Aging is a natural and an inevitable part of life that brings with its own set of undeniable challenges. As time passes, the human body slows down and normal functioning is impaired. Simple, everyday tasks become herculean in old age. Apart from a declining memory, seniors suffer from muscle and joint pain in their backs, knees, and shoulders.
Older population requires medical assistance and supervision in their daily lives. Loved ones may take care of their elderly, but sometimes, responsibilities may force the young and able away from their parents. In such circumstances, where the elders have to tend to their own selves, technology can be of assistance.
To help elders cope with the medical challenges, the field of Science and Technology is playing a vital and irreplaceable role in making their lives comfortable. The health sector, too, has not been immune to the benefits of technological advancements.
To handle the evolving needs of seniors, medical staff, especially geriatric nurses, can help provide a more comprehensive preventive care plan. Online learning opportunities abound for nurses, like the geriatric and fnp online programs, that offer opportunities for nurses to upskill themselves from the comfortable convenience of their homes.
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So, to further appreciate the role of tech in providing ease of care for elders, let’s explore some of the health gadgets below that help seniors live a comfortable life.
Pill Dispenser
Aging causes cognitive decline among seniors, and forgetfulness is a common result of their receding mental health. Often due to their forgetful state, seniors might miss on their medication or take a few doses more than what is required. Old people usually suffer from blood sugar, blood pressure, cardiac diseases and may be required to take medications for those conditions on a regular basis.
A pill dispenser is a solution to the problem. It provides the right dose of medication given at the appropriate time, thereby, dispensing (pun intended) of the need of making sure that the senior patient is taking their medication. Pill dispensers, once stocked, can dispense pills for up to 90 days or more, depending on their size. Some pill dispensers are powered by an alarm so that they can remind you of the right time and dose of medication.
Panic Buttons
Panic buttons are an important health gadget that sends alerts when the health of a senior suddenly deteriorates or when they meet some unforeseen accident. These are especially a must-have for old people living alone. In emergency situations, like falling from the stairs, the panic button ensures that help can reach in time.
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The alert signals are received by the patients’ loved ones or people assisting the elderly patient. In addition, the LED light flashes for a 30-seconds interval, alerting people in the neighborhood. The panic buttons are placed at easily reachable places and beside areas where the elder person would spend most of their time.
Blood Pressure Monitors
Blood pressure monitors are reliable health gadgets that can easily monitor hypertension, usually the most common health problem found among the elderly. The blood pressure tracking devices are wearable and can sync with a smartphone, and have been approved by the FDA.
The smartphone syncing gives patients real-time blood pressure tracking that can then be easily shared with physicians and caretakers. By wearing and activating a blood pressure monitor, seniors can then track their levels through the Health Mate app, which is available for both iPhone and Android users.
Alternatively, other monitoring devices that don’t require smartphone syncing are also available. The devices that fall into this category are for seniors who are less tech-savvy, and provide a display of a total of 60 readings on a large LCD screen along with time and date. Furthermore, these devices also keep track of heartbeat, and alert when there is any irregularity.
Wearable Sleep Monitors
Wearable sleep monitors that track and record heart rate and Sp-O2 levels, and show a graphical representation of the sleep reports. These are chargeable devices that contain a single, small ring-sized sensor.
The sleep monitors are wearable on the finger, and track and record your data while you enjoy a restful sleep. Wearable sleep monitors send alerts in case of high or low Sp-O2 level or variable heart rate fluctuations. It can help elders in developing a healthy lifestyle by providing continuous health data that should inform their decisions.
Electronic Pulse Massagers
Electronic pulse massagers are the most effective health gadgets for pain relief therapy for Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Bursitis, Back Pain, Shin Splints, Tendonitis, Sciatica, Plantar Fasciitis, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, and other ailments caused due to inflammation.
These devices are easy to use because they become functional with a single press of the button. However, if you have any acute disease or any disorder, like tumors, infections, cardiac risks, abnormal blood pressure, or skin-related problems, then you should first consult about the use of electronic pulse massagers with a healthcare professional.
Wearable Shoe Tracker
Wearable shoe trackers provide the best solution for elders suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, who are at risk of getting lost on their own. These diseases are common among seniors as their memories decline with age.
The wearable shoe trackers help keep track of elders who risk getting lost due to declining mental health or memory impairment caused by traumatic brain injuries. With the help of GPS-powered shoe trackers, your senior family members with memory loss problems can easily be tracked and their location known on a smartphone app or via an SMS alert. These shoe trackers are fitted with batteries that can go up to 48-hours without charging.
Final Thoughts
Health is a primary concern for everyone and despite our best efforts, the effects of aging are the one thing that no amount of preventive care can stave off for longer. The health gadgets mentioned above can at least provide your elder with a better quality of life, while also giving you a peace of mind, knowing that your loved one is taken care of and secure.