Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: Technology that Helps with Memory Care
The following excerpt is reprinted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources.
As the global population rises and life expectancy increases, there is also a rise in cognitive impairment and dementia, burdening families and healthcare systems.
But thanks to technological advancements, technological devices are improving the functioning, tracking, and mobility of dementia patients allowing their families to help them age in place.
As gerontechnology continues to develop and is integrated into everyday life, life has become much easier for patients, caregivers, and families.
Technology that Aids Diagnosis
Earlier, only post-mortem neuropathology was able to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia. However, with the arrival of advanced medical imaging technologies and fluid biomarkers, the development of the disease can be identified earlier.
It has become clear that at some point during the progression of dementia, neural networks are lost and excessive neurodegeneration cannot be reversed.
Hence the focus on treatment on slowing down the early stages of progression and prevention by improving health and well-being and the reduction of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Technology that Facilitates Smart Homes
Smart homes are equipped with sensors and various technical devices that facilitate the monitoring of residents to improve their quality of life, promoting physical independence and reducing caregiver burden. The home automation of appliances, temperature and lighting systems, and remote monitoring systems, caregivers can rest assured that residents are well and safe. This help seniors live more independently and safely at home, lessening the demand on caregivers.
Alexa-enabled home devices like Echo, Echo Show, and Echo Dot are available on Amazon, besides various voice-activated smart speakers sharing similar functions. Smart home devices allow users to control lights and switches, set thermostats, and view security cameras, thus automating and simplifying daily routines. These can often be adjusted remotely through a Smartphone.
The ‘Guard’ feature on Alexa mobile app sends mobile alerts if an Echo device detects the sound of breaking glass or a smoke alarm, while the ‘Hunches’ feature reminds users to turn off a light or lock a door if Alexa has a ‘hunch’ that it was forgotten. ‘Care Hub’ allows consumers with an Alexa voice assistant to link their account to a senior’s Alexa account.
In the absence of activity for a long period, emergency contact notification capability and quick access features allow Alexa ‘Calling’ or ‘Drop In’ to warn the users in time.
John Francis, a professional writer with passion and skill in senior care, has years of hands-on working experience as a support staff in senior living communities and centers. He has spent a fair amount of his life observing elders closely in their post-retirement life.
He is a fun-loving person who loves to help others, the core behind his passion for working with senior citizens, and currently working with various publishers to share his experience and knowledge and to break myths about the old-age lifestyle and retirement.
About Angelica Herrera Venson, DrPH, MPH
Founder of Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resouces
Angelica Herrera Venson, DrPH, MPH is a gerontologist born in San Diego and raised on both sides of the U.S-Mexico border. She’s a public health advocate who has spent two decades in community health work and research investigating how immigrant and racial /ethnic minority family caregivers and seniors navigate old age and seek out health and elder care. Today, Angelica supports some of Arizona’s community health centers, which serve primarily Medicaid and underserved communities, in their transition to value-based care.
About Multicultural Guide to Caregiving
Author and gerontologist, Angelica P. Herrera Venson, DrPH, opens up and shares her family’s personal stories and lessons from her field work and research on aging and caregiving with communities of color and first generation Americans.