7 Assistive Technology Devices for the Elderly
Assistive technology helps in improving the ease, health, security, and quality of life of your elderly loved ones. Such devices can seamlessly allow elderlies to live satisfying and enjoyable independent lives. Of the many devices available, there are seven that you should seriously consider. You need not be overwhelmed if you’re clueless about assistive technology, because we’ve got you covered. This article will brief you on assistive technology, its benefits, and the essential seven devices that we highly recommend. After reading this, you’d be excited to explore, do your own research, and get assistive technology devices for your elderly loved ones.
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But First, What Do We Refer To When We Talk Of Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology refers to any gadget, equipment, gizmo, or device that allows a person to do things that he can’t easily do. Assistive technology gives people the independence that they need and deserve. With such, elderly people can easily do what they want without having to rely on different people. Assistive technology allows elderlies to peacefully, safely, and enjoyably stay at home while being fully independent.
Benefits of Assistive Technology
Health Improvement
Assistive technology can help in improving one’s health for it can do the following:
- Remind your loved one when it’s already time to drink a pill
- Dispense pill by schedule
- Instantly connect your loved ones to telehealth systems
- Help in the monitoring of health-related activities and status
Independence
- Your elderly loved ones will get to do more things on their own
- They will feel empowered to proceed with tasks
- They will always have backup and instant aid whenever they feel confused and overwhelmed
Comfort
- Your elderly loved ones will feel more comfortable as they will get to do what they truly want
- They will be able to communicate easily with you
- They will be able to reach out to you easily
- They will be able to say what they exactly need and when they need it
- They can have the convenience to forget because they will always be reminded and guided every step of the way
Security
- Your elderly loved ones will feel more secure
- Your elderly loved ones will have the luxury to have more structured lives on a daily basis
- They will be able to easily reach out to anyone in an instant whenever they need help in any way or form
Safety
- Your elderly loved ones will feel safe and protected
- They will have the assurance that they are fully taken care of and everything is in good order
- You will get to easily check how they’re doing
- You will get to secure their safety 24/7
7 Assistive Technology Devices for the Elderly
Memory Aids
People tend to be more forgetful when we age. This is something that your elderly loved one may be going through already. Ones who are experiencing symptoms of dementia may even be having a tough time. It’s a good thing that so many assistive technology devices are available to people with memory issues. With such devices, your elderly loved ones will never forget when they placed their keys or their phones. Such devices can easily remind them when it’s time to take a pill and what kind of pill to be exact. Devices like automatic pill dispensers and memo reminders can easily help your elderly loved ones to navigate their day.
Visual Aids and Screen Readers
Visually impaired people can now have easier lives with assistive technology devices. We now have Screen Readers that can easily read out every single thing that is on a screen — may it be a phone or computer. This way, visually impaired individuals can always be informed of what’s going on and what’s needed of them. Your elderly loved ones can easily go online and click links without the need to ask for help.
Communication Aids
All smartphones are now ultra-accessible. Elderlies can now easily talk to their loved ones wherever they are. Your loved ones won’t feel isolated and lonely for you’d get to interact and reach out to them on a daily basis through their smartphones. Communication is key. This is why Homestyle Aged Care experts highly rely on different communication aids to ensure that all the needs of their elderly residents are easily met. If you’re looking for ways on how to better care for your elderly loved ones, you should check out Homestyle Aged Care.
Personal Alarms
Personal alarms are a must if you always need to know where your elderly loved ones are. They are wearable and can be brought anywhere. When worn, you can be sure that you’d always be able to track where your elderly loved ones are. It comes with a button that they can easily press whenever they need help from you. You will never have to worry if you’d be there if ever your loved one will experience a fall as with a personal alarm, they’d be able to always notify you and ask for help in an instant.
GPS Trackers
Similar to personal alarms, GPS trackers will allow you to always know where your elderly loved ones are. They can be worn as wristbands. GPS trackers are perfect for elderly loved ones that are prone to wandering.
Telecare Systems
Telecare Systems are like burglar alarms. When set up in a house, its sensor can easily sense if something is wrong. It will instantly alert you when your elderly loved one didn’t get to close the door or hasn’t left their bed.
Home Safety and Security
Hundreds of gizmos and gadgets for security can now be easily used by your elderly loved ones. You can now have smart locks and doorbells that come with cameras that will allow you to check on your elderly loved ones’ safety and security 24/7. With assistive technology, 24/7 monitoring is now easy.
