This list by AARP of aging in place technologies was published in 2014. Brain Support Network volunteer Denise Dagan looked it over and found that the list is still worth reading, even today.
Most of the items on the AARP list are Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). These are the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” devices. Denise found a more recent review of PERS that said the best was Bay Alarm Medical. (I’ll send that review separately.) Of course the Lifeline system is available through many hospitals as reduced rates. That’s the system our family used for many years.
GrandCare caught Denise’s eye as the system does it all. This is from their website: “The heart of the GrandCare System is a large touchscreen in the residence which provides the individual with social communications, instructions, reminders, medication prompts, and web-based entertainment. Caregivers access the system by logging in to the online Care Portal. Optional wireless activity sensors, environmental sensors, and digital health devices can be added to the system as needed. These devices can be used to notify designated caregivers by phone, email, or text if anything seems amiss or if wellness readings fall out of range.”
Let us know if you are using any of these technologies or try them.
Here’s a link to the AARP list:
New Technology Could Allow You or Your Parents to Age at Home
AARP Bulletin
by Sally Abrahms
March 2014