What are the Devices Used for Elderly Home Monitoring?
In June 2020, approximately 4.2 million Australians (16% of Australia’s total population) were aged 65 and over. In New Zealand, people aged 65 and over will make up approximately a quarter of the country's total population by 2051. As the population of Australia and New Zealand continues to age, there is an increasing demand for technology that can help monitor seniors' well-being while they stay independent. There are a number of different devices on the market that can serve this purpose, but it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your needs or for your loved one's needs. This article will explore the different types of devices available and provide some guidance on choosing the right one for your situation.
In this article:
What are the Devices Used for Elderly Home Monitoring?
Why Use Technology to Monitor Elderly Loved Ones?
When it comes to our elderly parents or grandparents, we always want to make sure that they're always safe and comfortable even when they live independently in their homes or when they are out and about on their own. That's why so many of us are turning to technology to help us keep an eye on them and make sure they are okay. With the help of elderly monitoring devices, we can see what they're up to, ensure they're taking their medication, and even protect them from falls.
You might use technology to monitor your elderly loved ones because:
They live independently and you want to make sure they're okay
You're not able to check in on them as often as you'd like
You're worried about their safety
You think they might be experiencing anxiety or depression and you want to check in on them
They are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
They have a history of falling or are prone to falls
Read more: Top 10 Benefits of Technology for Seniors
What do Elderly Monitoring Systems do?
Elderly monitoring systems are devices or groups of devices that are used to remotely monitor the well-being of elderly people. They can provide information about things like a person's location, activities, and vital signs. This information can be used to make sure that elderly people are safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Elderly monitoring devices have unique specifications but they generally track:
Comfort
Remotely monitor things like temperature, humidity, and light levels in a person's home to make sure they're comfortable.
Safety
Some have features that monitor carbon monoxide and even smoke detection to make sure the home is safe. You can also use some devices to monitor things like door and window sensors to make sure that no one is entering the home without permission.
Activity
Track things like the number of steps a person takes, how long they sleep, and whether they're eating properly.
Location
Use GPS to track a person's location and set up geofences so you're alerted if they leave a certain area. Some devices can also send alerts if a person leaves their home or if they haven't moved in a while.
Health
Monitor things like a person's heart rate, breathing, and their blood pressure. Some devices can also remind you or your elderly loved one to take their medication and track whether they've taken it.
Wellness
Check in on a person's emotional well-being with features like two-way calling and messaging, activity tracking, and access to emergency services.
Falls
Detect when your senior loved one has fallen and send an alert to a Customer Care Team that can call for emergency services if needed.
How Elderly Monitoring Devices Work
There are a few different types of elderly monitoring devices, but most work by detecting changes in a person's movements or behaviour. For example, fall detectors are equipped with motion sensors that can detect when a person has fallen. These devices usually have an accelerometer and gyroscope that work together to detect changes in movement. If the device detects a fall, it will send an alert to a customer care team or designated caregiver
Other devices, like personal alarms with GPS trackers, use satellite technology to determine a person's location. Other devices may use sensors to track a person's heart rate or breathing patterns, and if there is a sudden change in those patterns the device will send an alert. Generally speaking, these types of devices are used to help caregivers keep an eye on their elderly loved ones and make sure they are always safe and healthy.
What Are the Benefits of Using Monitoring Devices for the Elderly?
Elderly monitoring devices offer a number of benefits not only for the elderly but also for their caregivers and loved ones. They can provide peace of mind by allowing you to check in on your senior loved ones from anywhere. They can also help you to keep track of your loved ones' health and well-being. Here are the major benefits of using remote monitoring devices or systems for seniors and their loved ones:
Allows carers and family to check in on their elderly loved ones from anywhere
One of the major benefits of using monitoring devices is that they allow you to check in on your senior loved ones from anywhere. This means that you can check in on them even if you're at work or on vacation. All you need is an internet connection and you can see how they're doing.
Provides peace of mind
For many caregivers and family members, knowing that they can check in on their senior loved ones from anywhere provides a great deal of peace of mind. This peace of mind is especially important for those who live far away from their elderly loved ones.
Allows you to keep track of their vital signs
Monitoring devices can also help you to keep track of your senior loved ones' vital signs. This information can be very important in detecting any health problems that they may be having.
Helps to keep track of their health and well-being
Another benefit of using monitoring devices is that they can help you to keep track of your elderly loved ones' health and well-being. This information can be vital in making sure that they're taking their medication, eating properly, and getting enough exercise.
Types of Senior Monitoring Devices
There are a variety of different types of remote monitoring devices for the elderly. Here are some of the most popular:
Smart home devices
These devices allow you to remotely monitor and control things like the lights, temperature, and security in a person's home. They can also be used to track activity and send alerts if something unusual is happening. Most smart devices nowadays are voice-enabled, which can be very helpful for seniors who may have difficulty using a traditional keyboard and mouse.
Wearable devices
There are a number of different wearable devices that can be used to monitor the elderly. These include activity trackers, fall detection devices, duress alarms, and medical alert systems. Wearable devices or personal alarms are usually very easy to use, can be worn all day long and can be discrete enough so your senior loved one can go on with their day-to-day life without feeling any discomfort from the device.
In-home cameras
This can be used to keep an eye on your senior loved one when you can't be there in person. They can also be used to provide a record of what's been happening in the home, which can be helpful if there's an incident.
Environmental monitors
These devices can be used to monitor things like air quality, temperature, and humidity. This information can be vital in keeping your senior loved one comfortable and safe.
GPS tracker
A GPS tracker or wearable tracker can be very helpful in keeping track of a senior's location. It can also provide peace of mind for caregivers who live far away from their elderly loved ones.
In-home cameras
In-home cameras can be used to remotely check on a person's well-being. They can also be used to monitor activity and send alerts if something unusual is happening.
Medical Alert Devices
Medical alert systems are designed to help people who have medical conditions that require immediate attention. They can be used to send alerts to caregivers, loved ones or healthcare providers if a person experiences a medical emergency. This is extremely helpful for those living with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer's.
Remote patient monitoring systems
Remote patient monitoring systems are designed to help doctors and nurses remotely monitor the health of their patients. This information can be used to make sure that a person is taking their medication, following their care plan, and getting the necessary medical attention.
How to Choose the Right Monitoring Device for the Elderly
When choosing a monitoring device for the elderly, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips:
Consider their needs
The first step is to consider what your senior loved one's needs are. Whether they have a need to feel safer in their home, or you need to be able to check in on their health from afar it is important to determine their needs before choosing a device.
Think about their lifestyle
It is also important to think about your senior loved one's lifestyle when choosing a monitoring device. If they are very active, you'll want to choose a device that won't get in their way or be uncomfortable to wear. If they are more sedentary, you may want to choose a device that is easy to use and won't require a lot of set-up.
Choose a device that is easy to use
Seniors may have difficulty using some of the more complicated monitoring devices because of poor eyesight, chronic pains, or other age-related concerns. It is important to choose a device with senior-friendly features that are easy for them to use so that they can get comfortable in using the device.
Be sure to read the reviews
Before making a purchase, be sure to read the reviews of the device you are considering. This will give you a good idea of what others have thought about the device and whether or not it is right for your senior loved one.
Consider the budget
When choosing a monitoring device, it is important to consider the budget. There are many different types of devices available, so be sure to choose one that fits within your budget. There are also devices that can be included in Aged Care Packages or other funding options from the government to help offset the cost.
Consider connectivity, mobility, and range of the sensor
When choosing a monitoring device, it is important to consider the connectivity, mobility, and range of the sensor. Connectivity refers to how the device will connect to the internet or other devices. Mobility refers to how mobile the device is and whether or not it can be worn on the body. Range refers to how far away from the senior the device can be placed and still work properly.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a monitoring device for the elderly. By considering their needs, lifestyle, and budget, you can find the perfect device to help keep your senior loved one safe and comfortable even when you are not physically present to check on them.
Important Safety Features to Look Out for in Monitoring Devices for the Elderly
When choosing a monitoring device for the elderly, there are a few safety features to keep in mind. Here are some tips:
Two-way communication
When choosing a monitoring device, be sure to choose one with two-way audio. This way, if there is an emergency, your senior loved one can easily get in touch with you, their caregiver, or a monitoring centre that can get in touch with emergency responders for your senior loved one.
GPS tracking
If your senior loved one is prone to disorientation or has a risk of wandering, be sure to choose a device with GPS tracking. This way, you can easily locate them if they happen to lose their way or forget directions.
Fall detection
Fall detection is a great safety feature to have in an elderly monitoring device. If your senior loved one experiences a fall, the device will automatically send an alert to a Customer Care Team that can get them the help that they need. This feature can save lives in the event of a serious fall.
Suggested reading: How Fall Detectors Work
Water-resistant
If your senior loved one is prone to falls in the shower or bath, be sure to choose a device that is water-resistant. This way, if they do fall, the device will still be able to send an alert for help.
Non-movement alarm
If your senior loved one is bedridden or has a risk of immobility, be sure to choose a device with a non-movement alarm. This way, if they are not moving for an extended period of time, the device will automatically send an alert to a caregiver or loved one.
Senior Monitoring Devices from Tunstall
Tunstall Healthcare is a world-leading provider of Connected Care and Connected Health solutions. Our mission is to save lives, support independence, and improve the well-being of seniors and people living with disability through our technology and service. We have over 65 years of global experience in designing, developing, and delivering market-leading products and services that make a real difference in people’s lives. Here are some of our elderly monitoring devices:
Tunstall SmartLink Guardian
This in-home personal alarm is a simple and effective safety solution for in and around the home. This is the perfect personal alarm for seniors who want to continue to live safely in their own homes. The Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G can also be paired with various activity and environmental sensors, such as fall detectors or smoke detectors. A water-resistant, 100m range pendant is included.
The key features of the Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G are:
Easy installation & usage
24/7 monitoring
4G Compatible
Water-resistant pendant included
Can be installed anywhere in the home
Tunstall Gem4
Tunstall Gem4
The Tunstall Gem4 is an intelligent personal alarm pendant, which includes GPS location and automatic fall detection. This wearable technology ensures the right help can reach the user whenever they need it.
The key features of the Tunstall Gem4 are:
Easy to use emergency alert button to raise an alarm
GPS location to accurately locate the wearer
Connects to 24/7 Customer Care Centre
Automatic fall detection alert (if enabled)
Open voice communication
Key Takeaways
Elderly monitoring devices are not one-size-fits-all. It is important to consider the specific needs and circumstances of your senior loved one when choosing a device. Be sure to read reviews and compare features before making a purchase. Just make sure that you put their welfare and comfort as your top priority during your search and you'll surely find the perfect device for them. If you need assistance in choosing an elderly monitoring device, make sure to contact Tunstall Healthcare today and we'll be glad to help you out.
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