Technologies to help older people

Transcription

1 Technologies to help older people Medical Alert Bracelets/pendants Automated home technology GPS trackers Computers/tablets and cell phones Emerging technologies

2 Medical Alert Bracelets Since the 1990s, medical alert bracelets have been available to notify first responders of an emergency right away. Today, there are many advancements in this field that are helping to make these devices even safer than in the past.

3 Automated Home Technology There are now automation systems on the market which can be programmed to assist older people as they continue to live independently. These systems can be programmed to turn off the gas on the stove, and also switch electronics, lights, and other home appliances off on a timer. Voice recognition software products allow access to any device which is normally controlled by an ordinary remote control. Vocalized commands control the electronics in the home, giving hands-free dominion over televisions, consumer electronics, Blu-Ray players, and much more. More advanced voice controlled systems can even be programed to access garage doors, lighting and appliances.

4 Sensor Devices Bed Occupancy Sensor These sensors let you know when your ageing parent has left their bed, or when they have possibly fallen Enuresis Sensor These will alert a carer when an elderly person has involuntairly discharged urine, especially when they are asleep Fall Detector This will issue an alert if your ageing parent falls via a sensor they carry with them

5 Chair Alarms can alert caregivers to the movements of the person with dementia when they are busy in another room These devices are sensitive to changes in the pressure and produce a warning sound or message when the elderly person gets up from the chair Similar devices are used to sound an alarm when the person gets out of bed Magiplugs open automatically if water if left running and empty the sink Cold Monitors These monitors will alert a carer if an elderly person s room becomes too cold and they are in danger as a result Intruder Alarms These will alert your elderly relative of any unwanted intruders into the home and if they have a panic button installed, they can use this if they feel threatened by anyone at the door

6 Tracking Devices GPS Trackers These devices can be loaded onto a cellphone that can be tucked into a pocket or purse or secured on the wrist similar to a watch. They relay the position of the person so that they can be located if lost or unable to find their way home. If it dies, loses power, or is taken off by the wearer, the caregiver responsible will be notified via telephone. Some of these devices have a panic button the person can push if they suddenly become disoriented Door Alarms - can help to alert the caregiver when the person with dementia attempts to leave the home These devices are easily installed and can help to prevent the wandering that is common with dementia patients They can also be affixed to windows, glass patio doors and other points of entry Alarms can be especially helpful during the night hours when caregivers may be asleep and unaware that the person is attempting to leave

7 Webcams and Messaging Devices The webcam allows caregivers to monitor an elderly person s movements and behaviour from a distance The video is sent over the Internet to a computer or smartphone device that allows an image of the room where the camera is place Webcams can be helpful in keeping an eye on those with dementia in large houses or other areas where they may not be directly in the line of sight at all times Message devices that work on a timer can help the person with dementia to take medications on time, eat at specific time, get ready for doctor s appointments and other daily tasks They can also be used to remind the elderly person to lock the door, bring their keys when they leave and other difficulties that are common with dementia. There are also many apps which can help with reminders Special Clocks and Calendars People with dementia may have difficulty remembering what day it is or what time of day it is Special clocks that automatically change from day to day can help them keep track of visits, appointments, favorite TV shows and other activities. Clocks that indicate daytime and night-time easily can help those with dementia from becoming confused during times of the year when light changes earlier or later than usual

8 Pill dispensers These are enormously useful devices to help your ageing parent to remember what pill to take, when and how often. They can vary in complexity and can include; timed opening of sections, reminder alarms etc. Tap turners These are very handy for elderly people with arthritic hands, who find standard taps difficult to turn. Sensor soap dispensers are also very useful Jar Openers Similarly, these appliances make jars and bottles much easier to open and you can also get a onehanded tin opener and an auto-chopper for vegetables Computers, cellphones, tablets, Skype, Facebook = options to overcome social isolation Telepresence virtual Drs visits.

9 Future Advancements With many new innovations expected to reach patients in the near future, we can expect that the devices of today will pale in comparison to those up ahead. Many venture capital companies are investing millions of pounds in new potential products and services for the future. By the year 2020, the market for these technologies is expected to grow to from 1 billion to 13 billion per year. Items like a technologically integrated cane, automated pillboxes, and pill reminder apps are just a sample of some of the technologies that could emerge.