Harnessing Technology in Home Care

With technology improving all the time, it’s getting easier and safer for senior citizens to remain independent and for home care workers to work more efficiently.

Innovations nology amazing have new in created possibilities tech-for how we execute simple tasks throughout our daily lives, whether we’re asking Siri for directions to the nearest gas station or telling Amazon’s Alexa to turn off the kitchen lights. While these devices can make day-to-day life more convenient for everyone, they can be particularly useful within the senior community. In-home technologies, like the voice-activated products mentioned above, are already being utilized within the home care industry. In-home voice technology products are not only seen as a way to assist seniors themselves, but are also being considered as a potential tool for caregivers to utilize in fulfilling their duties. Some home care providers have conducted experiments exploring the ways in which Alexa could be of assis- tance in fulfilling the everyday responsibilities of a caregiver. From medication reminders to the ability to place calls or control functions within the house with a mere voice command, these devices have the potential to help caregivers provide an even higher quality of care to their clients. produced our also Technology senior allowed new loved us to ways has ones, improve to not but protect upon only has already detection existing is one effort practices. that Fall has benefitted from recent technological advances. In the past, wearable fall detection devices would be equipped with a button that must be pushed in order to alert someone of a fall. Today’s wearable devices can automatically detect a falling incident. In addition, when a fall has been detected, many devices offer the option to immediately send text messages and/or emails to that person’s designated emergency contacts. Other features include the option to send the fallen individual’s GPS location to their emergency contacts, as well as a countdown mechanism that enables the person wearing the device to stop any alerts from being delivered within an allotted amount of time, should the device mistakenly detect a fall. According to the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. New technology in fall detection may not only assist seniors by ensuring they receive assistance as soon as possible after a fall, but may also reduce their time in the hospital and/or the cost of medical services. Technology has also created ways to detect ailments before they become too severe. One company, Pixie Scientific, has developed an incontinence pad to monitor the onset of urinary tract they rather ization. can infections than Each be requiring addressed year, (UTI), 850,000 hospital- at so home older that adults in the emergency receive a UTI room. diagnosis UTIs can come on very suddenly, and often cause senior individuals to remain in the hospital for several days. The disposable pads, which fit into a brief or pullup, contain a biosensor that monitors the presence of nitrites in urine, signaling that an infection may be developing. These pads are particularly helpful for older adults who may have problems toms communicating dementia. keep of devices ogy One how cannot of in advanced important a mind may UTI, easily become, such is the that these as replace concept early regardless those technol- assistive symp- with the to attention medication, of a caregiver. remind and but companionship Alexa in one cases may to where take successfully a their senior own, is unable a caregiver to do is so still on needed is to administered make sure that properly. medication Nonetheless, technology is making it easier for seniors to feel safer and more comfortable to live independently at home, in addition to providing loved greater ones. peace of mind to their Phil Bongiorno, Executive Director, and Kayla Dottery, Director of Communications, Home Care Association of America

"Technology has not only produced new ways to protect our senior loved ones, but has also allowed us to improve upon already existing practices."