Technology has improved and enhanced the quality of life of people all around the world. While making simple daily tasks much easier, the advancements in technology prove that even more specialized tasks can be made easier with it. This efficiency and effectivity have branched not only to the academic and business worlds but also into the realm of healthcare.
Medical advancements have not only made treatments more effective and accessible, but it has also made caregiving much easier. Those caring for family members with chronic illnesses or simply older relatives would understand the difficulties of caregiving. Thanks to technology, however, there are numerous ways to assure the safety and health of those we love.
To cement that point, here are four ways that technology helps enhance the caregiving efforts for the elderly.
Automated Pill Dispensing
One of the most basic problems that the elderly face on a general basis would be the regular taking of medicines. Knowing just how much to take and when to take them can be a strain to an older person’s mind, as memory can be quite difficult to pull up at certain moments.
Thanks to the advancements of pill-dispensing technology, not only can you provide a method to remind your older relatives to take their medicine, but you can also assure that only the prescribed amount is dispensed at a time.
Contingencies for Wandering
A big problem for the elderly and patients with memory disorders is wandering. More often than not, they will find themselves moving aimlessly towards a direction—only to find themselves lost as to where to go or how to get back. As problematic as that is for them, it also puts a lot of strain for caregivers, because their loved ones could get seriously hurt with no proper support around them.
The development of GPS pendants, however, can help assuage that fear—allowing caregivers to track where their loved ones are at any time. Bed and door alarms can also help caregivers determine if their elderly patient is moving about, which can also be a good wandering contingency.
Caregiver Surveillance
Cameras are far from new technology, but these nifty devices can be used to monitor the actions of caregivers. Relatives caring for the elderly might not be at home all the time, which is why caregivers are necessary to hire. By utilizing hidden cameras, you can assure that proper care is always applied and that there is no abuse happening within your own home.
Promote and Ease Self-Care
Thanks to smartphones and the numerous applications available within it, self-care is made much easier and more mobile. Getting into contact with loved ones for emergencies can be done at the touch of a button, while numerous apps can bridge daily needs the elder might have.
Wearable tech can also be greatly helpful for self-care, allowing the automatic measurement of heart rate and other vitals. The help of virtual AI can streamline the use of a smartphone even further, allowing voice commands to assist the elder in navigating the use of their technology.
Conclusion
Technology can be highly beneficial in assisting the care of elders and patients with chronic conditions, but only if used properly. By utilizing the abovementioned methods, your daily life won’t just be made easier, but it will also secure the safety of your loved ones.
Are you looking to read up on more health tips and news in the US? Connect with us today and find more interesting updates on health technology and various health-related current events.
