It's one of the toughest decisions you make: Can your aging parent or relative continue to live on his or her own without full-time care? Increasingly, companies are catering to seniors and caregivers in this situation, developing technology to make independent living easier. These gadgets tend to come at a premium price, so we sifted through to tell you which may be worth it for your peace of mind and your loved one’s quality of life.
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EmFinders EmSeeQ Emergency Locator
www.emfinders.com ; $199 + a $25 monthly fee
Peace of mind for Alzheimer’s caregiver's, the EmSeeQ is a wireless tracking device worn like a wristwatch, but a bit heavier. The device can’t be tracked by just anyone, and the technology is not enabled until a 9-1-1 call is made, at which time, cellular technology pinpoints the location of the device, and emergency responders are dispatched to rescue the missing person. As part of the monthly service fee, the EmSeeQ is routinely tested remotely, and a designated caregiver is notified whenever the battery is low.
Ideal Life BP Manager
www.ideallifeonline.com; Price varies, purchase through healthcare provider
Hypertension patients are often asked to monitor their blood pressure at home, but a traditional cuff reading can be difficult. The Ideal Life BP Manager features a digital readout that makes it easy for a senior to monitor his or her blood pressure without assistance. The device can also wirelessly transmit the information to a healthcare provider, who can follow up if necessary.
Sonamba Wellbeing Monitor
www.sonamba.com ; $549.99 + $39.95 monthly fee
This “wellbeing monitor,” features motion and sound detectors that can notify a specified person if a decline in activity is detected. The “panic button” can be worn on the wrist or as a pendant, or attached to a wall, and will contact several phone numbers if activated. For casual use, the small countertop device can be used to send text messages to family.
Jitterbug with 5Star Personal Security Service
www.greatcall.com; $99 + $14.99 monthly fee
As cell phones have gotten smaller and more complicated, many seniors just want a simple, straightforward option. The Jitterbug features a large keypad and louder-than-usual speakers to accommodate those with diminishing vision or hearing. For an additional monthly fee, users can enroll in the 5Star Personal Security Service allowing them to press 5* to immediately reach an operator who has access to their location and designated information, such as health conditions, medications and emergency contacts. Another $4 a month buys a LiveNurse app, which offers 24-7 access to a registered nurse.
Medical Guardian
www.medicalguardian.com; $29.95 monthly fee
Despite rising costs, there are still affordable personal emergency response systems (PERS) available. The Medical Guardian is a simple transmitter and two-way speaker device that works with an existing land telephone line. The senior wears a small transmitter as a pendant or clipped to clothing. Pressing a button sends a signal to a call center, where an operator responds via the speaker box and can summon the proper resources. The Medical Guardian transmitter is also waterproof and can be worn in the tub.
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High-Tech Solutions for Caregivers
It's one of the toughest decisions you make: Can your aging parent or relative continue to live on his or her own without full-time care? Increasingly, companies are catering to seniors and caregivers in this situation, developing technology to make independent living easier. These gadgets tend to come at a premium price, so we sifted through to tell you which may be worth it for your peace of mind and your loved one’s quality of life.
Thinkstock
High-Tech Solutions for Caregivers
It's one of the toughest decisions you make: Can your aging parent or relative continue to live on his or her own without full-time care? Increasingly, companies are catering to seniors and caregivers in this situation, developing technology to make independent living easier. These gadgets tend to come at a premium price, so we sifted through to tell you which may be worth it for your peace of mind and your loved one’s quality of life.
