As loved ones get older and begin to lose their mobility, the least we can do for them is make things as normal as possible.
But how do you do that while also ensuring their safety? Especially when you’re not around them 24/7?
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says many people prefer to grow old in their homes, not in an assisted living facility. There are three technologies that, when used together, will improve your loved one’s security as they go about their everyday life.
These are mobility aids, security cameras, and smart home solutions. Let’s dive deeper into each.
Mobility Aids
Mobility aids come in many types, from walkers to wheelchairs. The choice of mobility device depends on how limited the senior’s mobility is.
A walker is a good solution when the user has upper body strength but has trouble walking unaided.
A hybrid walker allows the user to move faster than they do while using a walker.
A rollator is ideal for someone who doesn’t have enough stability, balance, or strength to lift a walker.
A power wheelchair is ideal for someone who doesn’t have enough upper body strength to use a walker.
Which mobility aid should you choose?
It’s advisable to get a mobility device recommendation from the doctor. They’ll assess your loved one and tell you the most suitable device for their condition.
Security Cameras
One of the most reliable ways to keep tabs on your loved one is by using elderly security cameras.
With security cameras installed, you can:
- Respond quickly if there’s an emergency
- Tell if the seniors in your care are taking their medicine as they should
- See when they wander out into the street, etc.
You can install security cameras indoors and outdoors. And because suitable surveillance cameras for seniors come in such a wide variety, there’s one for every environment.
Some good options are:
- P2P IP cameras—These types of cameras use peer-to-peer technology to connect to a computer or smartphone via P2P software or app.
The best part about using a P2P camera is that you can access the footage remotely. And you can stream the video live or record it for later viewing.
Depending on the camera you choose, you can also access the footage on multiple devices. So you can have different family members simultaneously checking in on their loved ones if need be. If you can’t check in on them at a particular time, someone else in the family can do it regardless of distance or location.
- Cellular security cameras—Cellular surveillance cameras use mobile networks to transmit video signals. They connect to 3G/4G/5G network, just like cellphones, and don’t need electric power or an internet connection to work.
Because of this, they are perfect for use in places without electric outlets, such as the outdoors and off-the-grid cabins.
You can also use them in places where the WiFi connection is shaky or when you’re worried about electricity interruptions.
- PoE cameras—Power over Ethernet cameras are wired options that transmit videos over Ethernet.
This type is ideal for use as a monitoring camera system. You can set up cameras in the house and monitor them from a different part of the house.
It’s an option that works great when you work from home or the garage but still want to monitor what’s going on in the rest of the house. So you set up your little monitoring station in your home office and connect to the camera.
Smart Home Solutions
Many modern surveillance systems come with extras and complementary intelligent home solutions.
Valuable security extras for seniors include:
Automated lights
Set the lights to come on at specified times, so your loved one doesn’t have to tinker with the light switch.
Automatic smart locks
Set the doors to lock automatically at specific times. You’ll never worry about your loved one forgetting to lock the doors at night.
Remote-controlled thermostats
They allow you to adjust the temperature in the house as needed throughout the day and night.
Depending on the brand, extras can be paid-for add-ons, or they can be part of the surveillance camera bundle.
Combining mobility devices, surveillance, and automation is a smart move. It gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’ve covered all the bases as far as safety for your elderly loved ones goes.
