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As my mother entered her 90s, I began to notice physical limitations and memory issues that were starting to affect her. Even though I lived close by, I knew that I needed to find a way to ensure her comfort and safety as she became more dependent. Traditional technologies like wearable alert systems were limited in their effectiveness, especially since she refused to wear them. This led me to explore smart home technology, where I found more promising solutions.
The US census reported that in 2020, the population of individuals aged 65 or older in the United States reached 55.8 million, with many opting to “age in place.” This growing trend has led caregivers to turn to smart technology for assistance in caring for their aging loved ones. To gain insight into how caregivers are utilizing current smart technology, I interviewed members of a support group named Working Daughter and spoke with a colleague at The Verge. Here are some ways caregivers are leveraging smart technology to improve the lives of their elderly or ill parents while also easing their own worries and freeing up more time for themselves.
Smart assistants like Amazon’s Alexa have proven to be invaluable tools for caregivers in monitoring and assisting their loved ones. Many caregivers I spoke with found Alexa devices to be highly effective in providing reminders, entertainment, and emergency communication. For instance, a member of Working Daughter, Linda Alpers, shared how she strategically placed Alexa devices throughout her parents’ home for easy communication and control of various functions.
In addition to smart assistants, smart cameras have become essential for caregivers, especially in cases of cognitive decline. These cameras allow caregivers to monitor their loved ones, watch for emergencies, and better understand incidents that may occur. Sarah VonHarten, whose mother has dementia, uses a Wyze smart camera with two-way audio to stay connected with her mother and address any issues that arise.
Pill dispensers like those offered by Hero Health have also proven to be incredibly helpful for caregivers. These devices ensure that medications are taken at the correct time and in the correct dosage, providing peace of mind for both caregivers and their loved ones. Liz O’Donnell, the founder of Working Daughter, highlighted the importance of these pill dispensers in helping caregivers manage their parents’ medication schedules.
In addition to pill dispensers, trackers like Samsung SmartTags have been used by caregivers to keep track of important items and monitor the movements of their loved ones, particularly those with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Anica Leon-Weil shared her experience using smart trackers to ensure her mother’s safety and prevent wandering.
Loneliness is a common issue for older individuals, which is why smart companions like robotic pets have gained popularity. These companions provide comfort and companionship, especially for those who may be isolated at home. Joy For All’s smart “pets” are one example of how technology is being used to address the emotional needs of elderly individuals.
Overall, smart technology has proven to be a lifeline for many caregivers and their loved ones, offering innovative solutions to assist with daily tasks, enhance communication, and improve overall quality of life for aging or ailing individuals.