Falling is one of the most common risks a senior faces in their daily lives. Older adults are six times more likely to end up in the ER for a nasty fall than a younger person. The situation worsens if the incident happens while they’re alone at home.
Investing in senior safety devices can make a big difference in protecting older adults. Some of them prevent accidents, while others alert emergency services when something happens.
Here are some aging-in-place solutions that seniors in Harrisburg, NC, should try out for themselves.
Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems have long been considered a foundational safety tool for aging adults. These systems allow seniors to quickly call for help in an emergency, often with the push of a button. If there’s one thing you plan to invest in, it should be some form of alert system.
Most medical alert systems include a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband. The built-in help button connects the user to a 24/7 monitoring center.
Some devices even track sudden impacts, such as if a person were to fall. Other features include GPS tracking and cellular connectivity for travel.
Fall Detection Tools for Seniors
Fall prevention and detection are essential for seniors living alone. If they’re badly injured, they may not be able to reach a phone or call out for help.
Modern fall detection tools utilize a mix of sensors, AI, and wearable technology. They can detect sudden movements and impacts that could indicate a fall. Many are built into medical alert systems to round out their functionality.
Wall-mounted sensors use infrared or radar to detect falls without wearables. Smart flooring solutions may sense pressure changes that warrant investigation.
Home Safety Technology
Beyond falls, seniors need to stay aware of other safety hazards they may face within their homes. Home safety technology plays a crucial role in minimizing these risks while preserving autonomy.
Essential devices include:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Stove shut-off devices
- Flood and leak detectors
- Voice-controlled lighting systems
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can alert users and caregivers to an emergency. Stove shut-off devices turn off burners after a period of inactivity to avoid kitchen fires.
Smart lighting systems allow seniors to navigate their homes more easily. They won’t have to search for switches in the dark.
Many assisted living communities incorporate some of these technologies in addition to features like grab bars and wheelchair ramps.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is about more than convenience. It allows for full automation of a home to provide a comfortable and safe space for aging adults.
The right technology can connect lighting, thermostats, and locks. You can adjust your home temperature from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. The same goes for locks to your doors and windows.
Video doorbells allow seniors to see and communicate with visitors without getting up or opening the door. They can send strangers away or notify the police of suspicious individuals.
Specialized Furniture
Motorized adjustable beds and lift chairs can reduce strain on joints and muscles.
With the bed, a person can elevate their legs or put themselves into a sitting position. They can adjust the incline however they need for maximum comfort. Some even go rise and lower for an easier time getting in and out of bed.
Lift chairs help seniors stand by pushing them slightly up and forward. It also makes it easier for them to sit down without falling into the seat.
Grab bars and handrails help with senior mobility around the house. You most often see grab bars in bathrooms near showers or toilets. Handrails help with stairs and uneven floors.
Safety Tools for Memory Care
Memory care deals with seniors experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s one of the most challenging tasks for caregivers, and safety tools can make a world of difference in keeping seniors safe.
Some must-have technologies include:
- Door and window alarms
- GPS tracking devices
- Electronic pill dispensers
- Memory support apps
Alarms can alert caregivers when someone tries to exit unexpectedly. GPS can track a senior’s location in real-time if they wander.
Electronic pill dispensers lock individual doses and send reminders. Certain memory support apps can help maintain brain health.
Two-Way Communication Systems
Communication systems can prove beneficial in certain situations. They’re especially helpful for seniors with advanced health conditions or cognitive impairments.
Caregivers can install an intercom system for seniors who have limited mobility. They can get in touch with one another with a press of a button.
Devices like Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub Max offer video calling capabilities. Loved ones can check in visually and verbally. You can also use a more affordable alternative for standard voice calls.
These options aren’t always the best ones for seniors with cognitive impairments, though. They may find themselves confused trying to operate them.
Wearable Health Monitors
Wearable health monitors track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. They also make apps that can monitor sleep quality so you can learn more about your sleep patterns.
These devices provide critical data that you can share with healthcare providers for remote monitoring. They may be able to catch health issues before they become emergencies.
Pharmacies sell dedicated health monitors that are affordable and easy to use. However, you can also use a Fitbit or an Apple Watch. Fitness trackers have health sensors that can track heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rate.
Invest in Senior Safety Devices
In Harrisburg, NC, using the right kind of senior safety devices means you can stay in your home for longer. A caregiver or emergency staff can get to you quickly in the case of a fall or health crisis. However, there is one way to live safer and with less stress.
TerraBella Harrisburg provides assisted senior living as well as memory care services. Our residents have access to various amenities, including chef-prepared meals and planned events and outings. Contact us with any questions about our community and to schedule a tour.
