{"id":1064,"date":"2012-04-23T07:52:27","date_gmt":"2012-04-23T13:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/touchingheartsathome.wordpress.com\/?p=70"},"modified":"2012-04-23T07:52:27","modified_gmt":"2012-04-23T13:52:27","slug":"technology-in-the-home-is-helping-elders-stay-independent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/touchinghearts.com\/fortcollins\/blog\/technology-in-the-home-is-helping-elders-stay-independent\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology in the Home is Helping Elders Stay Independent"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Families throughout the country are incorporating monitoring, assisting, and injury\/illness protection technologies to help older adults age in place. \u00a0For many elderly people, technology can mean the difference between staying at home and having to get long-term care in a facility. Technology can also be critical because it can help others retain the ability to perform simple activities of daily living, such as bathing and going to the bathroom. Technologies like\u00a0 housekeeping & kitchen aids, laundry made easy, bathroom enhancements, bedroom safety and comfort, medication tracking devices continue to allow a generation of baby boomers to remain independent and age in place.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Monitoring<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Monitoring involves the use of technology to keep caregivers or family members apprised of elder adult\u2019s status. This may include something as simple as calling an elder on the telephone to sensors in the home that track an individual\u2019s movements.<\/p>\n

Assisting<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Assisting technology can help an older person perform activities that might otherwise be difficult or not be possible.\u00a0 From a walker to a magnifying glass to a scooter, anything that helps the elderly continue to participate in daily activities is considered assisting technology.<\/p>\n

Injury\/Illness Protection<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Devices that monitor cognitive function, wound care, diabetes, vital signs, and more in older adults present other practical uses of technology. \u00a0This type of tele-monitoring is defined as the use of IT to monitor people at a distance.<\/p>\n

These three forms of technology have allowed millions of Americans to remain independent at home, while enjoying the quality of life they deserve.\u00a0 Here are other benefits that technology provides for elder adults:<\/p>\n