Concerned about ways to care for aging parents (or yourself or other family members) that require fewer trips to the doctor's office while still living at home? New in-home health systems are being promoted nearly everyday to help people stay in their homes while still getting the health care they need.
If you are a Boomer buying a new home for yourself or a parent, take into consideration the newer and newer technologies that impact the people that surround them. Computer systems alone aren't the only province to consider.
Phones, thermostats, light switches, bulb sockets and many other things must be looked at from a wide perspective of use. Factor new abilities to access family, friends and workplaces into your decisions.
For example:
Telemedicine – some companies are offering "virtual urgent care", where patients can use cell phones and electronic cameras to communicate with health care professionals from their own homes.
Virtual Medical Assisstant – are flat panel non-contact monitoring devices. They can be placed on walls or under mattresses to record heart rate, respiration and movement. It will allow many people to stay in their homes longer.
Health Care Support Chairs – are large comfortable chairs that all sorts of information on the person in the chair that send reports to health professionals. It can measure blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and body temperature that will require fewer clinic visits.
Phone apps – are coming out with all sorts of short cuts to give people efficient ways to live their busy lves.
- One app gives vital personal emergency information "in case of emergency", look for ICE apps.
- Fall detection apps are available, some free.
- Another recognizes pills using a phone's camera.
- A diabetes app will becoming out later this year and they're also develping a cholesterol testing app.
Make your life decisions, and purchases, with wisdom and breadth. Think and decide with the future in mind. Unlike our parents' generation, Baby Boomers are thinking ahead and preparing to age in place.
John & Sharlene Hensrud, REALTORS for Baby Boomers and Aging in Place
