A new flurry of technologies now exist to enable seniors to live independently and avoid expensive trips back and forth to the emergency room.  Wireless sensors have been used in the beds of nursing home residents to alarm the staff of potential falls.  These same type sensors are now available for the home.

Coupled with motion detectors these new systems can automatically call for help if the resident cannot.  Systems such as eNeighbor, by Healthsense, provide safe coverage of the entire residence 24 hours per day even if they are not able to activate a call button.  In addition these systems provide valuable information on the health of the senior that expand services over a simple call button.  Sensors are available for the toilet seat, bed and chairs, doors, refrigerators and motion sensors.  These systems can be expanded to include monitoring for weight, blood pressure, and blood oxygen.

Advances have come to the cell phone as well.  The Jitterbug phone with large buttons can be used by those with limited vision.  Applications can be loaded which remind the owner to take their medication each day.  If the owner does not take their medication as prescribed it can alert family members automatically.

I previously posted inforamation on the uBot-5 a robot that is used for home monitoring.  There are also a multitude of new appliances and automatic features for homes that allow seniors more independance and safety.  Each of these items are fabulous advances that will help our seniors live in the homes they love and with as much independence as possible.  As Mr. Hayduk says, “I don’t want to be in assisted living.  That’s for people in wheelchairs and walkers.”

*photo credit adwriter