Tech can connect; Survey shows appetite for more accessible devices in Taunton and Wellington
Home Instead’s latest research, The New Ageing Index, busts some myths and unveils people’s real attitudes towards retirement and later life.
It has revealed that the stereotype is wrong when it comes to getting older.
The New Ageing Index is a detailed look at what people think when they reflect on the prospect of their later years. The results show an undipping appetite for life.
There is an openness to tech as a solution to issues with 1/3+ of 75+ year olds believing technology can help them around the home and reduce loneliness. Many see technology as a mean to keep them more connected with family and friends which in turn reduces the sense of isolation.
Rather than fearing technology, older adults are increasingly embracing it and want more products aimed at them including breaking edge tech like AI. Some of our clients are already embracing some of this technology.
Automated Dispenser
While medication has the ability to ease pain and relax a rushing mind, it comes with a great deal of responsibility. Taking the right medication at the right time is hard on its own, and adding in factors like multiple pill bottles, missed doses, and sorting a pill box according to the right schedule can all contribute to medication errors that could, at the least, result in some unpleasant effects, and at the worst, hospitalization.
You can now get an automatic pill dispenser with an alarm, which allows users to take their medication at set intervals and dispenses their pills for them, helping Care Professionals and families. It helps support independence at home and you can even get ones to connect through your phone via Bluetooth.
There are many different variety’s available but the all have the same benefits; improved medication adherence, safe storage, easier management, refill reminders, reliability and ensuring medication is being taken at the right time. Every time, reducing the risk of missed errors and most importantly they promote independence by allowing individuals to manage their medications without constant assistance.
You can find different types of pill dispensers and eye drop dispensers on the Medequip website.
Alarm Mat
Without special measures in place, some people are unable to continue living in their own homes. However, we believe that no one should feel forced to move into a care home.
Whether caring for someone at risk of falling out of bed, or a loved one with dementia prone to wandering unattended, it’s crucial to have something in place that lets you give the appropriate care as soon as possible.
A ‘Pressure Alarm Mat’ is an incredibly simple but effective way to be immediately notified of falls or midnight wandering. They are most effective when placed next to the bedside or doorway. The moment someone steps onto the mat, it will instantly activate the call system.
Find a few Alarm mat options on the Medequip website.
Google Home or Alexa
There are potentially endless benefits for an Alexa or Google Home such as Regular and Emergency Calls, Medication Reminders, Doctor Appointment Scheduling, Family Member Drop-Ins, Medical Alerts, Care Hub and Alexa Together, Audiobooks, Listening to News, Answering Medical Questions, Smart Home Features, Setting Alarms, Making Lists or Online or Grocery Shopping.
A particular feature that is popular with our clients is medical alerts. Alexa can double as a medical alert system, one of the most popular ways to do this is with the ‘Ask my buddy’, which lets users add specific contacts to their devices to contact in case of an emergency. Once they add a contact, they can then use Ask My Buddy to have that person check in on them or call them if they need a helping hand. The app can help users who don’t have access to or can’t reach their medical alert button.
Technology has the potential to empower our ageing community. With so much available online, it can be hard to know where to start. Here at Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset we can guide you through recommendations to help you make the most of what there is to offer.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support you or your loved ones at home.
