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Help With Choice And
Independence
By Kate Granigan |
 Marshfield
- Today’s technology is truly amazing and on the cutting
edge. Many individuals remain in their own home and
independent thanks to advances in technology directed to the
senior market. As Geriatric Care Managers we use technology
as a way to affordably assist elders to remain in their
homes longer and more safely.
There was recently a Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas,
the first ever “Silvers Summit” which brought together many
of those interested in technology for the aging population.
Organizations such as AARP a subsidiary CAST (Center for
Aging Services Technology) were strong presences as were
large corporations (for example, Intel, Microsoft, Google),
and many vendors of various types of technologies.
Some examples of this technology seen to be effective are
sensors to detect unusual movement so a concerned family
member can know if pattern is altered and look in on
someone. There are various medication reminders that allow
for medication compliance even as memory begins to fade.
Medication errors are a leading factor in many ER visits
with elders. Reducing trips to the emergency room and
unnecessary hospitalizations is a great benefit from
managing compliance with medication. There is GPS type
tracking systems to ensure the safe return of a memory
impaired senior that wanders. The Emergency Response systems
can greatly reduce the amount of time an elder may be left
undetected after a fall. The list is large and growing.
Statistics show that in the years to come, the amount of
seniors that need assistance and care will far outweigh the
number of individuals to provide the care. Technology will
allow for services and assistance to be available even when
a person can’t. This trend has the potential to increase
someone’s ability to remain independent and to give family
members piece of mind. There is some concerned that if taken
too far, technology may be used as a substitute for a person
all together. We need to be sure that because of
convenience, we do not rely too heavily on technology, at
the risk of “dehumanizing” our elder care system.
We as professionals, caregivers, and society at large will
need to be sensitive to where technology has a place and
where it is no match for a caring compassionate individual.
Even with all the amazing technology, there will be no
substitute for a gentle touch or a warm smile as care is
given. There is also no technology to date that can read the
gentle subtleties that are observed when talking one on one,
person to person. As society increases use of these
technologies, we will have to be sure that it is a tool to
improve how we can care for someone, not a replacement.
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About The Author
Kate Granigan, LICSW is the Executive Director and
Managing Partner of C.A.R.E., LLC. For more information, you
may call Kate at (781) 837-7444.
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