Technology Helps Aging-In-Place

Credit for following post is given to:
Marcia Johnson, President
Binocular Vision Advisors, LLC

Guidance for people caring for parents from overseas
7-5-9-2603 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
160-0023 Tokyo, Japan
080-3219-9411


Many technology-based devices are currently available that can help older people live independently at home for as long as possible. More products are coming to market all the time. When visiting websites of companies that offer assistive technologies, look for marketing information that reflects the provider's understanding of why and how assistive technologies can help older adults and then speak with a Certified Geriatric Care Manager for advice.

The Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) is a clearinghouse for information about university research and assistive technologies in development. SmartSilvers Alliance is a business that consults with companies on development and deployment of innovative, assistive products and technology-leveraged services. Their website contains a categorized directory of products on the market.

Care.com's High-Tech Solutions to Aging-in-Place Dilemmas offers a list with links to solution providers. 50 Connect.com also offers a linked list of technology-based gadgets for older adults.

The following are just a few examples of assistive products on the market:

Clarity Amplified Phones
These phones make sounds not only louder, but also clearer and easier to understand. Besides amplified phones, the company offers, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communications devices for the aging population. Amplified phones available through a Professional GCM in Florida at no charge.

E-NeighborTM Auto PERS with ADL Monitoring (ADL=Activities of Daily Living)
This system is programmed to detect unusual activity in the home. A shower left running or a fridge that goes unopened for a day could trigger a phone call to you or a caregiver. Expect to spend about $300 for wiring and equipment and $20 per month for emergency call center service. Consult A GCM in your area for specials from some provided to care managers from monitoring services.

Magnetic Induction Cook Top
It prevents burns and house fires by using an electromagnet to cook food rather than gas flames or electric heat. The cook top will only get hot when an induction-compatible pan is placed on it. Take the pan off, and no more heat is produced (from $155).

VideoEye
A camera magnifies text and displays it on a computer monitor so that seniors with poor vision can write a check, peruse the morning paper, use a phone book, and read the fine print on their prescriptions (from $1,850 to $3,800 or available as a rental unit for a monthly rental fee through a GCM agency).

Automatic Pill Dispenser
Computerized pillbox dispenses up to ten prescriptions on schedule. It will also notify a designated person when a refill is needed or when it looks like your parent hasn't taken the medication (Purchased from $800 to $1,000 or available for $80 monthly fee through a Professional Geriatric Care Manager).

PrestoSM Email Receive-Only System
The PrestoSM allows people who do not, or cannot, use a computer, to receive email messages and photos. PrestoSM combines Presto Service, which converts regular email and photo attachments into Presto Mail with the HP Printing Mailbox that prints out messages and photos. The Mailbox must be connected to a phone line in the USA and can share the jack with a regular phone. Email can be sent to an HP Printing Mailbox from family and friends worldwide (HP Printing Mailbox, $149.99, Presto Service, $9.99/month).

A Good Daughter Elder Care Management works with people who want to worry less about their aging parents and business organizations that want to maintain productivity by helping employees handle parent care challenges. Visit our site at: www.AGoodDaughter.com