6 devices to keep tabs on your aging family members without invading their privacy
You may not always be able to see your grandparents, but these devices will help you know that they are safe.
Getty / John Fedele
Whether you spend that Corona virus Hopefully you are trying to keep a healthy distance between yourself and anyone with a higher risk develop a serious or even fatal disease if they become infected with COVID-19. Because this risk group includes people over 65, many of us lack regular contact with our older family members, and it can be scary not to know whether they are well or not.
Fortunately, at this age, you no longer have to be physically with your grandparents to keep an eye on them or to send help in an emergency. There is an abundance of aids for seniors or older adults in your life. These high-tech devices go far beyond the usual safety requirements for seniors such as a shower bench, an automatic tablet dispenser or a simple emergency button. I have summarized six security devices for seniors that you can use to virtually monitor the safety and well-being of your elderly relatives without compromising their independence or privacy.
jitterbug
If your grandparents are something like mine, attempts to buy cell phones always fail. iPhones have too many bells and whistles, but when you introduce them to an old flip phone, they say the buttons are too small.
Are you familiar with this problem? Send your older family member a Jitterbug flip – It’s a simple cell phone with bigger buttons, a brighter screen and a louder speaker. It also has voice dialing function and a magnifying glass with a flashlight, so it works as an all-purpose tool. The Jitterbug Flip not only gives you an easy way to reach your older parents or grandparents, but also a quick way for seniors to raise the alarm when they need to contact an emergency service.
Tenvis
If your grandparents tend to fall, it is difficult not to check and help them whenever they need it. A security camera seems like a good option, but do you really want to see everything the older family member is doing in your care?
With the TENVIS radio cameraYou only see 15-second video bursts that are triggered when the camera detects motion (i.e. no actual fall detection, but still fall detection). It is a single device with a 360-degree view and has two-way audio for real-time communication. If you see that your grandparents are doing something that affects you, you can immediately contact them and, if necessary, call an emergency service for help.
Pria
You may be confident that your elderly loved ones are safe by the minute, but you still fear that they will forget to take their medication. Introduce to make sure they keep track of health management Pria in her life. It is an intelligent tablet dispenser (an advance over an automatic tablet dispenser) that notifies your relatives when it’s time to take your medication. Then their identity is verified by facial recognition or a PIN before the stock is distributed.
You can use an app that shows you when you took the medication and whether you missed a dose. The device also has a built-in bi-directional video calling feature that allows frequent check-in.
The Pria subscription is free for the first six months, then $ 9.99 a month thereafter. It’s only available in the US, but if you’re elsewhere, there are a number of others automated medication dispenser on the market.
GhostCord
Some older people tend to hike, and if you are not around to keep an eye on them, this habit can be dangerous. The GhostCord floor mat can notify you when your grandma is on the move – just place her outside your family member’s room or apartment and an alarm will be sent if she detects that she is trying to leave.
The mat is cordless with beveled edges and a non-slip grip so that your loved one cannot fall. It is a helpful protective measure for grandparents with memory or awareness problems. Note that you have to buy one separate monitor.
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Philips
“Help, I fell and can’t get up!” We’ve all seen these medical warning system commercials, but people often have the same question: what if I can’t (or don’t remember) pressing the button?
Philips Lifeline medical alarm system Solves this problem by detecting falls for you – no push of a button required. It is worn as a pendant or bracelet and can distinguish between falls and regular movements. The device is also waterproof and has a long-lasting battery, so you don’t have to worry about charging. Bi-directional voice communication allows the user to speak directly to the Philips Lifeline response team and notify them when they need help.
After a one-time activation fee of $ 50, the system is $ 30 per month.
iHealth
Although access to your regular doctor’s office may currently be restricted, it is still important to keep an eye on your vital functions. The iHealth Feel Wireless Monitor tracks your blood pressure and detects irregular heartbeat. It sends results to your mobile device via Bluetooth. So if you buy one for an older loved one, you can be kept up to date on changes in measurements.
Monitoring your blood pressure during these stressful times is an easy way to take your health into your own hands. Research shows that adults with high blood pressure who monitor their blood pressure at home (with or without additional support) are more likely to successfully lower their readings than those who do not.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about an illness or health goals.
