TV shows like Black Mirror depict technology as being terrifying and invasive. There’s no doubt that technology can be misused, but it also has considerable potential. The use of technology in aging and caregiving is a particularly relevant area.
After all, America has an aging population and is quickly reaching a caregiving crisis. The politics surrounding immigration are making this even more complex – as immigrants play a key role in caregiving.
How Can Technology Help?
A recent news story highlights just how much technology can help. It talks about a home in northeast Columbia that has been renovated to create a Senior SmartHOME.
Calling it a Senior SmartHOME doesn’t mean that we’re looking at an artificial intelligence-based home. Instead, the house has been renovated to provide more safety for seniors and to increase independence.
Key features include:
- Energy efficient appliances
- Wide doors
- Automated security system
- The ability to lock/unlock doors using an app
- A telehealth system that allows users to interact with their doctor remotely, along with the ability to order medication, to learn and to get a diagnosis
- Pull-down shelving
- Roll-in shower
Some of these changes (like the telehealth system) wouldn’t be a realistic addition to many homes. However, there are many other approaches that can be used to support aging at home.
The following options are all examples that can make homes safer for seniors.
- Using adaptive clothing, which can make dressing easier and improve safety as a result
- Keep walkways clear from debris
- Ensure the home is well-lit, including lighting at night for seniors who need to visit the bathroom
- Install grip rails where needed
- Consider additional tools for the bathroom, such as seats for the shower and transfer benches
The image below highlights some other approaches that can be used to make the home safe.
An equally important area is finding a good place to live. Some homes will be better than others for safety. One key aspect is ensuring that the place isn’t too large. Some people end up staying in the home that they raised their kids in.
While a home may be the source of many good memories, a large house is often impractical for people as they age. Even just the physical work involved in cleaning and maintenance can be problematic and may increase the risk of falls.
We’ve highlighted various approaches in our Guide to Affordable Housing. This guide talks about the housing options that are currently available, along with related areas, such as how to find somewhere to live.
Leave a Reply