“One of the most appealing features of assisted living, for both residents and their families, is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if an emergency occurs, there is a system in place that allows for an immediate response,” says David Schless, executive director of the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) in Washington, D.C. ASHA focuses on legislation and regulatory concerns that affect the senior housing business across the country, where state laws differ significantly.
Pill Dispensers for Seniors
Every year, between 7,000 and 9,000 people die through medication errors. These can include taking the wrong medications, taking an improper dosage, or even missing a round of meds altogether. Automatic medication dispensers offer a secure and straightforward way for caregivers to manage medication for their loved ones.
While the characteristics of these devices vary, they all simplify the procedure of giving medication. Medication dispensers are, at their heart, an improvement over traditional pill organizers—you know, those plastic trays with specific divisions for each day of the week. Automated pill dispensers have a number of high-tech capabilities that make them vital for people who have complicated prescription schedules.
For seniors, an automatic pill dispensing system takes the stress out of remembering medication doses. With 40 percent of older adults living with memory impairment, establishing a medication regimen can be a lifesaver.
Loved ones may unwind, knowing that the system will send a reminder when the next dose is due, and that the dose will be pre-measured, so there is no risk of taking too much. Using an automatic pill dispenser at home can assist to maintain independence.
It’s reassuring for caretakers to know that their loved one has a system in place to keep track of medications. They have peace of mind knowing that their loved one’s prescriptions are measured and ready to be dosed out at the appropriate time, even if they are not present. For caretakers who want to keep a closer eye on their loved ones, certain pill dispensers also have monitoring capabilities.
| Company | Doses | Upfront Cost | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MedaCube | Up to 20x/day | $1,399 (New) $1,199 (Refurbished) | $0 |
| Pria | No Limit | $299.99 | $9.99 |
| Hero | Up to 10x/day | $99 | $29.99 |
| Philips | Up to 6x/day | $0 | $59.95 |
| Livi | Up to 24x/day | $49 | $99 |
Stairlift to decrease fallings
As we age, one of the hardest hurdles to overcome is waning mobility. Whether it’s joint issues, hip pain, or other health issues that put us at an increased risk for a fall, there are a number of conditions that can affect our ability to get around as we get older. Thankfully, there are solutions to help us from canes and walkers to mobility scooters.
Yet also as we age, there is an increased desire to remain in our homes. One AARP study showed that 90% of seniors hope to age in place, so for anyone feeling this way, know you’re not alone. The dilemma is that the architectural choices we make in our 40s and 50s may not be appropriate for our mobility needs in our 80s. Stairs, in particular, are a source of danger, as they can turn a fall into something fatal. As mobility declines, many seniors look into stair lifts to make their homes more habitable.
While it may be easier to choose a stair lift after an accident, you should also consider it as a preventative measure to avoid a fall. Similarly, if you’re in the early stages of an injury and your doctor says you’ll require a hip replacement in a few years, a stair lift could be a wonderful way to relieve strain on your body before things become worse.
When it comes to stair lifts, there is no predetermined pricing because everyone’s home and needs are different.Broadly speaking, a stair lift will cost somewhere between $2,500 and $15,000. That’s a big price range, but there are a few things to consider when estimating your own costs. Stair lifts with longer rails are more expensive than those with shorter rails, while curved stair lifts are more expensive than those with straight rails. If you plan on using a stair lift to navigate a long, curved staircase, the cost may be greater.
Bathtub with a door
Each year, one out of every four persons over the age of 65 falls, according to the National Council on Aging. Because of the slippery surfaces and the often-complicated step over the threshold of a combination bathtub-shower, the bulk of these falls happen in the bathroom. Naturally, there are measures to reduce the risk of injury after a fall, including using a medical alert system. However, preventing a fall is preferable to dealing with it once it has occurred.
Installing grab bars, non-slip mats, and bathroom ventilation systems that reduce surface wetness will help prevent falls. The installation of a walk-in bathtub is another beneficial option.
A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a door and a seat that allows people to bathe safely in their own homes. These devices have a low threshold entry, usually just a few inches high, allowing people to stroll into their bathtub rather than navigating the high edge of a regular bathtub.
Bathers can enjoy a bath in an upright, seated position while submerged in water, which is a genuinely relaxing soak, thanks to the molded seat.
These bathtubs are twice as deep as standard bathtubs. In comparison to normal tubs, where the user is often lying down, walk-in tubs are essential for anyone with limited mobility or who struggles to get out of a slippery tub.
Furthermore, the hardware for walk-in tubs can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 for the most modern models. Most manufacturers offer model units with the option of adding on additional features to meet your specific requirements.
Walk-in bathtubs are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as more advanced features on higher-end models. Nonetheless, most people have some safety elements in common. Here’s a quick recap: A low entrance barrier, which simplifies entry and exit, is arguably the most crucial characteristic of a walk-in tub. Traditional bathtubs require a large step to enter, whereas walk-in bathtubs include a door and a little step.
Non-slip mats that fit in any existing shower are probably familiar to you. A comparable feature may be found in most walk-in tubs. When a user stands up inside the tub, the grooved flooring stops them from falling.
A walk-in tub, unlike a standard tub, has a gated door mechanism to allow entry through the wall. Their seals, which are usually constructed of rubber, keep water from leaking out of the tub. In addition, several manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty on this tub component.
While each walk-in tub manufacturer has their own moniker for their proprietary drain technology, practically all of them have a drain that is faster than regular tub drains. This device keeps you from sitting for too long after your bath since you can’t open the door and exit your walk-in tub until the water has drained.
Grab bars, like a cane or walker, safeguard you by removing some of the weight and balance from your feet. One, if not more, of these bars may be found in nearly all walk-in baths, ensuring safe entry and egress.
Stovetop Burner Warning
Burner Alert is a simple tool that would benefit any forgetful cook, but it’s especially handy for seniors who are more prone to multitasking in the kitchen. Individual discs that fit snugly under burner knobs will tell you that the stove top is in use at predetermined intervals. At minute intervals of 3, 9, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, users will receive both audio and visual indications in the form of beeps and blinks. With the manufacturer’s coupon code, four packs start at $69.99.
The Smartcane, intelligent and connected by Nov’in
The objective of this cane is to avoid falls and their consequences, such as the fear of moving around, going out alone… As Vincent Gauchard, co-founder of Nov’in, explains, “the objective is to avoid the loss of confidence that occurs after these incidents” and that can lead to frailty – the first stage towards loss of autonomy if not treated quickly.
The operation of the Smartcane is simple. Firstly, thanks to its movement sensors, it records the habits of its user, such as the time of waking, daily activities, etc. These data will be the reference elements that will enable it to instantly detect when a situation is unusual. In this case, an alert is sent to the selected persons.
Bibliography:
Amie Clark, « Stair Lifts for Seniors”, The senior list, 22 March 2021. https://www.theseniorlist.com/stair-lifts/
Amie Clark, « Walk-in bathtub for seniors”, The senior list, 17 May 2022. https://www.theseniorlist.com/walk-in-bathtubs/
Martin Sinderman, “Security in senior housing an ongoing concern for managers”, 1 June 1998. https://www.wealthmanagement.com/news/security-senior-housing-ongoing-concern-managers
MavenCare, “10 Devices to Keep Seniors Safe at Home”, MavenCare, 31 March 2016.
https://blog.mavencare.com/home-care-resources/10-devices-to-keep-seniors-safe-at-home
The senior list, “Automated Medication Dispensers: Pill Dispensers for Seniors” The senior list. https://www.theseniorlist.com/medication/dispensers/