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Assistive Technology to Promote Aging In Place—a User Friendly Guide

There are many options for people who need assistance with activities of daily living—homecare, adult day care, assisted living. While these options may appeal for different reasons, as a supporter of aging in place, I lean toward one of the first two. If you’re like most people, you probably want to stay in your own home as long as possible. Assistive technology makes that goal a lot less challenging. Since technology can be a little frightening (at least for me), I’ve decided to make this blog user-friendly by presenting the information piece by piece.

What is assistive technology?

According to the Eldercare Locater Web site, assistive technology is any service or tool that helps promotes greater independence by enabling the elderly to perform tasks that they weren’t able to do before, or were able to do, but only with great difficulty.

How does assistive technology support aging in place?

In 2004, Baylor College of Medicine’s Huffington Center on Aging found that of 36 million seniors in the US, over 10 million live alone and 95% of them want to age in place. Another 30% of seniors move into long-term care facilities don’t make this move out of necessity, but because of caregiver burnout. A more widespread use of assistive technology might help to decrease that last statistic. Assistive technology can include any of the following: keyless entry systems, computerized medication dispensers, video doorbells, stair lifts and personal heating systems. Most of this is not new. Here’s where it gets interesting: a “smart home” (a home that uses automated technology) can also incorporate responsive and preventative systems, including an incontinence monitor, a respiration monitor, an inactivity monitor that would notify emergency services if someone is idle for too long, and activities of daily living tracking systems that use sensors to identify habitual tasks. The systems establish a norm of activity to identify potentially dangerous deviations from this norm.

What are ambient intelligence environments?

Ambient intelligence environments are not yet as advanced as they will be soon. Researchers at Intel say they’re an ideal way to manage health and wellness needs. These environments use sensors to track human activity in the home. Intel’s research team experiments with ambient display technologies, which allows family members to provide care remotely and check in on their loved ones from home. Perhaps when Grandpa turns on a lamp, this could alert the family that he got home safely. They might even be able to see him nestled safely in his armchair via a camera embedded in a “smart photo frame.”

Is assistive technology only used in home environments?

Assistive technology is not just for the home—it’s also being used in long-term care facilities. USA Today published an article in July of 2006 about Oatfield, which uses technology to measure and monitor its residents. The homelike facility resembles the best of assisted living facilities with one difference—inconspicuous sensors. Both staff and family members have access to a computer network that identifies the exact location of badges worn by residents. The facility also uses bed sensors which can monitor weight and alert staff members if someone gets out of bed.

How can I incorporate assistive technology into my home?

Some Certified Aging in Place Specialists are assistive technology consultants, as well. Because this is a relatively new area of expertise for professionals, the market isn’t huge, but it exists. If you’re unable to find an assistive technology consultant, check the Technology for Long-Term Care website, a government-funded resource that sells assistive technology devices. According to the site, chairs, beds and toilet arms can all work as fall-detection devices, with embedded sensors that are connected to an alarmed control unit. Some devices are designed to sense body altitude and detect the force of an impact to determine when someone falls—talk about advanced! Offering “technical” support—

Lori Deschene

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Not yet automated? Gilbert Guide lists your best long-term care options along with information on how to find and assess your long-term options.

Posted in: Aging in Place, Assistive Technology

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