The old stereotype of grandparents shrugging off new technology because of complexity or novelty is long gone. Today’s technology is so intuitive and helpful that it has become an incredible support for many older adults, making their day-to-day lives easier.
The technology has now matured to the point that it is a critical part of receiving healthcare at home for many people. It helps home health care providers reach their goal of helping individuals remain independent in their homes with as high a quality of life as possible for as long as possible.
Maintaining our independence as we age is among the highest of priorities for many Americans. Luckily, technological advances have made maintaining self-sufficiency easier, safer, and more convenient than ever.
Voice technology, telehealth, video conferencing, and more are transforming the way older adults approach their lives and changing their outlook on what they can achieve.
According to a study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, when older adults engage in the technology behaviors such as using email, social networking, online video or phone calls, and instant messaging, they report greater positive attitudes toward technology and also experience fewer chronic illnesses, higher subjective well-being, and fewer depressive symptoms.
Many of us turn to digital voice assistants like Alexa and Siri to accomplish many daily tasks. From learning about the weather to turning on our lights, the artificial intelligence (AI) applications are increasingly an important part of all our daily lives.
Some of these, like Amazon’s Alexa, can go far beyond anything you thought was possible with the technology. The platform’s Alexa Together is a paid application that keeps a person receiving care and their family caregiver connected in many ways. It includes features like customized alerts, 24/7 urgent response, an activity feed, remote assistance functionality for family caregivers, and fall detection response. Loved ones can know at a glance how and what their individual at home is doing.
Many online applications, including Alexa and Siri, provide excellent support like daily medication reminders to help keep track of this important task amid all the other demands of the day.
Video conferencing applications can keep people in touch with their loved ones through video calls, but they also provide an enormous advance in telehealth care. This care involves the administration of care via electronic information and telecommunication technologies, allowing for distance clinician contact, education, intervention, and monitoring.
According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults are often reluctant to discuss their health concerns, whether they be related to mental or physical health. Having easy contact with their care provider via telehealth can help reduce those barriers and lead to better health outcomes.
Intrepid USA takes this a step further with TapCloud, its dynamic Patient Engagement Platform that helps those they serve stay in contact with their care team around the clock. These users can easily send secure messages to their care team and perform daily check-ins. Care teams monitor the app throughout the day and they are always available with a just phone call. It also features benefits like digital security, reminders, and secure video calls.
The path to remaining independent at home evolves as our society does. By embracing new technological advances, everyone can reap the benefits that come with life in today’s rapidly advancing times.
Do you or a loved one need help at home? Email help@intrepidusa.com now to learn how we can alleviate stress and provide individuals with the highest quality of life.
