Empowering Elderly Independence with Assistive Technology

Historically, ageing has often been associated with a loss of independence, freedom and a reduced lifestyle. The truth is, there are a wide variety of assistive care opportunities to ensure seniors can enjoy their lifestyle to the fullest possible.

 

Apart from the perhaps more obvious options (such as assistance with daily living tasks like housework), senior assistive technology is an excellent way to ensure any elderly loved ones in your life can stay in one place for as long as feasible (whilst ensuring they also receive the best care for their needs).

 

What is Assistive Technology for the Elderly?

 

The term “senior assistive technology” refers to the systems and devices that are specifically designed to help a senior “age in place” (i.e., ageing independently at home, whilst maintaining safety and comfort).

 

Assistive technology aims to monitor, support, and improve daily living for seniors who want to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible.

 

It covers a wide range of devices (depending on individual needs), which can help both at home and on the go. They can help improve daily life anywhere from a little, to a lot!

 

Why Consider Getting Assistive Technology?

 

Assistive technology for the elderly can greatly assist with their care, and independence and offer peace of mind for carers and family members by helping:

 

• Overcome the fear and risk of falling or sustaining an injury and not having anyone know/be able to help
• Many seniors worry they may be a burden to their families, and assistive technology can help remove this concern
• Empower seniors, enhance their freedom/independence, and give them back or support their continued lease on life. This in turn will reduce loneliness/isolation that comes from having reduced mobility and/or being unable to visit friends, participate in community groups, hobbies and so on
• Provide the peace of mind and confidence that comes from added safety, care and comfort and reduced, unnecessary risk

 

What Kind of Assisted Technology is Available?

 

There are several categories of assistive technology for the elderly as outlined below:

 

Daily Care

 

This assistive technology includes low-tech and personal care assistive devices, such as:

 

• Hand-held grabbers to easily reach and pick up items on the ground or up high (on a cupboard or shelf for example)
• Special handles on faucets and doors to assist with gripping and turning
• Home assistance equipment like jar and bottle openers, electric knives, one touch kettles, etc.
• Personal grooming assistive products such extended zipper pulls/button aids and more
• Other – example: there’s even special lawn bowls and a jack lifter stick for anyone who can’t constantly bend down (nothing can spoil the game now)!

 

Mobility Assistive Technologies

 

If mobility is an area needing improvement, these aids can make a big difference:

 

Each mobility aid is as unique as the person using it. For some, a walking stick that can transform into a tripod chair whenever a seat is needed (when out and about) can be enormously helpful!

 

For others, an upgrade to an electric scooter or wheelchair could lead to increased opportunities for getting out and about. These technologies assist with mobility and can help reduce or even eliminate joint/muscle stress/pain experienced with certain movements.

 

Additionally, the risk of falling is significantly decreased when using the right mobility assistive technology.

 

Other mobility devices available include (but are not limited to):

 

• Upper/lower body orthotic devices (such as knee/spinal braces to make moving more comfortable)
• Crutches (suited to short or long-term health concerns or injuries)
• Seat assists to get in/out of chairs easier
• Modifications to the home (where necessary), such as a ramp, stair elevator, hand rail to make a room/area easier to move around
• And more!

 

Medical/Safety Assistive Technologies

 

Regardless of their age, it’s natural to be concerned about your loved ones living alone. Feelings of concern for their welfare and well-being are often intensified if they also have health/medical concerns.

 

That’s where medical and safety elderly assistive technologies come into play because they can help increase individual and overall home safety. Here are some examples:

 

• Medical alerts – this could be a pill box or even a talking alarm clock that visually and verbally reminds them which medicine to take and when.
  
  They are ideal for anyone worried about forgetting to take medicine and in need of a reliable reminder but are also especially helpful in cases of Dementia, Alzheimer’s or memory impairment (where it is not uncommon to lose the ability to recognise the time and whether it is day or night)
  
  
• Home automation such as sensor lights turning on when you enter a room to increase visibility and reduce potential risks
  
  
• Personal safety devices are most often wearable medical alert systems such as pendants, keyrings/chains or “smart bracelets”.
  
  They are equipped with a variety of technology, such as a GPS tracker, health monitoring, panic button alarm and around-the-clock emergency responses.
  
  They are designed to mitigate risk and react quickly in the case of a medical emergency or injury/fall, but are also extremely well suited in cases of dementia where a loved one may become disoriented and need assistance and identification.
  
  

• Grab bars can be used in any room of the house but are particularly popular for wet areas like bathrooms to avoid potential slips. They also help get up/down easier from the toilet, seat and bed.

 

Communicative Assistive Technologies

 

These senior assistive technologies are focused on improving the ability to see, hear and speak and aiding with staying connected and interactive. Examples include:

 

• Hearing: hearing aids, amplifiers for the telephone or TV
• Speech: for instance, voice command and speech-generating devices and voice-activated assistants (like an Alexa, Google Home)
• Sight: upgrading existing communication tools (i.e. phone, tablet, computer) to large text, screens and buttons so they are easier to see, read and navigate/use
• Connectivity: help and installation of assistive technology smart apps (i.e., to video chat with family and friends and use specific social media platforms to stay connected and socially engaged)

 

How to Take Advantage of Senior Assistive Technology

 

The caring and qualified team at Aunty Grace can help organise the right assistive technology for your unique needs and goals.

 

We’re here to help keep your parents and other loved ones safer while maintaining their independence and reducing their stress/hassle (and saving you worry).