Each year, technology changes. The world has seen computers become a household item and shift from the heavy clunky desktops to streamlined laptops and tablets. People have watched smart thermostats, speakers, and lighting enter the market.
Technology is also changing to make things safer for the elderly who want to age at home. There are monitoring systems that can alert professionals if a senior citizen falls and isn’t responding. Voice-activated speakers can place calls to people in the user’s personal phone book. Where are things going to go from here?
The Diabetes Breathalyzer
For aging adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, multiple finger pricks and blood tests each day can be alarming. AerBetic designed a diabetes breathalyzer that can detect blood sugar levels from an exhale. The information is recorded and sent to smartphones of caregivers and anyone else on the list.
Borrowed Vision
In 2018, Aira released the prototype for their borrowed vision system for the blind. While the blind can’t actually see, the glasses attach to a smartphone and answer questions or play recordings of what the blind person is seeing while walking through a new location.
Imagine your blind parent wants to go for a walk around the neighborhood alone. With the glasses and smartphone in hand, the system could alert your parent to upcoming turns or obstacles. It could also direct your parent to restrooms and food carts.
LynQ Radio Frequency and GPS Tracking System
LynQ is a tracking system that works without needing a cellphone or service. It’s small and can be attached to a key chain or tied to a coat or shoelace. If a parent with Alzheimer’s wanders away, you can use your LynQ device to follow the on-screen indicator and find your parent. It covers three miles and also has a safe zone that sets off an alarm if your parent wanders from a specific area.
Self-Balancing Shoes
The B-Shoe is a prototype undergoing testing at Gait Laboratory. These shoes have pressure sensors and in-shoe microprocessors that detect when a fall is about to occur and adjust the motion device on the shoe to pull the foot backwards until your balance is restored. Like a cell phone, the rechargeable battery can be charged while your parent sleeps.
For now, technology can only do so much. Sure, it’s changing, but there are times when professional caregivers are needed. Arrange to have caregivers stop by your parents’ house as often as they need by making one quick call.
Sources:
http://b-shoe.com/balancing-shoes/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/seven-unforgettable-inventions-watch-ces-2019-180971235/?page=2
http://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2018/5454219/aira/
http://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2018/5454439/lynq/
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Plymouth, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.