“You are always free to choose what you do with your life. To make changes in your future, make new choices today.” – Brian Tracy

Learn about the latest innovations in senior technology and how they can help someone you love.

Selecting where to reside in our older years isn’t easy. Nearly all older adults prefer to remain at home for a lifetime, but it is not without challenges. Will it be safe? What about mobility issues or other physical limitations? What happens if the person falls and is unable get up?

The good news is, there are a wide variety of solutions that make aging in place possible for older adults. Senior technology, for example, is continually developing and evolving, providing answers to the challenges that could surface as we grow older. Just look at a few … Read More »

Seniors and their family seem to want to use care technology solutions. Find out why they typically are not.

Today’s older adults are overrun with an explosion of hi-tech products focused on bettering their independence and safety and providing life enhancement. With the touch of a button or two, older adults can automatically visit “in person” with friends and family through Skype, wear a pendant that takes action with emergency help and support when necessary, and even remain safe from getting lost with specialized receptors attached to clothes or shoes. 

The issue becomes how to encourage older adults (and family members who care for them) to shift from a low-tech frame of mind to embracing all that’s available to them, something that is continually top of mind for us at Hired Hands Homecare. AARP reports that only 7% … Read More »

Seniors and technology are the perfect match when facing these issues.

Whether you are looking to tune a guitar, study a new language, or just add cats’ ears to a selfie, there is an app for that! And when it comes to seniors and technology, specifically when older adults choose to age in place at home, high-tech tools are often an extremely important component in increasing safety, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Take Amazon’s Alexa, as an example. Whereas its current benefits for seniors are numerous, such as the ability to track sugar levels, make doctor appointments, and research information related to a specific health issue, it’s actually poised to dig even further into the medical care arena – possibly even detecting heart attacks and helping doctors obtain precise diagnoses.

Here are a few additional technology … Read More »

Teaching seniors technology is as important as giving high-tech care enhancing gifts.

More and more older adults are receiving high-tech gadgets as holiday gifts, for good reason: there are so many incredible benefits to enhance safety, socialization, and enjoyment. In fact, of those seniors who report using the Internet, a full 71 percent go online every day or most days, and another 11 percent are online between three and five times per week, per recent research from the Pew Research Center. And that same report revealed that seniors are more likely to own a tablet or e-reader than a smartphone.

Whether you give an older loved one a tablet, e-reader, or AARP’s new RealPad (made especially for older adults, with larger icons, fonts and around-the-clock live customer service), smart devices such as these are meant to make … Read More »

When our parents were younger, telephones were wired to walls, mail was delivered by postmen, and if grown children lived at a distance from their parents, checking in on them meant asking a neighbor to stop by to see how they were making out. If seniors were housebound as a result of illness or frailty, they could very easily start feeling isolated and cut off from the rest of the world. Social circles grew smaller, and distant family members often felt at a loss because they weren’t able to be there to help. But the world has changed dramatically over the past few decades and technology has changed how we communicate and function with our everyday tasks. Technology has also allowed for a revolution in home care for older adults and those who ordinarily might not have been able … Read More »

People often think ‘vision loss’ is synonymous with ‘loss of independence’. When vision starts to decline, simple activities like driving and grocery shopping feel further out of reach. It’s true that a loss in vision can make it harder to go through day-to-day activities, but today there are many different technologies available specifically designed to make vision loss manageable.
Here are a few examples of innovative products to enhance the independence of the visually impaired:

Talking Color Identifier with Light Probe

This small device detects about 100 colors, which can be very helpful when dressing independently. It speaks clearly at three volumes and has an earphone jack.

Hi-Mark™ Tactile Pen

This pen produces a three-dimensional plastic liquid that makes raised lines, dots and shapes to identify clothing, canned goods, frozen foods, and mark the settings on appliances.

VOXCOM III Voice Labeling System

Record messages by pressing a … Read More »

When it comes to Alzheimer’s, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. Simple, thoughtful routines and reminders can transform life for the individual, bringing moments of calm and clarity. They help the person maintain their independence while creating a comforting rhythm that both of you can rely on. Here are some innovative strategies to make life better for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Consistent Daily Routines: A consistent daily routine provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is extremely comforting for someone with Alzheimer’s. Try to schedule activities like meals, bathing, and bedtime at the same times each day. This regularity helps to reinforce memory and create a calming environment. Keep the routine simple and avoid making too many changes, as this can be confusing and unsettling.
Visual Reminders: Visual reminders are effective tools for helping someone with Alzheimer’s … Read More »

Caring for an aging parent often means becoming their cheerleader and confidant. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you’re enriching their life, making each day more meaningful. It’s amazing what a difference it can make to foster a positive outlook for aging parents, and in your role as family caregiver, you can make a profound impact on the quality of their lives.

Even small, everyday moments can shape how the day feels. A shared laugh, a familiar routine, or simply spending time together without distractions can help create a sense of comfort and connection. When care is approached with intention and compassion, it naturally supports emotional well-being in ways that go far beyond a checklist of tasks.

Here are some ways you can promote a positive outlook and an environment focused on mental and … Read More »

Use these suggestions to boost independence for someone with dementia.

Everyday small victories can boost independence for someone with dementia—like tying their own shoes or deciding what they want to have for lunch. These moments may seem small to others, but for someone navigating memory loss and cognitive changes, they represent meaningful achievements.

Learn about the most common (and preventable) aging in place errors you may be at risk of making.

You don’t usually decide to become the family expert on home safety, changing mobility, or long-term care planning. It happens gradually, one small moment at a time. You notice someone hesitating on the stairs. A light left on because the room suddenly feels darker than it used to. Reminder texts about medication th

at are needed more often than before. Over time, it starts to click that the home may need to change along with the person living in it.

Aging in place can be a meaningful way to preserve comfort and familiarity, but it works best when it’s approached with intention. In the first part of this two-part series, our home care team is sharing five common aging in … Read More »