Technology's primary purpose is to meet human needs and this can include tools.  Family caregivers may need several technologies to care for their loved one such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs.  Smart canes, walkers and wheelchairs have been or are being developed.  Robotics is being developed for a number of caregiver tasks. Technologies such as medication reminders & dispensers, medical alerts & panic buttons, bed sensor alarms, GPS tracking for vehicles & individuals, and two-way video & audio systems are already in the marketplace.  

To use a technology safely: select the device best suited for the need, learn how to use it correctly, and maintain the equipment.

Basic Caregiver Skills

Canes

Canes are an assistive technology that helps people with balance and mobility issues.  Smart cane navigation is being developed for the visually impaired.  There are two basic types of canes: single-tip and quad canes.  Some tips to safely use a cane include:

Hold cane in the hand opposite to weaker or injured leg.
Move cane forward at the same time as the weaker leg. 
Move cane forward at the same time as the weaker leg.
Use stronger leg when going up steps.
Wear non-skid, supportive shoes.
Avoid wet, waxed or uneven surfaces.
Remove loose mats, area rugs and cords from the floor.

Read more

Walkers

A walker is a mobility aid that helps people maintain balance and stability while walking. Walkers are often used by people who are recovering from surgery, have balance issues, or have weakened legs. They can also help people who are still able to walk but need some assistance, such as those with age-related mobility issues.   The Cleveland Clinic provides an excellent tutorial on using a walker at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/how-to-use-a-walker. 

 A few safety tips include:

Keep back upright. 
Avoid hunching over while walking.
Take small steps when turning.
Step into a walker.
Don't push the walker too far out.
Adjust handles to the right height.

Read more

Medication Reminders & Dispensers

Seniors may take several medications during the day.  Remembering to take the correct medication at the right time can become complicated.  Dangers of not taking medications may include: worsening health conditions, disease progression, hospitalization, and lower quality of  life to mention just a few of the risks.  Medication reminders and dispensers range from simple pill box organizers to sophisticated electronic systems.  These systems are already in the marketplace.  A few tips for managing medications include:

Use a regular doctor and pharmacist.
Discuss with the doctor the possibility of reducing the number of medications needed.
Use a pill organizing system that best fits your needs.
Create a routine.
Find lower-cost alternatives.

Read more

GPS Systems

Skills to transfer a loved one from one location to another such as transferring to a wheelchair, toilet or car may be needed as a family caregiver.  Learning to use gravity, leveraging and body position will be helpful.  Helpful tips include:

Lock furniture or equipment wheels, such as wheelchairs, before transferring.
Person being transferred should we wearing non-slip footwear.
View this YouTube video on Transfer Skills from Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB0uPouIcXo
Helpful equipment might include a gait/transfer belt or mechanical lift.

Read more

Medical Alerts & Panic Buttons

Seniors are more inclined to fall.  Medical alerts and panic button systems can notify a central monitoring center and caregivers to a fall or other monitored condition.  Medical alert and panic button systems have progressed from the bulky pendant type of system from several years ago.  Some of these systems are connected to the home's security system.  These systems may now include step tracking and health vitals monitoring that connect 24/7 to a monitoring center.  Tips on selecting and using the medical alert and panic button systems include:

Review available systems for function, user comments, and price. 
Communicate with actual users of the system to learn the pros and cons.
Work with the selected vendor's customer service group for setup.
Provide the set-up team with the caregiver's contact information.  Call a couple of days later to confirm they have the correct emergency contact information and address for the senior.
Working with the vendor set-up team, test the system.  Perform this test regularly with the vendor's monitoring center.
Check that the senior is wearing any necessary equipment if required and is keeping the system charged.

Read more

Motion Sensors

The integumentary system,  aka skin, is the largest organ of the human body!  Hair and nails are also part of this system.  The skin protects the body against many threats such as infection, abrasions, chemical assaults, viruses, and dehydration to name just a few.  Normal changes with age include thinner, drier and more fragile skin.  Protective fatty tissue is lost.  If your loved one has mobility issues, check regularly for bed sore and reposition them on a regular basis while in bed or in a wheelchair.  A few skin care tips include:

Baths are best time to observe skin.  Check forredness, blisters, small cuts or dry patches.
If incontinent, perineal care is needed with each episode. 
If incontinent,keep skin dry using bed pads.
If disposable underwear is used, monitor for leaks and incontinence.
Change clothing if sweaty.
Moisturize dry skin.  Don't use lotionn between toes.
Hydration is important to healthy skin.

Read more

Home Automation

The most common causes of infectious diseases are viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.  Common infections in Seniors are pneumonia, influenza, skin infections and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).  Be on the look out for signs of infections such as: fever & chills, confusion, loss of appetite, aches, nausea/vomiting.  With skin infections there may be pain and redness.  Two modes of transmission of infectious diseases are through the air and on surfaces.  Hands are a very commone mode of transmission.  A few tips to mitigate infections are:

Wash hands.
Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such a gloves.
Avoid sharing towels, wash clothes,&  eating & drinking utensils.
Clean and sanitize  equipment & surfaces.
Practice respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette,
Teach other caregivers the basics of infection control.

Read more

Managing Medications and Medical Care

Three keys to medication management are: Right Dose, Right Medicine,  and Right Time.  There are three primary type of medication containers: pill bottles, pill boxes and bingo cards/blister packs.  A few tips include:

Know Doctor's name, diagnosis and potential adverse reactions for each medication.
Try to use just one pharmacy for filling all medications.  Get to know the pharmacist to coordinate all medications.
Work with doctor to have medications taken as few times per day as possible.

A key to good medical care management is communications.  Establish a commnications network with all healthcare teams.  A few tips include:

Prepare in advance for medical appointments.
Keep track of appointments and let love one know in advance of the scheduled appointment.
Arrange for transportation.
Let other family caregivers know about appointment.
Before appointment: get legal authority such as advance directives and Power of Attorney for Health Care so you can communicate with healthcare team.  Prepare list of current medications and past medical histories including doctor's names.  Take insurance cards and photo identification.  Prepare a list of questions for doctor.
During appointment: let loved one answer as many questions as possible and include them in discussion with health care team.  Start with most important questions and take notes of doctor's responses. Ask about any diagnosis, treatment, tests and new medications.
After appointment: with loved one's permission, get access to their electronic medical records, find community resources to deal with diagnosis, ask about availability of a social worker, and pickup any new medications from pharmacy.

Read more