Your parents may want to remain at home, but their age has you concerned for their safety. After all, a majority of accidents happen in the home. Thankfully, there are a number of technologies that can help your parents retain their independence, while giving you peace of mind.
Pill Reminders
Like many seniors, your parent probably takes more than 10 different medications per day. While necessary to maintain quality of life, if they forget one dose, or take an extra, the results can be devastating. Pill reminders can help you monitor when your parents take their medications. Some pill interface with a computer or cell phone, allowing a caregiver to digitally unlock the box when it is time to take pills. They can also record messages for reminders, or schedule a medical practitioner to come to the home, should a dose be missed. Pioneer offers a monitored, automatic pill dispenser that can help keep your parents independent.
Fall Detection
Roughly one-third of adults aged 65 or older fall each year, making it the number one cause of illness among seniors. Of course, you can’t be around all the time to make sure that Mom or Dad have help when they fall. Fall detection devices work similarly to the activity tracker you might wear. Your parent wears a necklace or bracelet, which is connected to sensors around the home. If they should fall, then a call is made to an emergency specialist, who will contact them to assess whether they need assistance. Pioneer has tested dozens of fall detectors, and recommends this model.
GPS
If your parent suffers from memory issues, or Alzheimer’s, you might worry about their ability to function on their own. GPS and Bluetooth enabled devices, which are worn like a watch, allow you to keep an eye on your parent, even when you are not around.
Health Monitors
If your parent deals with a chronic illness, you are probably concerned about their weight, insulin levels, blood pressure, or other medical information, especially if it requires daily monitoring. Health monitors upload such information to an app or webpage, which allows you to view it remotely. If the numbers are out of acceptable ranges, then the device can call for assistance, which ensures that they get the help they need promptly.
Video Cameras
Even with the above technologies, your parent may not be able to easily contact you, if they should have a problem, or question. If their memory is weak, they might remember to call, but forget why they picked up the phone. Cameras place around the home allow you to check in on your parents throughout the day, which can give you additional peace of mind. Video conferencing devices with voice recognition allow Mom and Dad needs to provide a verbal cue, which will immediately connect them with you.
These devices are non-intrusive and easily integrated into day-to-day life. The technologies above will help keep your parent safe, while also giving you some peace of mind. If your parent wants to remain independent, call Pioneer Emergency and set up a plan that will help your parent age with dignity.