Sometimes living independently can be challenging for seniors because they need help staying healthy and safe. Here are some safety devices to help your elderly loved one live safely and independently for longer.
1. Smart Lights
Installing smart lights throughout your loved one’s home could save money and prevent him or her from falling in the dark. In addition to automatically turning off and on at certain times, smart lights can also be connected to motion sensors. Once installed, the lights will turn on whenever your loved one gets out of bed in the dark.
High-tech safety devices can be helpful for aging adults, but those with health conditions may also need the assistance of caregivers. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Potomac respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
2. Self-Learning Stove Alarms
Most traditional stove alarms are nothing more than smoke detectors that have been preinstalled in ovens or stovetops. The newest self-learning models can actually adapt to your loved one’s cooking style. For instance, if your loved one regularly cooks bacon at a high temperature, the alarm won’t go off when it detects a small amount of bacon smoke in the air.
3. Motion-Activated Reminders
These small devices are plugged directly into electrical outlets and play personalized voice recordings whenever anyone walks by. Install the motion-activated boxes near the doorway so your loved one remembers to grab his or her keys, glasses, or medication. The device can also be installed outside the home to ask solicitors to leave the area.
4. Electronic Medication Trackers
Trying to remember to take different pills throughout the day can be confusing, and taking the wrong medication at the wrong time can be dangerous. A medication tracker is a pill box with an integrated audio alarm. When it’s time to take medication, the alarm will go off and one of the sections will open up. The alarm becomes progressively louder until your loved one takes the medicine and the system has been reset.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s ability to safely live at home alone, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elder care seniors can trust and rely on.
5. Keyless Smart Locks
Getting stranded outside their homes can be confusing and scary for seniors, but your loved one may be uncomfortable leaving keys hidden on the property. With a keyless smart lock, a chip or card will automatically unlock the door when your loved one is within a few feet. If your loved one forgets the chip or card, he or she can call you to unlock the door with your mobile app.
Tech devices can enhance safety and quality of life for seniors, and so can having trained caregivers close by. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Potomac families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at (301) 363-2580 today.