We never know what resonates with aging parents. Some reject “Big Brother” technology. Some reject wearing alert-type technology (pendants/bracelets) or anything that makes them feel “old,” or “different.” The following can offer something new and/or acceptable to help parents age well in their homes.

AttentiveCare http://caregivertech.com/details.php (888-317-7702) provides another type of monitoring. They call it a “cost-effective alternative.” It seems to have merit because it’s basically non-intrusive, not “on” 24/7 from what I can tell. Click “cost/benefit” on the site’s left sidebar.   My math brings it to  $800-$1000 for the equipment + $100-200 a month depending on how many caregivers (or your siblings) are involved.

Two hospitals’ quarterly update pamphlets arrived about the same time last summer, motivating me to write about medications and include links to two pill dispensers, Guardian and Phillips. One was recommended by one of the hospitals. I can’t remember where I read about the other. I do remember being impressed and wanting to include them in the post, https://helpparentsagewell.com/2011/07/12/aging-parents-taking-medications/, as possible solutions to the forgetting-to-take-pills problem.

Two additional articles, written within the past year, cover a variety of products. For the first, “MONEY interviewed a dozen experts who are familiar with the latest elder-care technology — and identified cost-effective choices for three challenges, starting with the “most common:” managing medications, reducing falling’s damage, monitoring certain health conditions. http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/25/retirement/keeping-parents-safe.moneymag/index.htm highlights pill management, fall alerts, and “telehealth” devices.

The second and most recent tech article, “Digital Devices for Ludites,” aimed at “making life in the digital age simpler,” appeared in the NY Times March 7, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/08/garden/digital-devices-for-luddites.html. The article discusses the *Snapfon ez ONE-c (Nov. 2011 PC magazine’s “Editor’s [simple] cell phone choice”); the telyHD–a device that makes Skype easier to use; and the simple-to-use Telikin Home PC computer.

These “Digital Devices” should facilitate and foster easier connections with others–which, as you know, is one of the 3 most important factors in aging well. To this end, after doing all we can to help aging parents stay in their home, we want them stay there and–equally important–to age well.

(*Note: The Snapfon ez ONE (older model) is clearly not the most popular cell phone according to comments on my “Best Cell Phone for Seniors” post, which clearly favor SVC Samsung T115.  That said, the new Snapfon ez ONE-c model is now improved and less expensive.)