More Seniors Using Technology Stay Home Longer

Seniors using Technology Stay Home Longer, especially if they have early stage Alzheimer’s

Smartphone technology and other wearable gadgets are hugely popular right now, and users have been realizing that no matter your lifestyle, these devices can assist with the ease of daily tasks and health.

This technology isn’t just for the young or health-obsessed, either – it can also be used to improve the care of patients with Alzheimer’s.

Automated devices that can be installed at home are incredibly beneficial for caretakers and their loved ones and allow the person with Alzheimer’s dementia to remain at home longer.

More new innovations in Alzheimer’s care include:

GPS tracking devices: Many caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients are wary of their loved one walking too far away from home and being unable to find their way back.

Devices with programmable GPS systems help relieve the worries associated with the wandering that is symptomatic of Alzheimer’s.

These devices allow caregivers to track where their loved one is,  even if they have left a pre-designated boundary. GPS trackers come in the form of small battery powered devices, cell phone apps, or even shoe inserts. These devices will send alerts via phone or e-mail that the wearer needs help getting home safely.

Home Monitors: Home monitoring technology isn’t exactly new, but there are many recent improvements on older tech designs.

Already, technology has been developed to facilitate motion sensors on the front door, chairs and couches, and elsewhere in the home, to alert caregivers if there is too little activity over a period of time, or if their actions differ from the norm.

Monitors under mattresses can also be installed, with the ability to detect if the senior in bed is beginning to exhibit irregular pulse or respiratory patterns. For older Alzheimer’s patients, using these tools to catch early warning signs and symptoms can be make a drastic difference.

Wearable pendant or wristband: Wearable monitoring devices are some of the most reliable products for knowing if your loved one is safe at home. Worn around the neck, on the wrist, or pinned on clothing, they are discreet and waterproof so that they can stay on at all times.

Designed with a help button that will alert the wearer’s caretaker or an emergency response team if the wearer is in trouble or suffers a fall. These devices are produced by some of the biggest names in home security, like ADT (see SecurityChoice.com for details) and can also send alerts every 30 days to ensure they are working properly.

Automated home features: Aging seniors with Alzheimer’s symptoms are liable to forget to perform many simple tasks at home. Little things like neglecting to turn off the stove, blow out a candle, or take important medications can have life-threatening implications. There are now automation systems on the market that can be programmed to assist Alzheimer’s patients as they continue to live independently. These systems can be programmed to turn off the gas if your loved one forgets, and also switch electronics, lights, and other home appliances off on a timer.

Coming Up Next – Apple iWatch: While still in the prototype phase, there have been many rumors and speculations swirling about the launch of Apple’s new “iWatch.”  An iWatch, or similar wearable technology, could be a powerful tool for people with Alzheimer’s.

This device could be worn like a watch, but would perform like a highly sensitive computer or smartphone. It’s still in the prototype phase, but reports say that the iWatch will be capable of monitoring everything from sleep patterns to glucose and calorie consumption.

The number of innovations in automated home systems and other technology over the past few years has been remarkable. Technology, the next frontier in the crusade to help Alzheimer’s patients and others live longer and more comfortably, promises a variety of new ways to provide compassionate care.

Author bio: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88

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