What 81% of Canadian Elders Want and How Technology Can Help

     Greta knew that her kids wanted to talk with her, and it scared her. She had guessed their concerns for her mobility, her safety and the fact that she still lived in the house they’d grown up in would be the topic of conversation. 

     They sat around her kitchen table, and each had their say–some of them several times. Her daughter had researched a fancy place not far away with lots of amenities. Her oldest son talked of her moving in with them. Finally, her youngest son turned to her.

     “What do you want, Mom?”

     She didn’t hesitate. “I want to live here for as long as possible.”

     Immediately, voices erupted in the kitchen as they worried about whether that would be possible, or safe. Then her youngest son spoke up again.

     “Wait a minute. Are we sure it wouldn’t be possible? What about smart devices? We could address so many of the issues with various devices. I could set it up, and we could make it simple for mom to operate.”

     It took more discussion and weeks of research, but they discovered that aging in place would be possible for their mother.

     81% of Canadians would like to stay in their homes as long as possible Although government services, caregivers and family support is necessary to make this happen, technology is an important component as well.

     What are the steps to bring this about?

Evaluate

     What help is needed immediately, and what might be needed in the future? Are you looking for lights being turned on and off, or medication reminders? A tracking device with GPS which monitors walks or one which alerts a trusted person when there’s been a fall? Make a list of the supports that are needed.

Research

    You may be blown away by the number of resources out there. I even found a smart bird feeder. Granted, that’s not a safety feature, but it would be a fun accessory for someone who was homebound and enjoyed birdwatching. But the number of devices available to create a safe and comfortable environment for your elder is astounding. Make sure your research includes what kind of wifi connection is needed to support the devices you choose. If you live in an area where connection is unreliable, there are tools to help with that as well, but make sure you include that in your research.

Here are just a few possibilities:

1. Lift chairs which attach to existing stairways so that climbing the stairs is no longer necessary.
2. Devices which can be pushed if your elder is in any kind of trouble. They connect to a service which will alert emergency services if necessary, and call whatever emergency contact is set up.
3. Devices which alert when medications need to be taken.
4. If you purchase a more recent version of an Apple Watch, it can monitor blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels and detect irregular heartbeats. It can also take an EEG. Unless your elder has an iPhone and keeps it charged, buy the version which comes with a cellular plan. I also discovered a bedside wireless charger is available. (Hint: I want one of those.)
5. One device gives access to your loved one, but also plays music, gives weather reports, plays trivia games with the owner and makes phone calls to friends if desired.

Simplify

     You want every one of your smart devices to connect to one central hub, such as Alexa. You need to set them up so that operation is simple for your elder, and in no way frustrating. One button to push, or voice activation makes it easy. Even remote access is possible for some functions, although you need to consider privacy issues. Talk together about what would be easiest.

      The purpose of this technology is not to be invasive, but to make your elder’s home safer and easier to live in, so that they can be in the place they love the most for as long as possible. It should enhance their quality of life, and give you, as care partner, more peace of mind.