Just recently the CT Regional Institute for the 21st Century projected that a shift from nursing homes to non-institutional care (home and community based care) could save the State more than $900 million annually. In addition, there are two population trends that Connecticut faces over the next 15 years. The age group of residents ages 18 to 64 is expected to shrink by 5%. This group provides unpaid care to the hundreds of thousands of their elderly and disabled relatives. Conversely, the age group of residents over 65 is expected to increase by 40% (207,745 people).
Simply stated there will be more elderly people living in their homes or community based settings and an increased need for services and technology to keep them there safely. This technology will continue to advance and improve the quality of care and quality of life of seniors, improve the circumstances for caregivers, as well as reduce costs.
One such technology currently available is called remote monitoring. The system works by using small wireless sensors placed strategically around the home. These sensors will detect routine activities and movement throughout the home 24/hours a day and actually gets “smart” to normal activity so that it will detect changes and alert someone so that a crisis is averted. In addition to monitoring how the senior may be eating, sleeping, complying with taking their medications or perhaps wandering – the system automatically detects falls or other needs for assistance and will call for help.
Another available technology is a personal emergency alert device that can be worn like a watch or pendant and can alert the need for help virtually anywhere – unlike traditional personal emergency devices that are limited within one’s home; these new devices offer unlimited freedom and peace of mind to senior’s on-the-go. As an additional feature these devices have GPS technology so that the person can be located by satellite.
These are only a few of the numerous technological solutions available now to assist seniors who wish to “age in place.”
