Seniors are at risk of falling due to their lack of balance and low level of strength that runs concurrently with progressive aging. It’s essential to keep in mind seniors have a different balance system than younger people because they cannot compensate for body posture, so they are more likely to fall when standing up or when rising from squatting. Seniors may also have medical conditions that make them more likely to fall, such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, leading to muscle weakness or tremors. They are also less likely to be able to perform activities of daily living, making falls more common.

Fall-prevention technology has improved leaps and bounds over the past decade, giving seniors more options to stay on their feet like never before. In the article below, we explore how modern tech keeps seniors out of the ER and injury-free. If you or a loved requires senior care in Chattanooga, TN, please do not hesitate to contact Amara Home Care, LLC today. Our team of dedicated caregivers is excited to get to know your elderly loved one and be an extension of your family. We hope you enjoy this article. 

How Many Seniors Fall Per Year

According to the CDC, about 3 million seniors fall per year, resulting in 32,000 deaths. These are drastic numbers considering about 28% of seniors live alone. The idea of mom or dad lying on the floor helplessly after a fall is quite scary. As a family member or caregiver, you want to do everything possible to keep your elderly loved one safe and on their feet. Not just because you care for them, but also because rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities is quite expensive. Luckily the below technologies can help mitigate the risk of falls and contribute to vitality. 

Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are electronic systems that allow the wearers of a bracelet or necklace to summon an emergency medical service. There are various types of medical alert systems for seniors, as listed below. All 3 of these systems can help prevent falling, but the Pendant and Bracelet Systems are considered superior because they allow for more control and quicker speeds as the alarm rests upon your physical body. 

Pendant System –  A Pendant System is a small device with an antenna that communicates to a receiver with the help of radio waves. This receiver is usually worn on the wrist or around the neck. 

Bracelet System – Functions like the pendant system, but it only has one antenna. It’s smaller and more compact than the pendant system, and it has three buttons. If you’re in an emergency, all you have to do is press any one of the three buttons to summon help immediately. 

Alarm System– Can be installed at home or in your can. It is activated by pulling down on a wire that runs from the driver to your vehicle’s dashboard.

Home Security Cameras

Peace of mind for children and caregivers is a huge benefit, and home security cameras allow monitoring from an alternative location. The most significant advantage of these camera systems is that you will never lose sight of your loved one. Rather than leaving the house anxious if mom or dad is safe and well cared for, you can frequently check in on them throughout the day. If your elderly loved one is truly at risk of being home alone and a home security camera isn’t enough monitoring, we recommend ongoing 24-home care support.

Smart Thermostat 

Imagine this scenario. You get up in the middle of the night because you are freezing and want to turn the heat up a few degrees. As it is nighttime, the only light emanates from the crack underneath the door. You get up, walk to the thermostat, and trip! For seniors, this is a much more dangerous occurrence because of the greater risks associated with falling. 

A smart thermostat is an Internet-connected device that allows users to manage their home’s temperature remotely. The smart thermostat industry is growing upwards of 20% per year so expect these to become more commonplace. It provides users with more insight into how much energy their HVAC system is using. The user can adjust the temperature settings on the thermostat either through a mobile application or by directly interacting with it in person. It will relay those commands to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. For seniors, this can be an easy option to change the temperature of their environment without ever having to arise from their seats. Yes, your elderly loved one will have to know how to use a smartphone to operate it, but many seniors already do. Or, you can manage it from your phone, for them. 

Electronic Pill Dispensers

With 44% of men and 57% of women 65 years or older take five or more daily medications, Electronic pill dispensers have become an excellent tool for preventing falling. Mixing up medication is a real and scary danger for many elderly individuals. Electronic pill dispensers manage medications automatically, so your elderly loved one doesn’t have to worry about which pills to take daily, when to take them, and if they have already been taken. 

If you or someone you know is has fallen or is at risk of a fall, please contact Amara Home Care, LLC n Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our team of compassionate caregivers has decades of experience helping seniors stay healthy and happy. You can remain at peace knowing they are in good hands. We offer both personal care and companion care services in the comfort of your own home.