As Canadians age, many will require the support of family, caregivers, and a home that has been equipped to accommodate their evolving needs brought on by impaired vision, decreased mobility, an increased risk of falling—and more. Technology can make everyday life more convenient, safer, and more social for seniors.
WirelessWizard is pleased to offer customized recommendations and content for older Canadians that is primarily educational in nature—with the goal of helping improve their quality of life, independence and personal empowerment. We focus on using technology to defer as much as possible the time when getting older gets in the way of living life independently. Check out our ongoing coverage here.
Aging in place is an attractive option for many older adults. And thanks to advances in technology, it’s a safe and realistic option for the majority of Canadians. Smart devices, mobile apps and medical alert systems can work together to keep seniors safe and independent in their homes, even as their needs evolve.
We’ve assembled coverage of technology that can help people age independently while providing their caregivers with peace of mind. This guide is for the family member or caregiver who is supporting a senior person’s decision to age in place.
Smart Phones For Seniors
No matter your age, communication is essential to your daily life. The fact is seniors are like any other phone user. Some prefer higher-end features, while others want to keep it simple. Some may want to use their phone far beyond calling and texting—preferring to listen to music and watch TV, or share and receive pictures from friends and family. Some may just want a phone.
But if you’re on a fixed income, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting enough value for your money regardless of the phone you choose. Hence, such a purchase should be based on needs and preferences. We explain in detail how to choose the best cell phone for seniors.
Smart Pill Dispensers
Have you been finding it difficult to take your medication? Or are you a caregiver for an elderly loved one who struggles to maintain a regimen? Then an automatic pill dispenser will likely solve your problems.
Drug regimens grow tougher to manage and navigate the more intensive they get. A dispenser can help you keep on track. These devices significantly boost one’s quality of life, which is especially vital in the golden years.
With that in mind, consider this: according to Consumer Reports, over 33% of survey respondents aged 55 and over take at least five prescription medications. In fact, many of these adults are taking more than ten. That’s a tricky routine to follow for anyone, no matter their age.
While pill dispensers can help, not all pill dispensers are created equal. So which solution will best fit a user’s (or their caregiver’s) specific set of needs and preferences? We explain in detail how to choose the best available pill dispensers on the market.
Medical Alert Systems
Are you worried about falling when you’re alone? Perhaps you’re a caregiver concerned with the welfare of the person in your care. Medical alert systems—where the simple press of a call button can summon emergency help or contact a caregiver or family member—can offer reassurance.
But the wide variety of features, service options, and fees open to Canadian seniors and their caregivers make it challenging to figure out what’s best—after all, several companies offer competing solutions.
We offer up the expert advice you need before you purchase a medical alert system, and a breakdown of the features for which you should keep an eye out. We also review our top pick for a medical alert system.
We’ve researched dozens of companies to find the best providers of medical alert systems in Canada. Our expert reviews will provide you with everything you need to know to find the right system for you. Explore the best medical alert systems according to our editors.
Wireless
Most of these solutions require Wi-Fi in order to function. If you’re planning to use multiple devices or any that stream video or audio, make sure the home is equipped with bandwidth, and if the home has poor reception in some areas, consider investing in a wireless extender or a Wi-Fi mesh-networking kit like the Google Nest Wi-Fi Router.
Smart Home Hubs
Owning a smart home is now more accessible than ever, all thanks to the wide range of available connected devices—think light bulbs, thermostats, security cameras, and sensors. Smart home devices are more than simple gadgetry: they’re about living more securely, efficiently, and in greater comfort. And the easiest way to achieve all this is working within an ecosystem that allows all your devices to communicate together.
Start your smart home journey with our guide to walk you through the intricacies of the three main smart home ecosystems—Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.