Assistive Devices for Everyday Living that will Change Your World (or Keep it the Same Depending on Your Perspective)

Assistive medical equipment has come a long way. Choices such as a simple grab bar or wheelchair have grown to include new technologies like sensors to guard against wandering and devices to better hear the television. These new technologies can make life easier and safer for a person dealing with aging or health issues.

Technology is changing daily, which means we have awesome new ways to monitor and care for someone while helping them keep their independence! Here are two kinds of technology you should know about: programmable pill boxes and appliance monitors. What you read may well change your world.

Pill Boxes (From Manual to Programmable)

Are you wondering whether a loved one is taking pills appropriately, at the right time, or too often? There are a wide variety of pill boxes, from high-tech to low-tech, that can provide a solution. On the low-tech end, basic pill boxes with compartments for day of the week and times of the day are available at any pharmacy. Patients or family member can fill these themselves. Some pharmacies will prepare a pill box for you—placing the medications in the box correctly for you. If memory is a concern though, consider increasing the technology a bit to a locked pill box. These pill boxes are programmed to know the schedule of a person’s medications. At the appropriate time an alarm goes off, and only the day of the week and the box connected with that alarm lights up and unlocks for the person to take that medication. After a certain amount of time, that slot locks again—whether pills are taken or not—so there is not an overdose or problems with medications being taken too close together. There are a range of pill boxes from low-tech to high-tech. Shop around to find the one that is right for you.

Stove and Water Shut Offs

Are you concerned about mom forgetting that she turned on the stove or oven? Worried dad will flood the kitchen because he started filling a pot of water then walked off and forgot about it? There are ways to combat these problems: automated water and stove shut offs! These technologies can give families peace of mind while maintaining an elder’s independence. Both the stove and water shut offs are monitored by a sensor. Water sensors monitor the flow and amount of time the water runs, and stove sensors monitor motion in front of the stove. These sensors have a variety of settings and will shut off the appliance when the settings limits have been met.

Here are some additional newer assistive devices:

• Sensors in the home to monitor movement and activity “after hours”
• Cameras in place to watch doors and protect patients from wandering
• Fall sensors and wander guards that connect directly to EMS.
• Sensors to monitor lighting
• Hearing aids connected to TV and Phone
• Apps for an ipad or tablet to help monitor daily tasks and medications

The amount of assistive devices available now is simply amazing. They can make you and your loved ones more comfortable while allowing independence as long as possible.

Aging Life Care Managers or Physical Therapists are familiar with many different kinds of assistive devices and can be a good source of trusted information. They can determine the specific level of assistance needed and help you sort through a variety of options.

Is it time for you to look at these options and consult a professional?