Concerns like senior safety, mental well-being, physical health monitoring, and emergency response time are a part and parcel of caring for your loved one. However, such concerns have been greatly assuaged by technological advancements. Smart devices, some of the most prevalent forms of technology in homes today, can not only improve the quality of life for your loved one, but they have also given caregivers and family members more freedom from the worry and stress that come along with some common concerns. At IPR Healthcare, we believe that technology can help caregivers provide the best level of care for their loved ones, so we’ve laid out some smart devices to consider:
- Smart Home Sensors
Smart home sensors can help ensure that you strike the right balance between giving your loved one the independence they want while providing the care they need. Motion sensors, for example can be placed at frequently visited places like the bedroom or bathroom, so that it is easy to track ongoing activities. Lack of activity may indicate that something is wrong, like your loved one has fallen in their home. This is an efficient and effortless way to check on your loved one while allowing them to live independently in their home.
- Smart Lights
Smart lights connect to your smart phone and can even be controlled through voice commands. The basic concept behind this technological advancement is to have lighting that can help your loved one see where they are going, thus reducing the risk of a fall. Additionally, these lights can even be set to automatically go on with movement, meaning your loved one won’t have to search in the dark for a light switch.
- Medication Managers
As your loved one ages, you may notice more issues with their memory. However, when combined with medication, memory issues may have serious consequences, especially if your loved one misses a dose or does not remember how much of their medication they are supposed to take. A smart watch that works in conjunction with a sensor that is attached to a pill dispenser (also called “medication managers”) can be a life saver here. These devices work by utilizing a pre-set alarm that notifies the caregiver or doctor in case one or more doses are missed, thereby ensuring that your loved one takes the right amount of medication at the right time.
- Stove-Top Sensors
One of the devices that can aid your loved one as they deal with appliances in the kitchen is the stove-top sensor. Stoves generate quite a bit of heat, and if they are not turned off, can even lead to a fire. While different sensors have different functions, the simplest ones involve using a timer that turns the stove off after a certain period of time. This prevents fires, serious injuries, and damage that can occur as a result of an unattended stove top. This device can be particularly helpful for your loved one, as it allows them to safely continue their daily routine of cooking food.
- Out-of-Home Monitoring System
As the name suggests, an out-of-home monitoring system makes life outside home safer with the help of a GPS tracking device. This can let you know the exact location of your loved one, in case they forget their way back home or an emergency situation occurs. These devices are particularly helpful for caregivers whose loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s.
While each smart device serves a different purpose, they all can serve a common goal: helping keep your loved one safe, without affecting their independence. At IPR Healthcare, our Houston, Texas, in-home caregivers provide the skilled and friendly care your loved one deserves. Give us a call at (713) 592-6776 or visit us at https://iprhealthcare.com/home-health-care-services/.
