Compared to previous generations, seniors living in the 21st century have access to cutting edge technology that helps them live longer, fuller lives. 

Recent innovations, including the smartphone and apps it can utilize, mean that older people can deal with health issues more effectively. And it seems that the best is yet to come, with continuous tech advances that will become part of our lives in the not-too-distant future.

Here are some ways that modern tech is used to advance senior care:

Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS has been refined over the years to improve location accuracy and how much detail a satellite can provide a user. This technology is advantageous to seniors who struggle with memory loss, become disoriented, and wander off frequently. 

It can be a terrifying experience for these people as they are not sure how they got there and have no idea how to get home. Caregivers must have the means to find their loved one or client quickly. Today’s GPS trackers are so advanced that they can be ironed into clothing or placed in the sole of a shoe.

Elderly patients who have wandered off are vulnerable to accidents or muggings. Such incidents could land them in the hospital. Russell Noga of MediSupps recommends that all seniors have Medicare Supplement plans 2021 in place to help them cover the bills should something befall them.

Tracking medication usage

Most seniors take medication of some sort, with some taking multiple doses of various medicines each day. It is easy to miss a dose, and some medicines need to be taken at precise times each day. Forgetful seniors often do not take their medication as prescribed and could wind up taking a double dose or none. 

Fortunately, several tech solutions help seniors keep track of medication usage. Smartphones have facilities to set multiple alarms as reminders to take medicine. There are also pill boxes that alert the user or caregiver when it is time to take medication. 

Developers are working on smart pill bottles that allow manufacturers, doctors, patients, and caregivers to track medication usage. This would include a text sent to seniors to remind them to take their dose.

The internet

While there are too many internet doctors out there who try self-diagnosing, often with disastrous consequences, there are advantages to the Medical Internet of Things (IoT). Medical practitioners can stay on top of the latest treatment trends and apply them in their practices. 

When a senior is under the treatment of several doctors, the internet allows them to remain connected so that their patient receives holistic treatments that do not interact with each other negatively.

The internet has kicked senior care up another notch by allowing remote connectivity to monitor equipment, like an oxygen tank. A doctor can see that the tank is in use and help the patient order more in advance. 

Cameras

Many seniors who need additional care complain about caregivers who are rough and impatient. Having cameras set up in the home allows family members to monitor their loved ones’ treatment and ensure that it meets their expectations and standards. 

This trend has caused an increased number of elder abuse cases reported to authorities. However, they believe that only a small fraction of such cases reach their attention.

Camera technology is that advanced that a system triggered by sensors is now commonplace. Sensors pick up motion in the room to track how often a senior is moving around their house from one room to another. 

These systems are smart enough to establish movement patterns and notify caregivers if a drastic change could indicate a problem.