Baby boomers are aging. The number of Americans over the age of 65 could increase by 75% in the coming years. More seniors will need care than ever, and companies are coming up with creative solutions to the senior care shortage. In fact, baby boomers may have a better time aging than their parents. They’ll have more options for how they age than any previous generation. Technology is making up for lack of caregivers, and for caregivers who live far away. Here are three particularly creative products helping seniors age in place:
- Lively Home. The Lively Home system employs ‘passive’ monitoring. Sensors are placed strategically throughout the patient’s home. These sensors detect a senior’s sleeping, eating, and even toileting patterns. The company uses predictive analytics to alert caregivers when a change in pattern means trouble. For example, if a sensor picks up more time in bed, it could mean that there’s a physical problem. In seniors, even minor illnesses can get serious if not addressed quickly. On the other hand, a healthy senior could forget that they have the system installed. There’s no way for the patient to interact with the system, so seniors can go about their normal lives.
- IbisHub. This system enables remote communication and monitoring. The patient enters their data in the hub, which is basically a big touch screen tablet. The care team has immediate access to the data. Any concerning value can be addressed immediately. The hub works both ways, so the care team can communicate back to the patient if needed. Like with the Lively system, the IbisHub uses analytics to identify changes that might indicate a problem.
- Grandcare system. The cool thing about this system is that it combines social and physical health in one product. The Grandcare system allows seniors to log blood pressure, glucose and others vitals directly from their monitors. There’s no manual entry. The system is customizable, so if you want to add more sensors and devices you can do so as needed. The elders also receive messages and reminders from their family, which may help ease the loneliness that is common in the elderly. Seniors can even use the touch screen device for online entertainment.
These technologies aren’t just for individual caretakers. Insurance companies, provider organizations, and other companies that care for seniors are using these solutions for their patients. As these types of tech solutions become more popular, they’ll likely revolutionize the senior housing industry. They can be used in senior apartments, assisted living facilities, or continuing care retirement communities to help seniors age in place safely, with minimal cost.