technology for seniors at aging in america conference
DESCRIPTION
My presentation at the Aging in America conference on "Technology for Seniors at Home: Who and What Makes it Work?"TRANSCRIPT
TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS AT HOME
Who and What Makes it Work?
Susan Estrada, Aldea Communications
It’s Time to Get Wired!
Senior home tech for health, safety and engagement
Tech-Ready Family
Tech-Ready Home
Buyers’ Guide and Reviews
Vendor Support
Deployment and Use
A Technology-Ready Family
The “talk” “Independent living is not doing things by yourself; it is being in control of how things are done.” Judy Heumann
Elders remember when microwave ovens, automatic washers and dryers, and TVs & VCRs & DVDs were new
Compare today’s independent-living technologies to those inventions
Aging becomes easier, safer, and more dignified Engagement by connecting to families, friends and the world Peace of mind for adult children (and guilt assuaged)
Connected devices are often “team” devices Elderly user
Family or paid caregiver
They won’t be successful unless there is participation
Here’s One Team Gadget for Communication
Presto Email Printer – uses a phone line
Here’s another team device for Advanced PERS – BeClose
From “I don’t need that” to this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUGArvKEiRw
A Technology-Ready Home
If it is a connected device, make sure that you can connect it from the user’s location.
Check cellular coverage (on cell provider website)
Check Internet requirements (WIFI or Ethernet) and Internet broadband availability
Check the type of regular phone line it needs (sometimes only a regular telephone line will do)
Some devices need a phone line, power and wired Internet broadband. Can be tough in older homes.
A Technology-Ready Home
Know your own and your person’s compliance and
usage issues – technology only works if it gets used
A 30-day money back guarantee will help you try out
options at no cost
Routines for charging devices, filling medication dispensers, etc. are important
Getting the family organized and onboard for care and communications activities is important
What tech works? Happy@Home Approved
Web soft launch of reviews of AIP tech
Buyer’s Guides
Product Reviews We test, test, test
Buyer Comments
Community Q&A
Happy@Home Buyers’ Guides
PERS Guide
Questions to think about before you buy
In-home activity monitoring systems
Automated fall detection systems
Personal medical alarms
Simple and inexpensive solutions
Happy@Home Product Reviews
Technology
Targeted Users
Testing Method
Satisfaction, Effectiveness and Overall Usability
Consumer Reviews
Setup
Effectiveness
Comfort
Charging
Family/Caregiver Interface
Extras Needed
Payment, Warranty
and Privacy Policy
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that technology can be confusing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI
Aldea Communications’ Happy@Home Visit www.aldea.com for Happy@Home products
Visit www.HappyatHome.me for Happy@Home reviews
Follow us on Twitter @AldeaCom
Contact Susan Estrada, [email protected], 760-705-8407
Visit www.agetechsd.org for the San Diego Technology and Aging Coalition, Twitter: sdagetech
The Elderly are Phobies, not Techies
Adult Children Decide, Elderly Pay
www.caregiving.org
Connected Caregiver study