Page 27 - Charlotte Summer 2017

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long-distance families grows each year. Technology & Monitoring
Using app-based platforms to share Many caregivers will report that they
photos, connect with distant relatives, are worried about not knowing if their
and stay connected to a technology- aging parent is okay during various
dependent generation of grandchildren times of the day. Most, to the relief
are just some of the many ways in of their parents, aren’t interested in
which technology has changed the way outfitting their loved one’s home with
that older adults are keeping in touch. cameras,

One of the more creative uses of but they do
technology for sharing family pictures feel a need
across the miles is the development of for some
digital picture frames that can stream reassurance
photos that any family members adds without
to the account. This instant sharing having to
shows up as new pictures on the rotat- physically
ing assortment visible on the digital be there to check or call constantly.
Technological developments such as
frame and grandparents are able to see
the latest pictures of their loved ones. smart sockets and sensors that can
alert someone to changes in patterns
Technology & Safety of activity in a home are extremely
One of the more exciting develop- helpful in providing data, in a passive
ments in technology is the use of and not intrusive way, that can provide
various types of technology to moni- caregivers with peace of mind.
tor older adults and provide a layer of Here’s an example of how gathering
security for those living alone. Many that data might be useful. Let’s say that
people remember the “I’ve Fallen & the older adult living alone always gets
Can’t Get Up” commercials from the up between 6:00-6:30 in the morning
1980s – those devices, called “Personal and the first thing they do is turn on
Emergency Response Systems” (or the coffee pot. The smart socket could
PERS) still basically look the same, but be placed on the outlet where the cof-
they’ve come a long way. Several sys- fee pot is plugged in so that a family
tems allow the user to use the pendant member would be notified if the coffee
outside of their home or while travel- pot wasn’t turned on by the senior
ing. Some even provide automatic by 7:30. In this example, because the
detection if a fall has taken place. person has a fairly predictable pat-
While not 100% reliable, just like any tern, being able to monitor just the
technology, these systems have enabled pattern is helpful feedback. It won’t
many aging Americans to remain at always mean there’s a problem (maybe
home much longer than would have the person just slept extra late), but it
been possible without will certainly bring something to your
the technology.
attention without having to be there

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