Technology is often indispensable to a comfortable retirement. Since the Roomba (iRobot’s autonomous vacuum cleaner) came into existence, companies have introduced ever-more-impressive tech tools to support the senior lifestyle. Today, digital tools are reducing the isolation of seniors who proudly age-in-place. More importantly, newer smart tech tools for seniors are also making it possible to retire with dignity and resilience.
The Evolution of Smart Homes: Automated Home Security and Environmental Controls
Smart homes used to live in the realm of science fiction. Today, however, they play an important and integrated role in the lives of many seniors. Friendly AI-powered homes offer both companionship and continuous care support. For example, a smart home can be programmed to deliver medication and appointment reminders. They can even be set up to monitor air quality in the home. For example, AWAIR devices can monitor chemicals, fine dust, humidity, and CO2 levels. This ensures that seniors get better sleep quality over time.
Meanwhile, a smart home security system can be indispensable in keeping seniors safe. Such a system connects to your senior’s WiFi network. So, you or your loved one can monitor all security devices in the home by using a smartphone. If your loved one tends to be forgetful, the security system ensures that doors are locked at night and smoke/CO detectors are on. The best new smart home security systems for seniors include Vivint and SimpliSafe.
Meanwhile, the two leading smart homes you can choose are Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Both feature a friendly voice-controlled AI assistant and a plethora of integrated features.
No-Contact Sensors
An innovation you may not have heard of are no-contact sensors, which are increasingly popular in the healthcare industry. The Epi-Assist is a non-intrusive sensor. These sensors can be set beneath fitted bed sheets or even a chair pillow to help monitor a senior’s vitals. The data is then sent to caregivers and healthcare providers. These sensors are especially useful if vitals hit dangerously low levels.
Fitness Tracker Watches: One of the Most Useful Smart Tech Tools for Seniors
One of the best tools on the market for seniors is a fitness tracker watch. This nifty watch lets caregivers monitor vital signs and a senior’s movements throughout the day. It can even track how soundly a senior has slept the night before.
Today, there is a wide variety of senior-ready smartwatches available. They range from a classic Fitbit smartwatch to specialized watches that can be programmed to contact emergency care services.
Many watches recommended to seniors, for example, include GPS or location tracking. This comes in handy when caring for dementia patients who are prone to wandering off. Some watches, like the Apple Watch 4, also includes fall detection capabilities. When you fall, the watch sends you an alert and waits for you to respond. If you don’t respond within a minute, it will make a call to emergency services on your behalf.
Others, like the Laxcido GPS smartwatch, includes a special SOS button so your senior can call for help when necessary. Meanwhile, the UnaliWear Kanega, doesn’t come with hard-to-navigate buttons. Instead, your senior can utilize voice commands to get assistance. Finally, the MobileHelp Smart and Prazata GPS Tracker have two-way communication capabilities. So, seniors can make phone calls using their watch.
It should also be noted that many smartwatches can be integrated with smart homes. For example, the Phillips Hue Apple Watch and Android Wear LIFX allow seniors to monitor the temperature, security, and lighting in their homes.
A Wheelchair That Comes When Called
A new smart tech tool for seniors is a smart wheelchair by WHILL NEXT. This wheelchair can navigate forward and backward using front and rear cameras. Seniors will soon be able to call their wheelchairs to them with the touch of an app icon.
The WHILL NEXT is a self-driving wheelchair with state-of-the-art mapping and collision avoidance technology.
David York Agency Can Keep You Updated About Smart Tech Tools for Seniors
At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies that provide in-home health care services. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance you need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. For more helpful tips and information, contact us today.
