Tech Tools for Caregivers

Trackable Medication Dispensers

Some seniors can have a lot of pills to take. Managing what pills to take and when can sometimes be overwhelming. And what if you forgot to take a pill – or accidentally took an extra one? Certain “smart” medication dispensers allow users to program alarms to remind them to take their pills. For some varieties, caretakers can log into an app and monitor the dispenser’s activity, while others can send alerts if medication doses are missed. Some options include MedMinder (which offers both pharmacy services and the smart pillbox), PillDrill, and Hero Health Medication Dispenser.

Smart Thermostats

These devices give people the option to remotely control and monitor a loved one’s home's temperature, which can provide peace of mind of knowing that a house is at the right temperature given the weather outdoors. These thermostats can generally be controlled by an app and allow users the ability to log in and see temperature stats and humidity levels in real time. Some options include ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium, Nest Learning Thermostat, and Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat.

Medical Alert Systems

This technology is typically incorporated into a wearable device that comes with a button that, when pressed, connects the user to a 24/7 emergency response center or a designated caretaker. It can often be worn around a person’s neck or disguised in a stylish bracelet. These devices help to provide peace of mind for a caregiver and a senior who can push the button if they find themselves on the ground and unable to get up. Some options include Life Alert, InvisaWear, and Medical Guardian. 

Wearable GPS devices

Wearable trackers can be inserted into shoes, items of clothing, or worn on wrists to show someone’s location. This can be helpful for monitoring someone who goes outdoors for walks or runs. It can also help to provide a senior with peace of mind that someone can find their location if they venture off on a new path and get lost. These wearables typically can be monitored through a mobile app and do real time tracking. Some options include AngelSense, Pocketfinder, and CarePredict Tempo (with the Tempo wearable technology tracking not only location but also a wearer’s “activities of daily living” including eating, drinking, brushing teeth, walking, and so on). 

Motion Sensing Tech

These devices can let caregivers and users know if a loved one has stopped moving for a period of time (when the individual is using a personal health or fitness tracker) or if they have entered or exited their home (when using a motion-sensing home security system). Some fitness tracker technologies have the ability to track the activity of an individual based on their own movement, and there are also smart home and home security options that track activity for things like whenever doors or windows are open. Some options include Fitbit, Aqara, and Ring Alarm.

Smart Lighting Systems

These systems give caregivers and residents the ability to monitor and control lighting in a home remotely. This can help to ensure that a senior has lights on to help them see when it’s dark outside and that dimly lit rooms, when entered, are well illuminated to avoid tripping and falls. Some options include Philips Hue, Wyze Bulb, and LIFX.

Security Cameras

Want to ensure that a loved one’s home is safe and sound? A set of security cameras is a great way to do this. These can be monitored remotely and can help to ensure that nobody has broken into a home. Some can even allow you to see who is at the door before opening it and can set off a motion alarm in an app to alert a caretaker or the homeowner to the fact that a package has been delivered on the porch. Some options include Ring, Logitech Circle, and Blink.

Burner Monitors 

We do our best to remember to turn the burners off after cooking, but sometimes we may get busy and forget. Fortunately, companies offer burn monitors, which automatically turn off a burner in the kitchen after a set amount of time. This can help to reduce fire risk. Some options include iGuard Fire and FireAvert. 

Smart Pet Monitors

And lastly, don’t forget about the pets. These smart pet monitors help to ensure that your or loved ones' pets are being cared for if they forget to feed them or must head into the hospital. It can also help someone who lives with a pet to help make sure they remain properly cared for. Some options include SureFeed and PetSafe.

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