Baby boomers...what does it mean to age in place?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as: “the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.
In common terms, the ability to grow old at home.
Isn't that everyone's wish?
Who are the the baby boomers?
The Baby Boomer generation - those of us born between 1946-1964 are marching towards their golden years.
By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65 or older.
All.
That's only 8 years away.
While that seems hard to believe, it's true.
Given this eye-opening statistic, it would make sense for us to start doing some planning now to successfully age in place.
Given the rapid acceleration of smart home technology in the past few years, perhaps now more than ever, the ability to age in place may become more of a reality.
Let's take a look at some of the amazing smart technology that we can put into place now to prepare us for the future.
Or perhaps you have a loved one who has been managing well at home, but you would like to put some support systems in place to ensure that happens for as long as possible.
Let's take a look at some smart home technology to help us or our loved ones age in place successfully:
Wifi - this needs to be be fast and located throughout your home for the smart devices to work properly.
Mesh wifi systems ensures this goal is met and delivers quick connectivity throughout your home.
Many of these mesh wifi systems double as a smart hub, supporting a wide range of connected devices, and alerting a caregiver of any irregular activity.
Smart security systems - it's important to feel safe and secure at home, both from intruders, as well as other hazards such as smoke, fire or temperature fluctuations.
There are systems that can monitor these various factors, along with a smartphone app so caregivers can monitor this as well.
As a caregiver, you can check in to make sure Mom has locked her door at night, and the temperature in the home is set comfortably.
If there is cause for concern, you will be sent an alert on your smartphone, so you can make sure you check in.
Voice activated virtual assistants - many of us are familiar with the Alexa, Google Dots etc., but have you thought about what role this could play in the home of a senior?
This can serve both as a companion, as well as a reminder of what is on the agenda for the day.
These also have the ability to be a smart home hub - to connect to lights, switches, door locks and other gadgets, so the senior can control many of these with their voice.
Smart sensors - these can be placed throughout a home to learn a routine.
If there is usual movement in a room every morning by a certain time, and it doesn't happen, this can get communicated to the caregiver via smartphone technology.
Another task sensors perform are responses to motion.
If I enter a dark room, the sensor will automatically turn on the light, eliminating my need to fumble around to find the light switch.
Fall Sensors - there are many sensors to detect falls, from wearable technology to sensors that mount in the bathroom, as that is where the majority of falls occur.
Walabot Home is popular option that is used as a wall mounted sensor in the bathroom.
If a fall is detected, the caregiver is alerted.
Cooking - there are smart sensors, and devices that are available to shut off stoves and ovens that are left on, which of course is a huge safety concern.
There is a smart oven called The June, which is a toaster oven, convection oven, air fryer and slow cooker all in one. It comes with a camera to check your food on your phone without getting up, and it also alerts your phone when your food is done.
Simple touchscreen controls, and it sits right on your countertop.
Voice control through a smart assistant makes it possible for visually impaired to cook, and again, this will send an alert to a caregiver if the oven is not turned off, with the ability to turn it off remotely.
Medication - there are a number of smart pill dispensers that are available as well.
An alert will be sent to the caregiver if the pills aren't taken on time or aren't taken at all.
Cameras - we all know that cameras can play a role in home security, and they also can provide caregivers a piece of mind my getting "eyes on" their loved one during the day.
There are many options available and can give both the caregiver and the senior piece of mind knowing they are being looked after; even though it may be remotely.
So, if you have a loved one aging in place at home and needs some smart assistance, or you are one of the baby boomers who will be age 65 or older in a few short years, you are wise to begin your research now.
I've just touched the surface in this blog, but I hope I've given you a few ideas of what is available.
Smart technology in the home serves many purposes; but I think aging in place and the opportunity to be at home for as long as you can, might be a game changer during our golden years.
The video below does a great job of overviewing the technology available, and there are many others on YouTube as well:
While all of this may seem overwhelming, if I can help you install your smart technology in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
The other nice thing about this technology, is that you can add to it over time.
It doesn't need to happen all at once, the devices can be put in place as needs and budgets allow.
I spent over 20 years in the information technology arena, and this expertise would serve me well in assisting you to install these smart gadgets and technology to help you age in place.
Here's an overview of what I can do for you, but don't hesitate to call and inquire if what you are needing isn't on the list:
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