Top Assistive Technology Products for Elderly
Assistive technology refers to a wide range of gadgets, or disability equipment that can help your ageing parent to live independently in their own home. A wide variety of assistive technology is available to help people keep their independence for longer. From bed occupancy detectors, to jar openers, the devices are easy to use and create peace of mind for you and your elderly relative
Here is a list of the top assistive items your ageing parent might need:
Safety Monitors and Home Care Alerts
These can be attached to the telephone and come with a pendant or wrist strap
The service is available 24 hours a day, everyday. It comes with a pendant which your parent can carry with them
In an emergency, they just press the button on the pendant
Bed Occupancy Sensor
These sensors let you know when your ageing parent has left their bed, or when they have possibly fallen
Enuresis Sensor
These will alert a carer when an elderly person has involuntairly discharged urine, especially when they are asleep
Fall Detector
This will issue an alert if your ageing parent falls via a sensor they carry with them
Watch myageingparent.com’s video on fall prevention in the home
Flood, Gas, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These separate monitors will alert your elderly parent to any potential danger from water, gas, smoke or carbon monoxide. Smoke alarms are also available for the deaf and hard of hearing
Magiplugs open automatically if water if left running and empty the sink
Cold Monitors
These monitors will alert a carer if an elderly person’s room becomes too cold and they are in danger as a result
These will alert your elderly relative of any unwanted intruders into the home and if they have a panic button installed, they can use this if they feel threatened by anyone at the door
GPS Location Devices
Worn as a sensor, these are very helpful if your parent has dementia and is prone to wander outside of the house
Pill dispensers
These are enormously useful devices to help your ageing parent to remember what pill to take, when and how often. They can vary in complexity and can include; timed opening of sections, reminder alarms etc.
Tap turners
These are very handy for elderly people with arthritic hands, who find standard taps difficult to turn. Sensor soap dispensers are also very useful. Similarly, these appliances make jars and bottles much easier to open and you can also get a one-handed tin opener and an auto-chopper for vegetables
If you have any suggestions for other useful assistive products, please let us know on our forum, or like us on Facebook
