How Technology Can Help You Maintain Your Independence
It isn’t uncommon for people to shy away from using technology as they get older simply because they think that it is difficult to use, but this isn’t always the case. There are a number of different pieces of technology that can actually be incredibly useful to people in their later years, helping them to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes.
If you’ve never really considered using technology throughout your home to make your day-to-day life easier, now is the perfect time to explore some of the different options available to you, no matter how old you are. Below we have looked into how technology can help you stay independent for longer and the different pieces of technology that are worth investing in.
Using technology in later years
As you get older, you may find that some daily tasks become more difficult and when you still live at home, instead of struggling to do things yourself, you should consider using technology to make life that little bit easier. Nowadays, technology can help with everything from remembering appointments to keeping in contact with family and friends, and depending on your specific requirements, you can invest in different devices that are suitable for you.
One of the most common reasons why people tend to use technology in their later years is to help them feel safer whilst they’re living independently. This is particularly relevant if someone is more vulnerable because they’re living with dementia, for example, and when they use technology they can rest assured knowing that although they’re living by themselves, they will always have a device to hand which can help them should they need it. Of course, technology can provide peace of mind to family or friends on a day-to-day basis as well.
Thankfully, the vast majority of the technology that is designed to help people in their later years is incredibly straightforward to use as well and it has been specifically designed to be user friendly. So, you don’t need to be a technology whiz to be able to get the most out of the different devices that can have a positive impact on your daily life.
The best technology to invest in
There are so many different pieces of technology on the market these days that can help you to maintain your independence and freedom, and the devices that are most relevant will fall under the category of; assistive technology. Assistive technology is the umbrella term used for devices that are specifically designed to provide assistance to people who are less able, and this type of technology can help those who live independently to do so safely.
Some of the best and most popular pieces of technology to invest in when you’re living independently in your later years include;
- Mobile phones and tablets – both of these devices make it incredibly easy to stay in touch with family and friends, and there are lots of accessible alternatives to modern smartphones and tablets.
- Personal alarms – these devices are perfect for anyone who is worried about falling whilst they’re at home and it enables users to quickly and easily call for assistance whenever they may need it.
- Home security devices – these devices are designed to increase the security of a home. Some of the most commonly used home security devices are video doorbells and intercom systems, both of which enable users to interact with visitors before opening the door to them.
- Smart hub systems – there is a range of smart hubs/speakers on the market and they are essentially home automation systems. So much can be done via a smart hub, from setting reminders for medication to turning on the lights via voice commands. Often, a smart hub system can be expanded over time too, so it’s easy to create a suitable comprehensive automation system for any home.
How a care broker can help with technology
Understandably, if you’ve never used assistive technology before, then you might be unsure which devices would be best for you to invest in both now and in the future, but a long term care broker will be able to assist you. They can help you to decide which pieces of technology would be the most beneficial for you at this moment in time and they can even help with training for the technology that you decide to invest in as well.
In addition to buying your own devices, depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to get some support from your local council in this regard. A care broker will be able to assist you with this too and they can help to ensure that you’re getting any financial, technological or physical help and support that you’re entitled to.
Working alongside a long term care broker
If you would like to speak to an expert about assistive technology in more detail, feel free to get in touch with our team here at Care Captains. We provide a comprehensive long term care brokerage service and we will do all we can to help you remain living independently in your own home for as long as possible. We will happily take the time to discuss your needs in relation to technology and any concerns you may have about living by yourself before recommending the most suitable devices for you to use. Our friendly team is always happy to help.
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