Our homes contain a lot of memories: birthdays, holidays and family events take place in the home, and those memories can have a lasting and powerful effect. Our home is where we feel comfortable, safe and secure, and that is partly because of our memories of the events that have taken place within its walls.
For these reasons, the majority of older adults express the desire to age in place rather than in an assisted living or institutional setting. While some choose to relocate to a new home that provides fewer challenges for the activities of daily living, many more want to age in their original home. According to an AARP study, more than 80 percent of those above age 45 say they want to remain in their homes even when they need assistance. Depending on the age and architecture of the home, this can necessitate improvements that make the environment more supportive of older adults' needs as mobility and dexterity fade.
Fortunately, today's technology developers have been hard at work attempting to grant older adults their wish to age in place. As a result, many older Americans are now able to live safely and comfortably in their homes for many years.
Advancements in home care technology also mean less stress and anxiety for caretakers. Commonly, the children of older adults assume the role of caretaker as their parents age, and often need to sacrifice their professional career and other commitments to make daily trips to ensure their loved one is safe and secure. While regular contact is critical for aging in place, Independa's innovative caregiving solutions means both the caregiver and care recipient have access to the tools and insight they need to support aging in place.
Independa's Angela™ software interface offers a fun and inviting antidote to the number one issue for older adults looking to remain independent: social isolation. Angela™ comes pre-installed on an LG television, the non-stigmatizing device older adults are most familiar and comfortable with. Each Angela™ user has effortless access to video chat, games, easy family photo and message sharing, a calendar for community events and dining options, as well as many more integrated options. No prior technological experience is required to navigate Angela™, and its larger screen fonts, brighter colors and higher contrast are designed exclusively with the needs of older adults in mind.
When combined with Independa's Caregiver Dashboard, the fear of the unknown with regard to aging in place is eliminated. Caregivers and family members enjoy constant access to remote care support for the care recipient. Through the Caregiver Dashboard, caregivers can access activity reports, set or review Smart Reminders for events, medications and check ins as well as view health measures for the care recipient.
As the care recipient ages or new challenges arise, Independa's home care solutions can be integrated with sensors that, when placed in the bathroom or entrances, can track the care recipient's movements and warn caregivers if things aren't right. This capability allows caregivers to leverage new monitoring technology as it arises, all while maintaining a centralized hub that professional caregivers and family members can access at any time. Contact us today to schedule a demo.
Do you have any experiences with supporting a loved one's decision to age in place? Please share your insights with us on our Facebook page.
