Smart for Old Age

Even in old age, most people prefer to continue living within their own four walls. According to a survey, 83 percent of seniors prefer their own home over a retirement residence or nursing home. However, that's often easier said than done. Not all seniors are fit enough to manage without assistance, which is a great concern for their relatives. The achievements of modern technology can be helpful in such cases.

Most people are familiar with an assistance system like the emergency call system, which can automatically make an emergency call to predefined services or individuals. However, the range of possible supporters is much larger and includes everything from smart mirrors and vacuum robots to presence detectors. Some of these aids can be easily retrofitted. Others involve more effort or cost a lot of money. Still others require sensitive data to function or generate sensitive data. With these, it's important to look very carefully before purchasing to ensure that your own data or that of your relatives does not fall into the wrong hands. We have researched some particularly helpful assistance systems and their costs for you.

Vacuum cleaner robot:

The little helpers are available from a few hundred euros. No upper limit. Foundation Warentest  tested seven vacuum robots in May of this year. The "iRobot Tomba 691" performed very well. It can be operated via smartphone, is very well constructed, has good anti-collision control, and automatically returns to the charging station. However, all other vacuum robots also received a "good" rating and are therefore quite recommendable. 

Recliner with Lift Assistance:

In old age in particular, it can become more difficult to get up from the armchair. A real help is then an armchair with a lift function, which tilts forward using a remote control, making it easier to stand up. In addition, the tilt of the seat and the leg rest can usually be adjusted via a remote control – up to a completely relaxed and reclining position. The comparison platform comparison.org   tested several lift chairs this August. The best performers were the two models from the manufacturer "Homecom". Both are infinitely adjustable, feature an adjustable footrest, a remote control, and side pockets for storing the remote control or other items. Both are priced at approximately 460 and 490 Euros, respectively, in the lower price segment. 

Kitchen appliance with precise cooking instructions:

Everyone knows it and many can no longer imagine everyday life without it: The Thermomix. The ultimate kitchen appliance. The all-rounder. Roasting, cooking, mixing, chopping. From simple soup to sophisticated three-course meals. This device seems suitable for everything and the best part: It provides the recipes and prevents burning or boiling over. Thus, it is also ideal for those seniors who are a bit forgetful or want to prepare a healthy meal with little effort. With a price of around 1,400 euros, it's not a minor purchase. But Aldi and Lidl have brought quite acceptable alternative devices to the market with their respective models Quigg / Ambiano and Monsieur Cuisine Connect by Silvercrest. However, the price is certainly noticeable in terms of the range of functions.  The results of the extensive test can be found here.

Smart Mirror:

When thinking of a mirror, most of us don't think of an electronic device, let alone a device that, for example, reminds you to take medication. But they already exist. Mirrors that respond to gestures and speech, remind users which medications to take at what time of day, and even make therapy sessions in full size possible, while simultaneously sending vital signs to the treating doctors. The price for such a magical mirror ranges from about 300 euros to 600 euros and more. However, tech enthusiasts can find instructions on the internet to build such a mirror themselves.

SmartWatch:

The nightmare of all family members: their parents or grandparents fall, are unable to make an emergency call on their own, and must hope to be found. This is where a SmartWatch can help. Because these watches can be very helpful assistants in the everyday lives of seniors. They can detect a fall or shocks and send out an emergency call. A built-in GPS transmitter makes it possible to locate the wearers. They remind you to take your medication at the exact time or to visit the doctor and can also record vital signs and steps taken. Many of these SmartWatches have a large, easy-to-read display, and some can even read out sent messages. You can find an overview, including a comparison of the functionalities and costs of various SmartWatches, at: the West   and Home and smart

Smart Care Complete Package:

An intelligent senior assistance system in a complete package has Gigaset  launched on the market. The manufacturer advertises that with this system, relatives can always "keep an eye" on their seniors. The sensors enable complete networking of the apartment. For example, the light automatically switches to "night mode" and illuminates the path from the bed to the toilet in a dimmed brightness when the sensors detect movement out of the bed at night. If the movement back into the bed is detected, the sensors react and automatically turn off the light. Sensors on doors register when the front door is opened or closed and send a message to a stored number. Very helpful if a parent has dementia and leaves the house confused at night. Additionally, the system has an alarm button that, when pressed, automatically alerts emergency services and stored contacts. Although the use of such a system provides great security for everyone, it should be well discussed and weighed within the family with the users. After all, this system enables total surveillance.

A system with a similar scope is the assistance system casenio According to the manufacturer, this system is designed to quickly recognize dangerous situations, remind users of everyday tasks, alert residents to issues, inform relatives and care staff of unusual situations, and be easily adapted to an individual's behavior. Additionally, the system can be expanded with various other functions.

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