Leveraging Technology For Aging In Place: A Guide For Silver Sitters

With the vast majority of Americans living longer, seniors prefer aging in place. Fortunately, healthcare technology like wearables and devices has made it easy for people to age in place. 

The research reveals that 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in their place instead of going to the assisted care facility. Some major reasons behind the same are having nearby family and friends and resistance to deal with the inconvenience. 

At Silver Sitters, we recognize the transformative role of technology in helping seniors age comfortably in their own homes. This article explores how various tech solutions are making it safer and more convenient for seniors to age in place.

Tech And Aging 

Compared to a decade ago, aging in place is regarded as a lot safer now, and all thanks to the wide range of technologies. There are apps that not only analyze your home but also suggest modifications to make aging safe. The availability of telemedicine at home makes it easy for home patients to connect with healthcare providers. 

Let’s take note of a few instances of how technology is making aging safe and easier at home than before. 

Home Modifications For Aging In Place

Knowing what home modifications are required in a home to pave the room for safer and more secure aging matters the most. The necessary home modifications for seniors depend on their physical needs and home environment. An app called HomeFit AR scans your entire room using your smartphone and suggests modifications to prioritize safety and mobility. It identifies your home’s design and large appliances and accordingly provides a to-do list to make your home safe and accessible.

Ensuring Medication Adherence in Seniors

Medication adherence is a significant concern in older patients, with about 50 percent not taking their medications as prescribed. Pillo Health reminds users when it’s time for their medication by using voice recognition, real-time alerts, and video-calling capabilities to make sure that it’s taken at the right time and in the right quantity.

Emergency Alert Systems 

In the event of an accident or medical emergency, a medical alert system can be invaluable. BellPal offers a watch that functions as a medical alert device, notifying loved ones or a 24/7 monitoring center in the event of an emergency. There are also motion detection sensors in the watch to figure out if the wearer has fallen or not. 

Another wearable device is CarePredict @Home which takes note of the changes in daily patterns and alerts about the potential health concern among seniors. 

The Role of Telemedicine and Self-monitoring 

Not many seniors or older people can visit the doctor’s clinic due to the lack of transportation or lack of mobility. Fortunately, such patients can take advantage of telemedicine. 

Telemedicine platforms like CallOnDoc allow for virtual at-home medical visits, making it easier for seniors with mobility issues or lack of transportation to see a doctor. Patients can get answers from health providers and prescriptions for medications for minor issues to chronic conditions.

Innovative Devices for Health Monitoring

Devices like MedWand and Complete by Omron Healthcare combine several diagnostic tools, allowing patient data to be shared with a doctor. The Zibrio SmartScale measures and tracks physical balance by assessing an individual’s risk of falling. 

Managing Chronic Pain at Home with Technology

More than half of older adults complain of having bothersome pain, having certain devices to alleviate the chronic pain is a must. Devices like Sana Health, a wearable that reduces pain using pulsed light and sound, can benefit chronic pain sufferers. 

Consequently, you need to plan for aging in place based on your near-term needs and know that they can change over time. Also, talking to your doctor about your health issues and home modifications could help.