Assistive Technology

These devices allow seniors to call for help in case of an emergency, such as a fall. Typically these devices come in the form of a wearable pendant or bracelet with a button to press in case of emergency.  

Personally, I like Senior Protection.ca.  They are a Canadian Company and a division of Alarm Guard (so they aren't going anywhere!) and customer google reviews are resoundingly positive for both the products and the Customer Service.  

They offer a Smart Watch option (which mom is much more likely to wear if she is leaving the house!) with all the capabilities of the bracelet or pendant, but also a step counter and heart rate monitor. Like the bracelet, it is GPS and cellular connected.

Often overlooked is the importance of protecting sensitive information stored on a computer. Anti virus and malware software should be installed.

These devices can help seniors manage their medication, ensuring they take the correct dosage at the right times. 

My mom lives with me, so I am able to manage her meds.  If your Senior needs reminders and you aren't able to physically check in every day, I suggest something like this, it's kind of the Cadillac of dispensers, with wi-fi capabilities so you can monitor remotely.

Don't need quite that fancy?  Try something like this:

Devices like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home can not only help seniors to use smart home technology but can also help them with staying connected with family and friends. For some, it can provide much needed social support.  

Alexa has lots of options from basic to fancy 

Don't forget the smart phone assistants - Mom can push one button and tell Siri to call me - but you need to ensure contacts are up to date in the phone.

These devices allow seniors to monitor their health at home and share data with their Health Care Provider. This can include blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and other health monitoring devices that can connect to a smartphone or computer.  Some examples include: 

This can include a wide range of devices, such as smart lights that can be controlled remotely or set to turn on and off at certain times, smart thermostats that can adjust the temperature based on the time of day, and smart security systems that can monitor the home for any unusual activity.

Note:  Recently, there have been numerous reports of pets getting sick (lethargic, not eating, etc) that anecdotally appear to have been traced back to some smart light/smart plug technology.  If you have a pet that begins to act weird after installation of some of these items, consider these may be the cause.