Technology and the Home Care World

The home care industry offers sophisticated technology to better care for older adults – it’s more than simply providing companionship and assistance with daily activities. Technology can be of major help to caregivers and family members wanting to provide the best care for seniors who wish to age at home. This technology has facilitated meaningful interaction from caregivers to seniors, as well as interaction with their loved ones.

Some examples of technology assisting home caregivers includes:

• Sensors: A variety of sensors exist, either worn by the senior, or placed around the home on doors, windows and appliances. These sensors can alert caregivers if their client misses a meal, doesn’t get out of bed, or falls. They can also alert nearby caregivers to risky behaviors such as opening the front door or leaving water running too long. Physiological monitoring can also capture vital signs, weight, or other symptoms and report them to a health care provider or a family member.
• Mobile apps: Seniors with mobile apps reminding them to take medications or go to appointments are a great tool for people of any age, but particularly important for seniors. Mobile apps can also be useful for monitoring by the caregiver, as it facilitates communication with just a few taps of a smart phone or tablet.
• Remote monitoring: Alarm systems which detect fire or floods, or excess heat such as someone leaving the stove on, are useful for caregivers and family members to give them peace of mind for when they cannot be in the home.
• Wearables: Other wearable technology has proven useful, such as smartwatches translating doorbells, alarms, telephone rings, and other sounds into visual alarms for seniors who are hearing impaired. Visual or sensory cues (such as watch vibrations) can alert the senior to noises they might not otherwise hear.
• Telehealth: Videoconferencing has proven extremely valuable in connecting physicians to their patients, including routine monitoring of chronic illnesses and collecting patient payment online.
• Social media: Isolation, loneliness and boredom are common problems for the older population and can adversely impact seniors’ health. By staying connected to friends and family online, seniors can keep in touch more easily. There are even senior-specific social media networks, such as SeniorMaze.

Interested in learning more about the HomeWatch CareGivers® franchise? Please contact ustoday at (888) 718-5318 to speak to a representative.