took their medication.
Wearable Technology
In the last decade, wearable technology has transitioned from a futuristic fad to a staple in our everyday lives. This type of retirement community tech can be indispensable for your aging loved one.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch made huge waves in the tech space when it first appeared, and its popularity hasn’t slowed down. It is one of the best senior care innovations, with many features specifically geared to help older people.
One of the key features of the Apple Watch that makes it one of the top elderly care gadgets is fall detection. This is especially important for seniors who live alone, but want to maintain their independence.
The health monitoring mechanism of the Apple Watch can provide a wealth of information for your loved one’s healthcare team. Your senior won’t have to track things like their daily steps or heart rate when the Apple Watch can pull that data for them.
For seniors who need a reminder to take their medication, there are many third-party reminder apps on the market. You can program the reminders and they will sync to the Apple Watch.
Life Alert
If your loved one has trouble with technology like the Apple Watch, you should consider something easier to use.
Life Alert has been on the market for decades and continues to be a reliable way for seniors to get in touch with emergency services. The basic model has a simple button to press that will alert the authorities, without all of the bells and whistles of a smartwatch.
Doorbell Cameras
Many seniors who have paid off their homes are opting to age in place. While this may seem like a great option for personal comfort, security concerns become even more of a risk.
Doorbell cameras, such as Ring, can help identify potential security issues. The biggest draw of doorbell cameras is that they allow users to see a live-action feed of their front door, so they don’t have to open it for strangers.
A doorbell camera is the first line of defense. Many burglars or criminals will automatically be deterred when they see the device. It’s truly one of the best innovative living solutions.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is one of the most important technological advancements in senior care. Seniors who may have transportation or mobility issues can benefit greatly from having virtual access to their doctors.
The word telemedicine covers a broad range of medical services. All aspects of healthcare are impacted by telemedicine in some way.
For instance, patients can message their care team online and wait for a response, rather than having to visit in person. Or, they can even have a virtual appointment through audio or video, depending on their needs.
This type of treatment can make a world of difference for people with chronic illness or progressive diseases.
Voice Activation
Does your loved one want to remain independent, but have mobility problems? Voice activation can alleviate many of the tasks that would normally require them to move around.
Using a smart device, they can program it to turn lights on and off, start or stop appliances, and even order items from sites like Amazon.
If your senior loved one has a difficult time with technology, teach them some simple commands once you buy them the device. You can practice together until they have the hang of it.
Virtual Hobbies and Meetups
Even if your loved one makes friends in their senior living community, they may not have the same interests as other residents. Virtual meetups can bridge the distance and connect people who have the same hobbies.
Video apps such as Zoom, Teams, or LifeSize can accommodate groups of people who want to video chat about common interests or hobbies.
These are great for meetings like book clubs, which can facilitate structured discussions. Or, for crafting enthusiasts, a meeting room where all participants work on their preferred craft, or even follow a pattern or instructor.
The Best Senior Living Technology Options
With the advent of technology, seniors don’t have to be left behind. Senior living technology can assist older people in virtually every aspect of their lives.
Are you in search of an ideal assisted living community for your loved one? Terrabella Thornblade is here to help.
We’re a premier senior living community located in Greer, SC. Reach out to us today to schedule a tour and experience our person-centered culture for yourself.
