In-Home Senior Care Technology and Elder Law

Most Americans desire to age in place, at home, without having to move into a facility like an assisted living or a nursing home. Recent advances in technology, including self-monitoring medical devices, smart home devices, and tele-health, may be able to help many aging Americans meet their goal of remaining at home as long as possible. Both seniors and caregivers of older Americans should be aware of technological developments that can help maintain a safe and secure home environment.

 Developments in technology now allow for all of the following:

• Monitoring Health. Certain types of wearable technology can track vital signs like temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Some wearable technology can also detect falls. Through the use of smartphone apps, wifi, and/or Bluetooth connectivity, many of these wearables can automatically send alerts to caregivers and/or emergency services if there are any concerns.
• Medication Management. Various smartphone apps can set medication reminders, alerting a senior when it is time to take their medication, and log medications taken. Special pill containers are also available that will open only after a certain amount of time has passed since the container was last opened, helping to prevent accidental overdoses due to lapses in memory.
• Mobility and Environmental Aids. Smart home devices including stairlifts can help seniors with mobility issues move around their homes more easily. Related smart home devices may offer seniors or their caregivers better control of the locks, lighting, and temperature in their environment.
• Social Engagement. Virtual reality, video conferencing, and social networks can connect older adults with loved ones. Socializing with others can aid in combating isolation and feelings of loneliness, helping prevent cognitive decline.
• Care Coordination. Tele-health platforms and apps that can be used on wifi or Bluetooth on an individual’s smartphone or computer can help connect seniors with doctors, nurses, and social workers that can assist in monitoring the care and support they receive at home via tele-health. The videoconferencing capabilities of tele-health programs may also allow for a caregiver in another location to be present during an appointment, improving the ability of a caregiver to receive all relevant care information.

While in-home medical technology may be a more affordable option than expensive institutional care, it still will not be appropriate in all circumstances. When planning for long-term care, it is best to consider how technology can help you or your loved one maintain independence and quality of life, but also to plan what to do if remaining at home is no longer a safe option.

How to Get Started

Starting to use at-home medical technology can feel difficult or disorienting, especially at first. Several strategies may help make the process easier:

1. Keep it simple by starting with the basics. Introduce more advanced technology only as you or your loved one becomes more comfortable with it.
2. Understand or make sure the older adult understands the benefits of the technology. Explain how it will help them stay healthy and independent and make their life easier.
3. If you are a caregiver, demonstrate how to use the technology. Walk your loved one through the setup and use of each device so that you can make sure they know how to operate it.
4. Obtain or provide a user manual or guide for reference.
5. Check-in with yourself or the older adult to see how they are doing with the technology.
6. Obtain or provide technical assistance and figure out who to contact with technical issues.
7. Engage in a trial period with each new technology and see how you feel about it. There might be better solutions if one doesn’t work out.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.