Use of Technology in Senior Care

Posted by Susan Fink on June 15th, 2018

Every day, new technologies are changing the medical industry and improve the quality of life for patients young and old. While there's always room for improvement, the technology of today is already making life easier for seniors. For example, the medical professionals at 24 Hour Care use the latest real-time tracking technology to provide your loved one with precise nursing care. Here are few more examples of how technology is helping improve patient outcomes.

Home automation and virtual AI have become increasingly popular in recent years. Smart devices like Amazon's Alexa are helping seniors maintain their independence at home. With a simple voice command, you can adjust the thermostat, change the channel, and call loved ones instantly. Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, can call for emergency services with a voice command. For seniors who are bed or wheelchair-bound, this technology is life-saving, as well as convenient. Virtual assistants can also help seniors remember important dates and appointments.

Smartphone and tablet applications, also known as apps, have also helped improve the quality of life for many senior citizens. Apps are easy to access with just a touchscreen phone or tablet. They encompass a wide range of subjects like digital puzzles and card games, to productivity apps that help you remember important dates and personal information. Certain apps allow family members to track their loved ones using GPS technology, which is very helpful for patients suffering from Alzheimer's. Other apps like Sudoku help keep senior minds active and combat the signs of dementia. For family members who love books, tablets like the Kindle Paperwhite are easy on the eyes with adjustable fonts; some devices will even read to you.

Advances in technology are also closing the gap between patients and healthcare professionals. Today, doctors can connect to the patients using the internet and video conferencing. Soon, doctors will also be able to monitor patient vitals remotely using wireless technology. Mobile nursing providers provide real-time healthcare tracking to make sure care arrives at a specific time. Real-time tracking provides peace of mind for loved ones.