Can seniors age in place safely? Researchers say that, with the right in-home modifications, the answer is yes. In fact, tech solutions for aging in place are increasing in popularity in light of COVID-19. And, the trend shows no signs of stopping.
The CDC defines aging in place as, “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” This ability to remain safe and independent at home is vital, as it’s been found that 90 percent of older adults prefer to live out their final years at home.
As we age, our bodies and mental capacities change, making it increasingly difficult to accomplish day-to-day tasks. This is part-and-parcel of the aging process. However, accommodating home environments can make the process easier.
Tech Solutions for Aging in Place in 2021
As technology advances at rapid speeds, we must explore how it can be used to assist seniors. Baby Boomers, generally identified as people who were born between 1946 and 1964, often navigate technology with greater ease than older generations.
Undeniably, manufacturers are paying attention, creating programs and tech gadgets to assist these seniors at home. This is especially important in light of COVID-19, as many seniors continue to shelter-in-place. Below, we feature our list of top tech solutions for aging in place in 2021.
ECaring
A technology to assist with homecare, eCaring is an integrated digital platform that shares information about senior patients to care managers, healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members. It allows for significant changes in behavior to be easily documented and rectified to avoid potential health issues.
The platform can also keep track of medication, send emergency alerts, reward high-performing caregivers, and facilitate in-app communications with case managers.
GetSetUp
GetSetUp is a learning and social platform for seniors. The platform facilitates peer-to-peer teaching, allowing seniors to enjoy a highly sociable experience from the comfort of home. In addition, seniors can also take free classes about Medicare, Zoom, and health-conscious cooking.
Amazon Alexa Care Hub
Though released in 2020, this digital technology will continue to be relevant in 2021. An Amazon product, Care Hub enables remote interactions, effectively connecting a senior’s personal assistant device to a caretaker’s mobile app. Useful features include customizable alerts and an activity feed to show how seniors have used their Echo smart devices throughout the day.
Seniors can ask Alexa (the Amazon Echo virtual assistant) an array of questions, such as “What’s the weather like now?” “Can you read my Audible/Kindle book aloud?” “What’s a good recipe for leftover chicken?” or even “Can you play me the theme song from the movie Titanic?” For a list of questions you can ask Alexa, head to the Amazon “Things to Ask Alexa” page.
Homethrive
Homethrive is basically a concierge service for seniors. It connects Master’s level social workers or care guides with seniors. The care guides provide coaching services, personalized recommendations for health & wellness goals, and Medicare plan selection assistance. Homethrive also helps seniors find specialists for home care and home safety improvements. If you live in any of the five boroughs of New York City, check out David York Agency’s aging in place home safety services.
MedSign
MedSign is a two-way communication platform that lets healthcare providers use home TVs to provide telehealth services to seniors. A cinch to operate, MedSign allows for virtual visits as well as the monitoring and tracking of vital sign data on a 24/7 basis. Thus, seniors can enjoy secure, HIPAA-compliant access to their healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes.
Zeppi
Another service that facilitates digital visits, Zeppi is a revolutionary floating video call device that helps caregivers, medical professionals, and loved ones keep seniors safe and healthy.
Everything is set up to make communications as easy as possible. But, what exactly is a floating video call device? Specifically, Zeppi is a hovering telepresence robot with smart capabilities. It can “hover” or move from room to room. Another key point is that it can facilitate Zoom-like video chats with seniors at any location in a building or home.
Voice Access for Android
Google has made it easier for seniors to navigate and control their devices through voice operations. The Voice Access app is also compatible with many older Android phones. With Voice Access, seniors who have difficulty manipulating a touch screen can operate a smartphone easily.
David York Agency Supports the Creation of Tech Solutions for Aging in Place
If the above information about tech solutions for aging in place has been useful, check out David York Agency’s blog for more articles about senior care in Nassau County.
David York Agency understands the challenges of caregiving and is willing to provide all the support you need.
If you’d like more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 718.376.7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
David York Agency Home Healthcare remains committed to providing personalized care for your loved one. If you have questions about our services, please contact us. We can help you through the difficult times and give you the break you deserve!
