How Technology Can Empower Senior Independence in Assisted Living

 

We have all heard the stereotype about older adults being resistant to using technology, or outright refusing to learn how to use it, but the reality is that senior-friendly digital technologies are on the rise. The older generations are becoming more tech-savvy as they learn that certain technologies can empower them to be independent, both at home and in assisted living. From medication reminders to communicating with their healthcare providers to video calls with family and friends, technology helps many older adults retain their independence while keeping them safe. In this article, our senior activities coordinators will discuss how we use technology here at Lester Senior Living to improve the quality of life for our residents. 

Innovative Technology for Seniors: Enhancing Safety and Connectivity 

  • Medication reminders: Almost all of us have smartphones these days, and this includes many older adults. One useful feature is a medication reminder, which can be set either using the phone’s alarm system or via an app.
  • Fitness technology: Step tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep quality monitoring, calorie tracking, and exercise programs are just a few features you can access via a smartphone or a tablet. Whether it’s beginner yoga or daily walks, seniors can plan and manage all of their activities using these devices. 
  • Grocery orders: Seniors who struggle with mobility or who can’t drive anymore can use various apps – like GrubHub or DoorDash for example –  to order a meal or their weekly groceries right to their front door.
  • Brain games to keep the mind sharp: People who love games and puzzles will find a huge selection of games online. Cognitive health is important as we age, and doing digital mind exercises to stay sharp is hugely beneficial.
  • Emergency contact alerts: Seniors can program their phones to automatically call emergency contacts if they fall or have an accident. This can be a life-saving feature for seniors who live alone.

Elevating Connection in the Digital Age

Maintaining connections to friends, family, and community as we get older is crucial. Our mental, physical, and emotional well-being is directly impacted by the ties we have with our loved ones, and maintaining an active social life should be a priority. Technology allows seniors to keep those important connections alive by making it easy to video call with family and friends, schedule reservations for classes at the local senior center, email with long-distance friends, and use social media to get important updates on your loved ones’ lives.

How Lester Senior Living Can Help Seniors Become More Digitally Savvy in Assisted Living

At our premier senior living community in Morris County, we have technology experts who help our residents with all of their communication via smartphones and computers to ensure they stay connected to their loved ones. We’ve seen first-hand how older adults are embracing technology and how they’re using it to empower themselves to be more independent. While it can seem overwhelming at first, with a little bit of patience we know your loved one can get the hang of it. Soon they’ll be experimenting with different features and apps that will give your teenager at home a run for their money!

For more information about senior technology assistance, or if you’d like to learn more about the amenities, we offer at our JCHC senior communities in NJ, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org

Original Source: https://jchcorp.org/how-technology-can-empower-senior-independence-in-assisted-living/

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