How Can TECH Help You Stay Connected and Independent?
How Can TECH Help You Stay Connected and Independent?
If you joined a meeting on zoom, had a telehealth appointment, have any kind of smart watch or fitness tracker, you are using tech! My sister found out from her Apple Watch that she had atrial fibrillation and the week after had a pacemaker implanted. Her doctor told her this happens all the time now. Granted, we have all become accustomed to all of these products and they are changing our world. One could say tech is keeping us alive AND helping us maintain our independence!
What’s New in Medical Alert Systems?
The latest in this technology is totally wireless and more like a home security system except you are the one the system is tracking while in your home! This may not be what you have in mind, but I can see the appeal for someone who really wants to stay in their home, may have some serious health issues or fall history, and a family who is not close by and needs peace of mind. It is called STACKCARE. You basically download an app, use the home WIFI system, and place a few sensors in the home. Sleek, simple, unobtrusive! The algorithms track your typical movements and patterns and compile the data for whoever you allow. It can provide a lot of information for worried family members. It even tracks the temperature of your home and will alert family if it gets too hot or too cold!
https://stack.care/how-it-works
7 Best Medical Alert Systems as Tested by the NCOA:
(National Council on Aging)
If you want to do a little research on the best traditional medical alert systems here is a great website that has serious research behind these products and cost comparisons as well. I like the evaluations system because it shows “Best Overall, Best Value, Best Variety, Best Warranty.”
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-systems/
Medication Management Systems:
One of the major reasons seniors end up in the hospital is mismanaging their medications. If you are worried about this or you have a complex medicine regimen you should consider using tech to help you keep your meds straight. There are a lot of great options on the market to help you organize all your pills and provide reminders on when to take them! Here are 2 excellent websites to begin your search:
https://www.theseniorlist.com/medication/dispensers/
https://www.techradar.com/best/best-medication-dispensers
Transportation Tech!
Have you tried using UBER or LYFT? You have heard me say that YOU SHOULD! Why? You cannot predict when you may not be able to drive! Maybe it is temporary, maybe it is permanent. Even if you can’t or don’t want to drive, learning to use these tools will help you stay independent. Make this a fun project and have someone go with you your first time. But here is a new option that may help you and you don’t need ANY apps!
GOGO Grandparents!
They are a national company that now operates in Gainesville! No apps, no cash, and they offer a lot of services! You do have to open an account online, but once you have done this, all you need is a phone to call them to arrange rides and a multitude of services such as picking up meds, groceries, and even help with home repair! You can even use a landline, not a cell phone! Fees are reasonable. Check them out online OR CALL: 1-855-464-6872
https://get.gogograndparent.com/senior-transportation
Tired of Shopping and Cooking?
Do you want yummy nutritious meals delivered straight to your door? Having personally tried Chef Ami, I can tell you they provide many families and seniors great meals. They provide all the ingredients and the recipe, and you cook it and enjoy! No shopping or wondering what to cook or eat! Farm Fresh and locally sourced!
If you want healthy meals for seniors already prepared and shipped frozen check out:
https://www.silvercuisine.com/
Financial Safety App!
Scamming seniors has become big business. In the last few months, I have personally had clients and neighbors scammed out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Consider using tech to help prevent this. Be open minded about asking a trusted family member to be part of your monitoring system. Imagine how you will feel if you become a victim and a simple app could have alerted you, a trusted advisor, or a family member! The provide bill organizing, unusual withdrawal alerts, free credit and identity monitoring, 1 million in theft insurance, and more. Check out:
https://getcarefull.com/pricing-nw-new
Fantastic New APP for Information Management and Caregiving:
This fantastic app allows family members trying to gather, organize and access complex information for a loved one. Innerhive calls these “Care Maps,” that track contact information, stores document, manages appointment calendars and provides amazing caregiving tools! Both designated family members and care partners/teams can use this tool to help stay current with crucial information.
Please Review My Book!
If you have read my book, Successfully Navigating Your Parents’ Senior Years, please consider writing a review on Amazon! I need more reviews! They are offering a special; get 3 items (including other books!) for the price of 2! Limited Time Offer!
Have a Great Summer! Stay Well, Stay Hydrated, Stay COOL! “See” you in September!
Star Bradbury
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