Top 10 Assistive Devices Every Senior Needs at Home
Like everybody else, seniors want to enjoy their independence as they grow older, but may not be able to do so as freely as everyone else. The advancement in age predisposes them to accidents, falls, and the need for close monitoring to ensure their basics needs are taken care of at all times. Thankfully, technology and the prevalence of assistive devices have made it possible for seniors to enjoy their golden days in the comfort of their homes.
With seniors prone to declining health, being on certain medication, or sometimes not having a caregiver present when needed, these assistive devices play a crucial role in keeping them safe and well attended to.
From wireless monitoring devices to automatic medicine dispensers, there is a wide selection of assistive devices to help seniors live independently at home until further care or more socialization is needed.
Here are the top ten devices that are sure to help older adults keep safe at home:
1) MediaSmart Automatic Pill Dispenser
As the name suggests, this device is useful in dispensing medication. Additionally, it remotely alerts caregivers through email and phone if the medication has not been dispensed. As an additional reminder, the device also sounds an alarm if the user has not taken the medication, or has forgotten that they did and are about to take another dosage.
With only a landline, you are sure to get daily reminders about medication and refills. What a relief for those with elderly family or loved ones living at home!
2) Touch Finger Print Door Lock
1 Touch Finger Print Door Lock is a fingerprint-activated door lock. It uses a fingerprint in place of keys to lock and open doors. Besides preventing future door lockouts, it keeps off intruders who may want to take advantage of your loved one's advanced age to access the house without permission. This ensures that even in your absence, your senior member of the family is safe.
3) MobileHelp Fall Detector
It is well known that as we age, we become more prone to accidental falls - especially those with limited mobility. This technology detects falls through a wrist button or waterproof neck pendant; essentially, it detects body movement and warns your loved one when they are about to slip. It is particularly useful in the bathroom where falls are likely to happen. What makes it attractive is the fact that it offers 24/7 live monitoring services. This ensures seniors are safe whether in the bathroom or up and about their day.
4) First Alert Motion Sensing Light
Rugs, and even high-pile carpet can be a trip hazard for our elderly. This problem can be resolved by incorporating First Alert Motion Sensing Light. It's a device that is inserted into a socket and illuminates the room by sensing motion. With the device, your loved one does not have to fumble with switches every time they want to use light. This automatically lights the room when there is someone inside. As an added advantage, it can help conserve energy as it switches off when you leave the room.
5) Burner Alert for Stovetops
There is nothing more dangerous than getting caught up in other activities in the middle of making a meal in the kitchen. With Burner Alert for Stovetops, seniors can be notified that the stovetop is in use and can therefore check to see that nothing is burning. Is your loved one already forgetting things or getting increasingly absentminded? This device can go a long way in keeping them safe while cooking alone.
6) Canary Home Security System
The security of your loved ones is paramount. Canary Home Security System comes with a video recording with cloud storage of up to 30 days. It also comes with a night vision and a siren that you can control remotely. It allows you to monitor temperatures and humidity in the house to ensure your loved one enjoys a comfortable environment. With the device, you can keep an eye on burglars or people who may target older adults who live alone.
7) Sensi Smart Thermostat
Seniors can have trouble programming and adjusting the settings of a normal thermostat, especially if they have poor eyesight. This is where Sensi Smart Thermostat comes in; these assistive devices are simple to program and only require a smartphone to use. For ease of use, it can be connected with Alexa for voice-controlled adjustments. Essentially, it eliminates the confusion that is likely to arise when your loved one wants to operate a thermostat but cannot due to physical challenges.
8) Blip Blood Pressure Monitor
Needless to say, seniors are more likely to deal with health issues, from blood pressure to arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. As a caretaker, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are monitored around the clock by the use of assistive devices such as Blip Blood Pressure Monitor. High blood pressure is common among older adults, and if not checked regularly, it can lead to other ailments.
This device allows you to keep track of your loved one's health remotely by sending notifications when it is in use. This way, you can take necessary action from wherever you are, for instance, remind them to take medication.
9) LOK8UFreedom Watch
Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia can sometimes wander far from their homes, which is often a worry for caregivers. LOK8UFreedom Watch has geo-fencing capabilities. It is designed to alert caregivers in case a loved one wanders too far from the 'safe zone.'
If the wearer moves away from a certain area, you are notified through email or text. Additionally, the watch has a panic button that can be used to call for help in case of an accident like a fall.
10) Sen.se Mother and Motion Cookies
This tool is used to record a variety of things and is typically attached to appliances, medication bottles, and even doors to keep a record of activity. It sends data to your smartphone or through email to let you know if your loved one has taken medication, eaten, or attended to something important like taking a walk.
Summary
No doubt, technology has made it quite seamless for caregivers to attend to their loved ones while allowing them to remain independent in their homes. With these assistive devices, you don't have to worry about your loved one taking their medicine on time or locking the door when they leave the house. And more importantly, they can enjoy their independence with ease.
If your senior member of the family cannot stay home for reasons such as loneliness and inability to take care of themselves, our communities are there to take over and ensure they are well attended to. Reach out to us to know more about what makes us the right choice for your loved one.