Although many seniors would prefer to stay in their home, a sudden permanent disability can quickly require 24/7 home-based care that can be too expensive or just unavailable. Fortunately, technological solutions now exist that can enable seniors to continue to live independently or in assisted living residences rather than require relocation to a nursing home.
High tech home living and cleaning devices: An aid for seniors plus their caregivers
From technologically-controlled window shades to robotic vacuum cleaners, technology is enabling daily living activities and chores to be more easily accomplished. According to the US Census Bureau, 40% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one disability, of which 66% have difficulty in walking. Owning high tech home gadgets can simplify (and expedite) daily routines. In this way, the senior living independently or in an assisted living residence can maintain more personal independence than otherwise likely.
Videoconferencing technology and its impact on senior health
The widespread adoption of videoconferencing by seniors occurred largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As telehealth services began to replace in-person physician office visits during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, more senior-aged people began to use videoconferencing apps. Through checking in with their doctors and other caregivers via this technology, many seniors were able to manage illnesses and chronic disorders without an in-person visit to do so. In particular, using a videoconferencing app on a Smartphone or computer has enabled seniors to interact with:
- Primary care providers such as physicians and nurse practitioners;
- Physical therapists and nutritionists;
- Psychologists and mental health counselors;
- Family members and friends
Through using telehealth and/or contacting family members online, preventive action to lessen progression to worsened health outcomes was enabled. For example, seniors who had fallen and sprained a knee or ankle could acquire input as to how to treat that sprain to improve faster healing. Thus, a longer period of time for that healing to occur – or a permanent joint disability resulting from improper self-treatment – could be avoided.
Telemedicine linking doctors to specialists: Why this matters for seniors
Many senior-aged people live with heart disease, diabetes (Type-2), kidney disease, or have experienced a stroke. In order to best treat and manage these types of chronic health disorders, primary care doctors typically refer their patients to specialists. For example, cardiologists are heart specialists who can tailor the treatment of a person’s heart disease to their underlying heart disorder and needs. Technological advances in telemedicine are enabling primary care doctors to link online with specialist physicians such as cardiologists to better coordinate their patients’ care.
Whether you are a senior-aged adult or someone caring for a senior, the Ōmcare Home Health Hub® is a technological device that can enable videoconferencing with personal and professional caregivers and managing daily medications. Thus, it can improve safe living in the home or in an assisted living facility.