Technology and our parents, it’s a tale as old as time; from the lady who thought her computer came with a cup holder (remember CD-ROMs?) to my dad trying to find the “any” button on his keyboard. In a world where nursing homes are becoming more expensive and more isolating for our loved ones, some people are turning to technology to keep them safer and closer to us.
Hiding in plain sight
The home is a sacred space. Even if something is useful, if it is a visible reminder of their age, it tends not to be valued. Consider, for example, something as simple as grab bars. They once made the home feel like a hospital, but are now being designed to double as holders for toilet paper or shampoo. A simple example of technology designed with the user in mind.
“Healthcare systems need to evolve to meet the health requirements of an aging population. Digital technologies and practice can help with this evolution by enabling better, more efficient, and more person-centered care. But the full potential of technology can only be harnessed when the players across the system are meaningfully engaged in the design, validation, and adoption of technology.” – James Mayer, Senior Manager of Investments and Venture Services at CABHI.
The promise of smart homes offers special advantages for seniors like temperature control and security systems. Another futuristic functionality is to enable caregivers to monitor their loved ones in non-invasive ways. As mentioned before, aging in place includes being comfortable at home, so fall detection solutions that include putting cameras in the home haven’t really caught on. Nobody likes to feel like they are being watched.
Staying connected
Keeping them young
The goal of aging in place is now to support patients in their appropriate location of choice for as long as possible. Therefore, the name of the game is prevention and avoiding the need of the patient to move to a nursing home.
“Mobility that supports aging in place hinges on accessing your environment safely and functionally for day-to-day activities. For walker users – standing from a chair, maneuvering in confined spaces, and accomplishing daily reaching tasks are crucial, which is why Nuvio focused on these benefits with our walkers.” – Matt Cumella, Founder of Nuvio
What’s in the future?
Like it or not, none of us are getting any younger. While science is still working on the means to stop aging, it is exciting to know that we are acknowledging all the stakeholders in the delivery of care and are working to make the process more compassionate and comfortable for our loved ones.
To realize the full potential of technology in improving the quality of life of current and future generations of older people, we need a system-level approach that deliberately and meaningfully connects older people, care partners, healthcare organizations and innovators.