Recent hearings in front of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and the U.S. Senate Medical Technology Caucus illustrated new advancements in caregiving aids. Many of these innovations are aimed at helping people stay in their homes longer by monitoring regular activity and sending alerts if there is a change in normal patterns. Other new devices stimulate the brain and tests cognitive abilities to keep minds active and mental acuity high. These products are the next generation in Assistive Technology for caregivers.

“Technological innovation is key to improving advancements in the quality of life,” said Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl (D), chairman of the Senate Special Commission on Aging. “The technology here today will help seniors age in their own homes with dignity and lead longer, healthier, happier lives.”

Kathy Bakkenist, CEO and senior vice president of strategy and operations of Ecumen, and Honor Hacker, a resident of an Ecumen community in St. Paul, MN, lauded some of the advancements discussed during the hearings, such as QuietCare, which uses sensors placed around the home to monitor activity, recognize patterns and possible problems and assure caregivers and family members that a loved one is safe.

“I like knowing that there is that added level of safety with QuietCare, but that it doesn’t jeopardize my privacy,” Hacker testified. She observed that these devices allowed her to, “stay connected, proactively manage my health and engage in life throughout life.”

Bakkenist added, “By bringing technology into aging services, we can defragment health care, empower people, add years to life, enhance independence, share knowledge across generations and connect family members across the country and world.”

Also testifying were Darrin Jones, director of business development for Intel’s digital health group, and Larry Minnix, president and CEO of American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

“Over the next two decades, the United States is just one of many countries facing a doubling or even tripling of the number of people over the age of 60. This demographic storm will challenge every health care system, industry, nation and economy as we face epidemics of chronic disease and skyrocketing health care costs,” Jones asserted. “We need to prepare for this storm by exploring how technologies might enable a new paradigm for care — helping one billion retirees by 2050 live healthier and happier lives from wherever they choose.”

“Technology can help older adults maintain their health and dignity and allow them to live independently in their homes for longer,” Minnix offered. “For many aging Americans, this is their number one wish.”

For more information, take a look at our Housing and Technology article. You can also learn about the innovative devices discussed at the hearing by visiting the White Paper section of the Ecumen Web site. If you have found an indispensable care aid, share your findings in our Product Recommendation Forum. As innovation continues, our aging population will be able to remain safely in their own homes longer.

Filed under: Care Facilities, Caregiving, Community, Elder Issues, Eldercare, Health & Safety, Resources, Technology