Monitoring Systems for Elderly- How Technology Can Keep the Elderly in Their Homes

Technology can help reduce the risk associated with falls.

Many seniors want to stay in their homes as they age. This is called aging in place. While it is a far less expensive option than assisted living facilities, it comes with its share of risks and hazards. One of the biggest concerns is falls. Over 13 million seniors fall each year, and over a third of those occur in the home. When a senior falls and can’t get up it may be hours before someone comes along to help. This can turn a fall that may have just been a few bumps and bruises into a serious medical situation. What happens if dehydration occurs? Technology can help reduce the risk associated with falls. Monitoring systems for the elderly are a great option. Here’s what you should know: 

1. There are options. The technology offered with home-monitoring systems is wide and varied. It can check on an individual's movements at all hours, alert them when they need to take medications, and provide emergency assistance. The goal is to determine what you need and want, and select the monitoring system that best meets your specific needs and desires. Consider cost, contracts, experience, ease of use, whether it is waterproof, when monitoring is available (preferably 24/7), portability, and maintenance.

2. Many seniors are resistant. Many seniors do not want a home monitoring system because it feels like a violation of privacy, or admittance that they can’t do it alone. It is important to help them recognize the benefits of this technology, and find a system they are comfortable with. Some systems are going to be more invasive than others. The idea is to show how it is an aid, allowing them to remain in their home, protecting them from risks, and providing their loved ones with peace of mind. Often the best solution is to ask them to try it for a few months before making a final decision.

3. Technology is one part of a multi-part solution. Combining high tech solutions with low tech, such as lighted walkways, bed rails, walkers and canes, grab bars in the bathroom, no area rugs, and regular pop-in visits from friends and family, can help insure senior safety and allow them to age in place in safety. When helping elderly loved ones to stay in their homes, it is important to take a multi-pronged approach. Technology can do a lot to help, but it is not the only answer.

For everything you need, technology and otherwise, to help your senior loved on stay in their home and age in place, look here.  The Caregiver Partnership offers over 500 products for senior care, and a knowledgeable staff of product experts (not teenage, minimum wage job kids) to help you find exactly what you need. Call 800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 Central or visit their website for help. 

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353. 

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