Think back to as recent as 10-20 years ago. Better yet, pull out a photo album (with actual printed pictures!) and notice what’s so prominent today, but was missing then – the technology we all rely on so heavily. A photo taken today at a family gathering, for example, is sure to include a variety of cell phones in close proximity to most everyone; and, rather than printing that photo and sticking it to the fridge with magnets, it’s shared electronically, posted on social media, and probably enhanced with filters.
While the technology boom of this generation may seem to have gone over the edge, there are definitely some benefits to be gained for seniors and the families who care for them by utilizing high-tech tools to improve safety. Here are our favorites:
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are important for those at risk of falls or a stroke, as well as people with medical conditions that would necessitate a need, such as ALS, arthritis, balance disabilities, communication disabilities, deafness, hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, quadriplegia, seizures, speech disabilities and spinal cord injury. Most PERS operate by having a user press the transmitter’s “help” button, sending a radio signal to the console (connected to the user’s telephone). This causes the console to automatically dial one or more pre-selected emergency telephone numbers.
Telehealth and Telemonitoring Devices have become a vital part of disease management. It is particularly appropriate for those with health issues that require sporadic but immediate assistance, like COPD, diabetes and CHF. Telemonitoring devices collect a person’s vitals on a regular basis without the need for him or her to ever leave the comfort of home. There is also recent research that indicates that telehealth reduces hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
Medication Management Devices are appropriate for people who may have trouble remembering which medications to take when. Medication management devices can remind a senior to take his or her medicine at pre-set times with:
- Voice prompts
- Light indicators
- Safety alarms to alert if the wrong medication is selected
Some devices even dispense the correct dosage of medication at the appropriate times and may include a monitoring service that is notified if a dosage is missed.
Learn More About Our Bellerose Elder Care Technology
To learn more about these technology options and others, including help with utilizing computer programs and games to exercise memory and cognitive skills, or with social media or Skype to enhance socialization, contact the in-home care experts at Best Senior Home Care of New York at 917-880-9373. We service Bayside, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Whitestone, Forest Hills, Little Neck, Auburndale, Queens Village, Bellerose, Manhattan and surrounding communities, and we’d love to partner with you in helping your senior loved one live life to the fullest!