As those we love begin to age, our caregiving roles can reverse. Just like they kept us safe, clean, and comfortable, we want to ensure they have everything they need. But being there at all times can be a challenge.
If they’re not ready to move into senior living but need just a little help at home to stay safe, technology can help bridge the gap between independence and safety. Here are a few services available to help:
Smart Devices:
While “Alexa” is a common device that comes to mind in terms of a smart speaker, there is a wide range of helpful products available that can be managed remotely to keep seniors safe, including smart kitchen appliances, heating/cooling systems, doorbells, music players, bed alarms, door locks, motion detectors, and smoke detectors.
The internet and its endless number of tracking gadgets will never replace human connection, but they can sure come in handy during the overnight hours when everyone requires rest! As long as someone carefully monitors the data provided by the smart device, seniors can thrive, and their loved ones can rest easier.
Call Centers:
Call center services may include a daily call to a senior’s home for a check-in or wake-up call. They can also provide a reminder call to eat a meal or take a medication. If the call center does not reach the person they’re calling, there’s a process for loved ones to be called so they can check on them.
While this is an option, if phone lines are down due to storms or these call centers experience technical difficulties, there’s no guarantee that this service will work to expedite help in an emergency. Sometimes, it takes multiple systems, such as physically having caregivers in the home, and these services to ensure a wraparound layer of support.
Alarmed Medication Dispensers:
Depending on the service available, a registered nurse or trusted caregiver can fill these machines with the appropriate medications and program them to alert the user when it’s time to take their medications. They can be monitored or unmonitored.
Unmonitored versions can help keep medications safely locked, but the monitored versions offer more. If the person does not take the medication from the box when dispensed and the alarm goes off, a loved one or caregiver is typically contacted to check on the person.
Personal Response/Alert Buttons:
These are typically wearable pendants, bracelets, or watches with a wide range of services. Some companies call the respondent’s home phone to check if it’s pressed. If the call is unanswered, they call an emergency contact or EMS, depending on the person’s preference.
Some personal alert systems serve as emergency telephones that connect the person with family, EMS, or both. Some systems have GPS tracking so those wearing the devices can be found if they’re not responding to phone calls at home or are away. Depending on the system, some require charging or replacing batteries, so these helpful tools require management and regular test checks.
The CarePredict System
Wearable devices, such as the watches available from CarePredict, can serve as an invisible layer of security that seniors need to maintain their independence and safety. Using beacons installed throughout a resident’s home setting, the watches track their movement and location through GPS. If they suffer a fall or stop moving for an extended period without a help call, it alerts someone to come and check up on them.
If a resident is in their own privately owned dwelling, the person coming to check on them could be a police officer, trusted friend, or loved one. When the CarePredict System is installed and used in senior living, the devices help residents communicate with staff.
They can also proactively track activities and changes to eating/drinking and movement habits. Having someone review the device’s data adds a layer of supervision. When the tracking information is regularly monitored, skilled staff can recommend medical interventions to help before an illness or injury becomes too complex to treat.
When you combine state-of-the-art technology with kind and intuitive staff, seniors have an increased chance of thriving while living independently. Add another level of care with primary care services, and you can drastically reduce the risks for the one you love while feeling peace of mind that they’re being totally served. Legacy provides on-site nursing, primary care, and CarePredict devices to offer residents wellness during their senior living stay.
If you’d like to learn more, email us at info@legacymedical.com.
