Independent Living Solutions for Aging Senior
Citizens a Booming U.S. Industry
Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) popping
up nationwide, states getting involved with creating necessary standards
for the industry
By
Cheryl Kerr, Caregiver Systems’ Division Manager
Oct.
5, 2009 - Throughout the years you’ve faced each challenge life threw
your way, and the fact that you’ve survived means you’ve learned each
lesson and earned your wisdom. The next challenge is one we never
thought would come…how to age with grace and dignity.
While remaining independent in your own home is an
ideal held by 90 percent of seniors, according to AARP, reality can
sometimes stand in the way.
Adult children and other loved ones begin to take
increasing responsibility for your well being as time goes on, watching
closely for “age-in-place” deal breakers such as safety issues, chronic
conditions, cognition or isolation.
The key to ‘Forward Living’ is the creation of an
environment with adaptive technologies that help seniors comfortably,
independently and safely age - within their own home
Family and friends that want the best for you
likely feel a growing responsibility to keep you safe and well. Far too
often, this obligation translates into the heart-wrenching decision to
move you out of your own home.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but in some cases it
is simply safer to live elsewhere for the rest of your life due to
limited choices in years past.
Thankfully, an increasingly aged population now
affords a new landscape of opportunities never before possible. Whether
you desire to remain in your own home, live with family or settle into a
new environment, you may be surprised at the wide array of choices now
available.
In terms of staying in your own home, an entire
“aging in place” movement is building up steam in the United States.
Organizations across the country are coming together to ensure care
options safe for patients and employees through standardization and
accountability. Without such structure it can be difficult to
differentiate between a reputable company and one that is “fly-by-night”
or even dangerous.
Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) are
popping up nationwide, and individual states are getting involved with
creating necessary standards for the industry as well. In California,
for example, agencies which profess to help seniors can be certified by
the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).
But what if daily supervision isn’t what you need?
For some seniors the daily routine is no big deal,
and perhaps you’re taking your own blood pressure and medication with
ease. Still, constantly talking to family about whether you’re taking
your medications, if you’re eating all right and how you’re sleeping can
be tiring.
Simple
technology can bring your kids peace of mind and, just as importantly,
allow you to live your life without your family’s constant worry. You
now have the choice to let non-intrusive technology, that requires no
technical or computer expertise, notify your choice of family members
and caregivers automatically should an emergency arise.
There are a variety of simple-to-use solutions,
like that from Caregiver Systems by Home Controls, which uses small,
wireless sensors to automatically notify caregivers should your blood
pressure or blood sugar drop rapidly or if your door opens in the middle
of the night, for example.
Many potential health or safety risks have warning
signs that could trigger a phone call, email or text message to family
members or caregiver of your choice. Common situations in which you may
wish someone would be contacted include:
● Failing to get out of bed in the morning
● Getting up in the middle of the night but
falling
● Suffering a small stroke or otherwise
wandering oddly around your home
● Temperatures in your home become extremely hot
or cold
● Rapid weight loss or change in eating habits
An unexpected benefit of such a home system is
improved interaction and connection with your loved ones. Instead of
answering a series of health and safety-related questions each time you
talk with your kids, they will know you are okay because they have not
received an alert.
Peace of mind for them means decreasing their
stress related to your aging and continuing the regular relationship
you’ve always had, potentially for years longer.
If you want to stay in your own home as you age for
as long as possible, there is never a better time than now to plan your
strategy and start this discussion with your loved ones.
For more information about aging in place solutions
that increase the quality of life for you and your loved ones please
call: (858) 693-5545 or go to:
www.caregiversystems.com.
About the Author
Cheryl Kerr heads up Caregiver Systems by Home
Controls. Kerr and her staff are tasked with developing the complete
range of fully installed systems specifically for aging loved ones,
based on the most innovative technologies available today.
Her main goal is to provide seniors and their
families with affordable monitoring systems that enable them to remain
in their homes longer than ever before. Prior to Caregiver Systems, Kerr
filled a vital marketing role at ConnectHome, a national network of
qualified home automation dealers. She was responsible for working with
the nation’s top home automation integrators to help improve their
business development and marketing programs.
Kerr has been recognized by Empire’s “Who’s Who of
Executives & Professionals” and is a member of the National Association
of Professional Women (NAPW). She is a graduate of the Residential
Integrator School (RIS) for low voltage home automation sales, marketing
and installation.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Oct.
5, 2009 - Throughout the years you’ve faced each challenge life threw
your way, and the fact that you’ve survived means you’ve learned each
lesson and earned your wisdom. The next challenge is one we never
thought would come…how to age with grace and dignity. 
Simple
technology can bring your kids peace of mind and, just as importantly,
allow you to live your life without your family’s constant worry. You
now have the choice to let non-intrusive technology, that requires no
technical or computer expertise, notify your choice of family members
and caregivers automatically should an emergency arise.