There are more and more seniors than ever who are making the choice to age in place and to continue to live right in their own homes as they grow older. This is a great solution for many seniors, but it is one that can present some potential complication as well. While many seniors want to live on their own and stay independent, it is important that they are able to do so safely.
The good news is, there are several new tech gadgets available on the market that can help seniors stay independent and safe in their own homes. Here is a list of our top seven tech gadgets that help seniors live independently.
- The iPad- Sure, most people have already heard of the iPad, but it is such an important device, it deserves to be on this list. The iPad can help seniors do so many of their everyday activities, from looking up recipes to checking on the weather before they go outside. With an iPad, seniors can also stay connected with their friends and family with video chatting—preventing the common issue of loneliness and isolation among elderly adults who live at home.
- SimpliSafe Home Security- Every senior who is living alone should have a security system in place. SimpliSafe is a wireless, top-rated home security system that includes voice automation. It is a state-of-the-art system that can’t be tampered with and is very user-friendly for seniors. You can build the SimpliSafe security system to include as few or as many devices as your loved one needs so they can enjoy the type of home security that works for them.
- The HomeSafe and GoSafe Device- HomeSafe is an emergency pendant for seniors that they can press if they fall or experience a serious medical issue. HomeSafe is great because it actually has fall detection for inside the home, meaning if a senior falls and can’t press the button, emergency services will still be notified. This system also comes with a GoSafe pendant that can be used outside the home as well. It even has GPS services so loved ones can find a missing senior should they need to.
- Medication Dispensers- There are many seniors who find that biggest (and at times the only) thing standing in the way of their ability to live independently is remembering to take their various medications. This is also something that family members and loved ones tend to worry about when their senior is living alone. The good news is there are a number of automated medication dispensing systems out there that caregivers can stock once a week. A little alarm goes off when it is time for medication, and the pills are dispensed then and only then—it is really that simple.
- Alexa by Amazon- Amazon’s Alexa can help automate your senior’s entire home and it is voice activated, which is a huge help for any senior adult. Say they want to turn on a light but don’t want to reach for the switch—Alexa can help. Alexa can also call 9-1-1 for a senior should they fall and find themselves unable to get up, a wonderful feature to have in any senior’s home.
- Motion Sensor Lights- Falls are some of the most common threats to a senior’s safety inside the home. In fact, falls are the number one reason that seniors tend to go to the emergency room. One of the many ways you can help lessen the likelihood of a fall in the home is to get motion sensor lights. They can help illuminate areas as your senior walks through the home, meaning ones less fall risk.
- The FitBit- It is so important that seniors continue to stay active as they grow older. It can help with their health and their mobility. While most seniors know they should be active, it can be hard to get motivated. This is why the FitBit is so great, it can not only monitor your senior’s movement and activity during the day, but it can remind them to get up and get moving if they have been sedentary for too long.
While technology cannot replace a caregiver, a roommate or a spouse, it can really help seniors who are choosing to live on their own. If you have a senior loved one in your life that is choosing to live independently during this phase in their lives, consider these gadgets for their home—they can make all of the difference in the world.
