Q.    My 86-year-old mother lives alone in the house where I grew up. We are considering moving her to an assisted living facility so that I would not have to worry about her safety all the time.  But I’ve heard a lot about technologies that can help seniors stay safely at home.  What’s the latest out there?

New products seem to be emerging all the time to help seniors age in place and to give family caregivers peace of mind.  Assistive Technology Services recently announced an expanded line of products to assist older adults living alone.

Those include:

•    Voice activated products to assist those with mobility or vision difficulties.
•    Motion activated products to assist those with mobility issues.
•    Talking products that also assist those with mobility or vision issues.
•    Medical Alert systems to help provide a means of calling for help in the event of an emergency if a senior is alone.

For instance, the fall guard alert system alerts the caregiver if the senior rises from a bed or chair.  Wireless movement and sound monitors help keep track of movements.

Seniors can also use technology to monitor their health in ways that were unheard of years ago.  According to the Home Care Technology Association of America, remote patient monitoring or telehealth is an all-inclusive term that encompasses a number of high-tech applications that involve providing care for patients remotely.  The applications can range from monitoring a person’s heart rate while working out on a treadmill in a fitness club to transmitting a patient’s telemetry reading to a nurse over the Internet.

Remote patient monitoring systems can be used to collect and transmit the physiological data of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension and congestive heart failure.

In spite of all the advances in technology, nothing can replace the human touch.  That’s why a professional caregiver could provide you with the eyes and ears that can help ensure your loved one continues to be safe.  For instance, CAREGivers from Home Instead Senior Care offer a variety of companionship and non-medical services to keep seniors secure and comfortable at home.

Source: Home Instead Senior care

Image Source: Eldergadget.com

More information on Elderly Safety at home

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.