Keeping In Touch: Communication Aids For Your Elderly Loved Ones

There is a lot of adjustment and acceptance that occurs with the stages of aging.

For families, there is plenty of worry involved. All anyone, young or old, ever wants is for their family is to be safe, healthy and happy. We all feel a deep responsibility towards each other. When that responsibility shifts from the worry of parents towards their children, to children worrying about the safety and ability of their parents during aging, it’s a bizarre situation for both.

No aging person wants to feel like they’re a burden on their families. No family wants to constantly worry about their aging loved ones. With the advancements in technology in today’s age, thankfully we can keep our elderly loved one’s at home to ‘age in place’ more safely and efficiently than years gone by.

In addition to multitudes of essential daily living and mobility aids, ease of communication is key for many families. In our hectic lives, many of us can’t get to visit our elderly loved ones as often as we’d like and may harbour feelings of guilt and fear that something might have happened to them. What if they’ve fallen and can’t move?

There are several items on the market today that can keep our elderly loved ones in the loop and connected to their families while continuing to maintain their independence safely.

1. Medication Management

Many seniors aged 65+ are required to take in excess of five pills a day. That’s difficult for anyone to keep track of. Programmable medication management systems can be set up by a caregiver or pharmacist and will dispense the correct medication and alert the person when it’s time to take them.

1. Living solo safety

When a senior family member is living on their own, for around $300 you can purchase a doorbell with a camera and sensor. When someone approaches the door, your elderly loved one is alerted on their phone and they can not only see who’s at the door; but also communicate with the person using their phone, in a similar way to an intercom system.

1. Mobile phones for seniors

There are several senior-friendly mobile phones on the market that are simple to use. Features such as large buttons, speaking numbers as you dial, loud speakers and hearing aid compatibility can make a significant difference. Some mobile phones also feature a built-in panic button.

1. iPad or Tablet.

While many of our elderly will shy away from technology, there are many specialised apps to help us keep in touch, which are very easy to use. With a bit of patience and perseverance, most seniors will get the hang of it and will be very proud of themselves when they do! There are also apps to help with dementia and keeping on top of medications and health appointments, as well as games and hobby apps to keep them entertained. 

1. Medical alert monitoring systems

There are several very affordable wireless panic buttons and medical alert systems available. Many can be worn as a pendant or watch, allowing the senior the ability to access help if they run into trouble, wherever they may be within the home.

1. Senior Safety Systems

For those trying to care for their elderly loved ones from a distance, it can be difficult to gauge how well their seniors are really looking after themselves. Senior malnourishment is unfortunately very common. Senior safety systems combine wireless household sensors with a wearable alert button so you can track your loved one’s daily movements through a secure webpage. You can check sleeping habits, medication compliance, eating habits and overall safety. 

Every circumstance is different. Several families are developing their own apps and systems to suit the particular needs of their family. If you find you’re always worrying and are not sure how to handle your situation, our specialist staff can offer friendly advice and point you in the right direction for a more connected, less worrisome relationship with your aging loved one.