Technology advances at a rapid pace, and there are always new gadgets and devices that can improve safety, communication, collaboration, and education. Many of these devices are even easy for seniors to use.
If you are caring for an elderly loved one in your home, integrating senior-friendly technology can make it much easier for them to stay safe and connected, even when you’re at work or away from home. Here is a look at the tech gadgets that are easiest for seniors to use.
Voice-Activated AI Assistants
A voice-activated AI assistant can control almost any smart device in your home. Your loved one can ask it to turn lights on and off, display security camera feeds, lock and unlock doors, adjust the thermostat, play music, and more.
They can even set medication reminders or calendar events, or ask the AI assistant what the weather is or to read daily news headlines.
These devices make it much easier for seniors who have limited mobility or who are ill to have greater control over their environment.
Wearable Health Gadgets
Wearable health gadgets give your loved one valuable information about their health. They can also notify you, your loved one’s physician, or first responders if they detect danger.
Some devices can sense a fall, and will automatically notify first responders if they detect that your loved one has fallen down.
Others track heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs to monitor your loved one’s overall health.
These can be crucial safety devices, especially if your loved one has a hard time communicating about their health.
Smart Lighting
Bending down or stretching to reach light switches or lamp knobs can be uncomfortable and dangerous, especially in the dark. Smart lighting can be controlled using your voice, a smartphone app, or a remote.
Your loved one can adjust the lighting however they want without having to walk from room to room looking for switches.
You can also put the lights on a timer so that they go on at sunset and turn off at bed time, or set up a lighting control system that uses motion sensors or room occupancy sensors to turn lights on and off automatically.
Automated or Motorized Window Shades
It can be hard for seniors to operate traditional window shades. Blind and drapery cords can be hard to pull and may break or cause injury. Some window treatments are hard to reach, and stretching to adjust them could increase the risk of a fall or accident.
Automated or motorized window shades can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button on a remote or smartphone app. Your loved one can control them from bed or other parts of the home, or they can be put on a timer so that they are automatically opened at dawn and closed at sunset.
Digital Photo Frames
Digital photo frames have a revolving set of pictures that rotate through the frame at a set interval. You can program them to upload pictures automatically from the cloud, or load a set of family photos on them using an SD card.
Your loved one can enjoy looking at family photos without trying to find them on the computer or getting out heavy photo albums.
Smart Thermostats
Your elderly loved one should be able to control the thermostat in the home with ease to avoid discomfort and health and safety issues. A smart thermostat is much easier for seniors to manage.
It can be programmed with set schedules, so that no one has to keep adjusting it throughout the day. It can also be controlled using a smartphone or tablet so that your loved one can change the temperature even if they are still in bed or don’t want to get up from the sofa.
Because your loved one can adjust the font size on their smartphone or tablet, it will also be easier for them to see the controls than it would be if they had to get up and look at the thermostat screen.
Robot Vacuums
If your loved one has trouble moving around the home or lifting heavy objects, they probably find it hard to keep up with housework. A robot vacuum can handle small spills and daily cleanup with ease.
Once it is programmed, it will run on a set schedule. Be sure to completely set it up for your loved one so that they don’t have to try to figure out the manual on their own. It may be best to have it vacuum in the very early morning, so that it is done by the time your loved one gets up for the day.
If it runs overnight, the noise may be alarming and disrupt their sleep, or they may be at risk of tripping on it if they get out of bed and walk around the home in the dark.
Entertainment and Communication Devices
Some smartphones, televisions, and radios have such small buttons and complicated menus that even younger people have trouble using them. When choosing entertainment and communication devices for an elderly loved one, focus on simplicity and ease of use.
Look for products that have larger buttons or screens whose font sizes and icons can be enlarged for easier use. Senior-friendly landline telephones may not be as tech-forward, but may have larger buttons that are easier for seniors to press.
This is crucial, as the only way a phone will be a beneficial safety and communication device for your loved one is if they can use it easily. The Jitterbug phone and Jubilee TV make it easier for seniors to make phone and video calls and get helpful reminders.
Video Doorbells
If your loved one has trouble getting around the home, a video doorbell will make it easier for them to determine if they really need to answer the door.
They can talk to sales people, delivery people, and solicitors without getting up. They can also use voice-activated locks to let someone into the home if they are expecting them.
This can be an invaluable safety tool if your loved one needs to call first responders for help or report a security concern. Plus, you can check the camera feed remotely from work or while running errands, so if there is a problem you can respond quickly.
Call Now to Set Up a Consultation for In-Home Care
Even with the use of tech devices and gadgets, your loved one may still need in person care and companionship. At Placita In Home Care, we offer daily scheduled caregiving services as well as on-demand or respite care services.
We can help your loved one get around their home safely, prepare meals, do light housework, and assist with the activities of daily living.
Whether you need occasional help during a vacation or while you run errands, or need daily or weekly care, we can adjust our services and schedules to your preferences.
To schedule a consultation for in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.