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Recently, I got the dreaded phone call… “Meredith, I’m stuck in bed and can’t get up”. My mom had recently moved to her own apartment in my city but across town – a half hour away. We ended up having to call the fire department to help her. I ended up getting her this ladder for $12 – and it made all the difference. She can now pull herself out of bed (no fire department needed)
We all want to ensure that our loved ones are safe, secure, and comfortable. But with busy schedules – it’s hard to be there all the time. Sometimes technology can be a valuable “assist” in helping our parent stay as independent as possible. That’s way I’ve researched various smart home devices that can help her stay as safe and secure as possible.
Here are a few different types of items to make seniors lives easier:
Smart Tech to Make Seniors Environment Safer
- Smart Thermostat:
- A smart thermostat can maintain a comfortable home environment – and many (like this model) have remote access – so you can help them set it from the comfort of your home.
- Smart Lighting: Smart plugs can be set up to help lights turn on and off automatically or via voice control. That way, you Mom doesn’t have to stumble around in the dark – and possible fall.
Communicate With Seniors Living Alone
- Alexa My Mom uses Alexa to call me when her phone is not charged. She can also use it to order and Uber or a pizza or just listen to her favorite radio station or books on tape. I also use Alexa to drop in on my Mom via video to see if she is OK.
Security Tech for Seniors
- Smart Locks: If your parent is still in their own home – a smart lock can save you time and energy when they forget their key – because you can unlock the door remotely
- Video Doorbells: Seniors often have a hard time getting to the door quickly. A video doorbell allows you to talk to visitors and give your parent some extra time.
Any of the above items can make seniors lives easier and provide some extra security. Of course, you want to choose technology that your loved one feels comfortable having in their home.