Boomers have often been referred to as the “sandwich” generation. But not for the love of sliced bread with various fillings we all grew up on. Instead, it connotes the often-tough position they find themselves in, caring for both their aging parents and their kids.
It’s in the role as supervising an aging parents’ care that I’d like to talk about here.
According to research by AARP nearly 90 percent of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age, often referred to as “aging in place.”
In the event that they begin to need day-to-day assistance or ongoing health care during retirement, most (82 percent) would prefer to stay in their homes. Only a few express a preference for moving to a facility where care is provided (9 percent) or for moving to a relative’s home (4 percent).
Of course, these goals may be unrealistic, but I think we can all relate to the idea of living independently as long as we can. And, whether you’re a direct caregiver, supervising from a distance, or just a worried or concerned friend, technology can definitely help the situation. It can make sure our loved ones are safe, in some cases help them maintain independent living, and at the same time provide us with peace of mind.
In these situations, communication and security are paramount, and in both these areas, technology has made leaps and bounds from the “help I’ve fallen” days.
For example, sensors can be placed on a medicine cabinet that will let users know if the cabinet has been opened – or not. An unopened cabinet may mean a parent has neglected prescribed medications. Beyond that, there are pillboxes with alarms and timers all the way up to services that will send your parents or their caregivers medication reminders, with emails, timers or vibrating watches. MD.2 from e-pill is one such product, and is a monitored dispenser that you or a caregiver can load and refill, and use to dispense all their pills at the prescribed time. Rescue Alert will monitor a pillbox electronically and alert a contact if the lid isn’t opened when it’s supposed to be. A simple Internet search for “medication reminder” yields a list of many options to find the best fit for your needs.
Many of us are also concerned about our parents’ late-night or absent-minded wanderings. In this case, security devices that were once used to keep bad people out have evolved to help with monitoring comings and goings. With certain systems, users can receive a text message to a mobile device that pings when the front door opens.
Having cameras in various parts of a home can stream an image of what’s going on inside the room to any mobile device. It’s like a crib-cam, and equally effective. This would be a step that I’m sure you’d want to discuss with your parents before implementing, however. Many times feelings of privacy and independence go hand-in-hand.
For a perhaps simpler solution, there are also monitoring and tracking devices such as Philips Lifeline and others that use GPS technology and have medical alerts. These devices are unobtrusive and come in wristband, clip on and pendant designs, and provide caregivers with information on the wearer’s location. (These devices are on subscription basis and for example the Philips is approximately $30.00 a month).
There are many other practical things you can do to make a home safe for aging and ensure your own peace of mind. This might mean the bathroom, where you can install railings in the bathtub and shower, and also a temperature-activated flow reducer to eliminate any chance of scalding. Again, these are relatively inexpensive gadgets you can find with an Internet search. In the kitchen, there are burn-proof covers for oven tops.
There is also good news for caregivers. There are tons of apps now that will help them keep track of patient records, communicate with employers and monitor the health of their patients.
“Old age is no place for sissies,” Bette Davis once said, and I think as we approach those years with vigor we can appreciate her quote and the wisdom behind it. But let’s try and make the journey as pleasant for our loved ones – and ultimately ourselves- as we can. Technology can help us do exactly that.