How an Elderly Remote Monitoring System Can Help Seniors Age in Their Own Home Longer

Family caregivers worry about their elderly parents who live alone. However, there is a category of older adults for whom their families have the most worry. These are seniors whose physical and cognitive capabilities are just beginning to change, but they aren’t yet ready for full time care or assisted living.

It’s in this multi-year period where an elderly remote monitoring system can be an ideal solution for caregivers of independent older adults.

As our loved ones age, it can become increasingly difficult for them to live independently. This can be a source of great worry for family caregivers, who want to ensure their parents’ safety and well-being. However, many seniors are not yet ready for assisted living, and they may prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

One way to help seniors age in place is to use an elderly remote monitoring system. These systems allow caregivers to maintain awareness of their loved ones’ activities and well-being from afar. The more advanced systems can also provide early warning signs of potential health problems, such as falls, UTIs, and cognitive challenges.

What is an elderly remote monitoring system?

An elderly remote monitoring system is a combination of in-home sensors and software that act as the eyes, ears, and brain of a human caregiver. The most advanced and useful systems are entirely passive, meaning there are no cameras, listening devices, or wearable devices required. The sensors output data that is then analyzed by software to provide actionable insights to caregivers, such as alerting to subtle changes in well being or behavior.

How can an elderly remote monitoring system help seniors age in their own home longer?

A remote monitor for seniors helps identify early warning signs of potential health issues. Elderly remote monitoring systems can detect changes in seniors’ behavior that may indicate a health problem. For example, the system might detect that a senior is getting up more often at night to use the bathroom, which could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Or, it might detect that a senior is wandering around the house at night, which could be a sign of confusion or dementia. In both cases, the system would alert caregivers so that they could take appropriate action.

An elderly remote monitoring system promotes peace of mind for both independent older adults AND their families. Knowing that someone is always watching out for them can give seniors and their families peace of mind. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be important for both the senior and the caregiver. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Studies show that more than 60% of caregivers experience symptoms of burnout.” 

When a caregiver employs a remote monitoring system for the elderly, they not only know when a loved one is in distress, they can minimize the risks that can result in distress. Falls are a major cause of injury and even death among seniors. Being proactive to address the behavior-related conditions that might cause a fall – night time wandering, lack of recommended sleep patterns, reactions to meds like lethargy or pacing – are just as important as handrails and shower bars.

As family caregivers, our ultimate goal is to ensure loved ones maintain the best quality of life possible. Elderly remote monitoring systems can help to improve seniors’ quality of life by giving them more independence and allowing them to remain in their own homes for longer. This can be especially important for seniors who live with chronic health conditions or disabilities, or for older adults who rely on their familiar doctors and social community for support.

How to Choose an Elderly Remote Monitoring System

Technology has revolutionized the way we care for our aging parents, providing us with the tools to discover behavior that puts older adults at risk and monitor their well-being from anywhere. 

The most important factors to consider are whether the system is fully passive, the user experience, and how well the system is supported by the company that provides it.

Passive monitoring means there is absolutely nothing for the older adult to remember to wear, charge, bring along, or to present privacy concerns. Cameras, listening devices, and devices like buttons, pendants, and bracelets compromise dignity, privacy, and are not suited to those with memory issues.

As passive elderly remote monitoring systems are used exclusively by the caregiver, not the older adult, it should be designed with caregiver concerns in mind. It should be intuitive to use, adjust to  changes as an older adult ages, and provide actionable information. For example, it should recognize the difference between an open door and an elopement situation.

Lastly, look for a supplier of services that is committed to caregiver success with premium customer service delivered by people, not bots. Because when it’s your loved one, how service is delivered matters.

Which Elderly Remote Monitoring Systems Meet the Strictest Requirements?

The envoyatHome elderly monitor is a tool designed specifically for family caregivers. envoyatHome detects over 35 behaviors that put an older adult at risk when they’re home alone. It reports these behaviors to you in real time, meaning you can intervene before an emergency situation arises. Examples of behaviors that envoyatHome can discover include night wandering, behavioral symptoms of insomnia, UTIs, dehydration, elopement, and many more behaviors that caregivers can’t see because they’re not there.

envoyatHome is designed with the independent older adult in mind. There are no cameras to compromise privacy, no listening devices, and no wearables to charge or leave behind. There are no buttons to push, which can be a challenge when an older adult is overwhelmed by an emergency.

If you don’t know, you can’t help. An elderly monitor like envoyatHome gives you peace of mind and ensures that you can provide timely assistance, helping your loved ones age in place safely.

Importance of Early Intervention for Elderly Parents

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to supporting our aging parents. By recognizing the signs of decline and seeking help early on, we can ensure their safety and well-being as they continue to age in place. Waiting too long to address their needs can lead to more significant issues down the line, both physically and mentally.

Taking the initiative to monitor their wellness and daily activities is an essential part of early intervention. With systems like envoyatHome, we can stay informed about their well-being and detect any potential emergencies. These tools provide peace of mind, knowing that we can take immediate action if necessary.

By prioritizing early intervention, we can make a significant impact on our aging parent’s quality of life. It allows us to provide the necessary support and resources, ensuring they can continue to age comfortably and safely in their own home until the services of assisted living are required.