Smart home technology helps Racine seniors age in place

RACINE, WI – Smart home devices and upgrades could help older Racine-area adults remain independent and stay in their homes longer, allowing them to age in place instead of moving into a nursing home.

Tom Ryan, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare, said devices that monitor a resident’s health and activity have the potential to keep seniors in their homes much longer.

“A device that can be worn on the wrist allows for 24/7 monitoring and can help identify falls at home, which are a major concern for seniors,” Ryan said. “Other popular devices sharing data with physicians include CPAP machines, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, and continuous glucose monitors.”

This is good news for the 38,600 Racine County residents who are 65 or older, making up 18.6% of the county’s total population, according to 2023 U.S. Census data.

“I believe the overwhelming majority of seniors want to stay in their homes and be a part of their communities as long as they can,” Ryan said.

Ryan said future technological advances could provide even more benefits to older adults.

“I think we’re still in the early stages of using these technologies, and we are going to see increasing advancements and adoption of devices that allow clinicians and family members to track chronic conditions without the senior needing to leave home,” he said.

Physicians, family caregivers, and companies that provide home medical equipment are working together to help seniors remain at home and delay a move to assisted living communities or nursing homes, he added.

“Connected medical technology is certain to play an increasingly important role in making that happen,” Ryan said.

Ryan noted that research and development of new products could improve if the government adjusted Medicare reimbursement rates for home medical equipment.

“Policymakers need to realize that investing in patient-preferred and cost-effective home-based care is the best way we can allow seniors to remain in their homes as they age,” he added.

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Smart home devices for aging in place

Here are some of the latest smart home devices that can help keep older adults safe at home:

Smart medication dispensers: These devices dispense medications at the correct time and in the right dose, reducing the risk of missed doses or overdoses.
Wearable devices, including smartwatches or bracelets: These can monitor vitals, track an individual’s location, and alert caregivers in case of an emergency.
Automated doors and cabinets: Smart technology can open and close doors and cabinets, aiding those with mobility issues.
Smart mobility aids: Smart wheelchairs and walkers have built-in sensors to assist with mobility and provide alerts for potential hazards.
Smart thermostats and lighting systems: These allow for remote temperature control and automatic adjustments based on occupancy and time of day. Smart lighting systems can also be controlled remotely or adjusted automatically.