Aids for keeping senior citizens safe

Safety systems are particularly important for elderly people who live alone with no one to help them right away in the event of an emergency. For situations like these, there are a number of reliable emergency systems for senior citizens, including medical alarm devices. The exact functionality varies from provider to provider. However, the basic principles of each system are the same:

1. Senior citizens can trigger an alarm by pressing a button that they wear on a wristband, for example.
2. The base station for the device in the user’s home automatically activates the hands-free function and connects them to an agent at the provider’s emergency call centre.
3. The emergency call centre will have immediate access to the user’s contact details. The agent will first try to get in touch with someone on the user’s list of emergency contacts. If necessary, they will also alert the emergency services.
4. The user will remain connected to the emergency call centre until they receive help.

Base stations for medical alarm devices are normally offered together with an alarm button.

Emergency call buttons for senior citizens in Switzerland are available as pendants, medallions and emergency call wristbands. These buttons are particularly practical for senior citizens because they can be taken everywhere and are equipped with GPS. As soon as the user presses their emergency call button, the device alerts the relevant contacts, such as children or other relatives. Alternatively, the emergency call will go to a dedicated emergency call centre. Usually, this sort of aid for senior citizens does not have a speaker or microphone, unlike watches for senior citizens with fall detection and other features.

Medical alarm watches offer a number of ways to keep senior citizens safe. By pressing a button, the wearer sends out a distress signal. They can speak directly to the provider’s emergency call centre via a built-in microphone and loudspeaker. Many models use GPS to automatically transmit the wearer’s location. Watches for senior citizens are also often equipped with a fall detection function: if the watch detects a fall, it alerts the people on the user’s list of emergency contacts. Some models can remind the wearer to take their medication.

Smartwatches for senior citizens allow users to contact relatives via an app. They can also display messages and be synced to a smartphone. They usually have the same functions as conventional medical alarm watches. For example, there are smartwatches for senior citizens with a fall detection function and medication calendars.

Mobile phones for senior citizens are phones that are specially designed to meet the needs of older people. These mobile phones help senior citizens communicate more easily on a day-to-day basis, offering them a sense of security. The devices are deliberately kept simple so that even the tech-averse can use them. What are the features of mobile phones for senior citizens?

• Clear buttons: The buttons are illuminated and extra large. This is particularly helpful for older people who have declining motor skills or vision.
• Easy-to-read display: The large, bright screen makes it easy for users to recognise numbers and text. Clear contrasts on the display make text particularly legible, even in dim light.
• Simple navigation: Older people can quickly find all the features in the menu. Every step takes the user right to what they’re looking for.
• High volume: The ringtone and the voices of speakers are clearly audible.
• Hands-free system: Users can also choose to speak via the hands-free function, for example if they find it difficult to grip their mobile phone.
• Direct emergency call feature: Users can immediately connect to their stored emergency number at the touch of a button. This means they can summon help without having to search for a particular contact.

In addition to conventional mobile phones, there are also smartphones for senior citizens. These devices allow older people to use more features, such as the internet, apps and a camera. The GPS tracker is another practical function for senior citizens.

Other digital aids for senior citizens include apps that they can easily install on their smartphone or smartwatch and use on the go. Popular apps include:

• Communication apps: These apps allow older people to stay in contact with family and friends. For example, they can send text and voice messages, hold conference calls and make video calls.
• Fitness apps: It is important for senior citizens to stay active, even if they have physical limitations. This can help prevent dangerous falls in old age. Fitness apps such as the Helsana Coach app are a great way to find suitable exercises.
• Medication apps: These apps will remind users to take their medication, which reduces health risks.
• Health apps: A health app can store information such as blood pressure, pulse and blood sugar levels and help track these values. This gives advance warning of potential problems.
• Emergency medical passport apps: These apps bundle important information for first responders, such as existing illnesses, medications and allergies. In an emergency, this data can save a life.

The wide range of available apps makes them versatile digital assistants for senior citizens.

Poor hearing can make day-to-day life difficult for older people. Conversations are a strain and they can struggle to hear the radio or TV. Many people also often fail to notice noises such as footsteps, doorbells and alarms. This limits perception and increases the risk of falling.

Audio aids can make life much easier in these cases. Hearing aids and implants, for example, amplify sounds and make conversations easier. There are also special auditory training courses that help the brain process speech better.

The best thing is to speak to a medical professional as quickly as possible in the case of hearing impairment. Hearing loss will worsen without consistent stimulation of the auditory pathways.

Regardless of your living arrangements in old age, alarm systems can make your home safer. You can install sensors on doors and windows that will immediately send a radio signal to a receiver in the case of an attempted break-in. Many of these systems are included in medical alarm systems, allowing relatives or emergency call centre agents to quickly help older people in an emergency.

Home monitoring systems for senior citizens have numerous benefits. They consist of various interconnected components, such as:

• Medical alarm buttons: Senior citizens wear the button, on a wristband, for example. When pressed, the button immediately sends a signal to the emergency call centre or the user’s contacts.
• Surveillance cameras: There are various models designed specifically for senior citizens’ homes. Some show a live feed of what’s happening around the home – for example, if there is someone at the door or moving about the user’s property. Others allow the user’s relatives to check in on them remotely and make sure everything is OK in and around their home.
• Floor-based fall sensors: These sensors are installed under the floor to detect when a senior citizen has a fall. When triggered, they automatically send a signal to the person’s emergency contacts.
• Bedside alarms: These alarms are equipped with sensors that respond as soon as the user shifts their weight to the edge of the bed. The system can also activate night lights to help the user find their way or notify a contact.
• Sleep sensors: Placed under the mattress, these sensors can track the user’s heartbeat, breathing and movements. The data is transmitted in encrypted form to a base station for specialist evaluation. These sensors are an effective way to monitor a person’s health.
• Sensor mats: These mats detect a person’s weight when they step or walk on them, for example when getting out of bed. They trigger a signal which activates a paired night light.

Smart homes help keep senior citizens safe, make everyday life easier and facilitate accessible living. Networked devices can automatically handle various small tasks and help you find your way around the house, take care of housework and communicate with relatives. Here are some examples:

• Door intercoms with a camera: Show you who’s at your door and allow you to switch on the lights in the entrance from your home or to call the lift.
• Night lights: Illuminate hallways by sensor automatically when it’s dark.
• Doorbell and ringtone amplifiers: Boost the sound of doorbells and ringtones to a receiver so that older people can hear them.
• Robot vacuum cleaners: Vacuum floors automatically, doing the hard work for you.
• Robot lawnmowers: Maintain the lawn for you and return to the charging station when their battery is low.
• Smart blinds/shutters: Open and close automatically at specific times.
• Height-adjustable shower seats: Make showering considerably easier for senior citizens with limited mobility.
• Height-adjustable beds and washbasins: Prevent back strain and increase comfort.
• Smart irrigation systems: Water flower beds and plants at predetermined intervals.
• Hob cut-off switches: Warn in the event of danger and automatically switch off the stove.
• Smart audio technology: Senior citizens can use smart audio technology to control numerous devices. They can also add calendar entries, play music or ask questions.
• Robot pets: Provide companionship and motivation to senior citizens with dementia.
• Care robots: Support nursing homes with care tasks and can facilitate contact with relatives and doctors.

In summary, a smart home is part of the overall concept of modern care for the elderly. Digital aids can help create a safe, reliable environment, to the benefit of senior citizens and carers alike. They enable older people to live independently – without replacing human care. Technology and individual nursing care complement each other perfectly.

Thanks to modern safety systems, senior citizens can live more comfortable, worry-free lives. Devices can take care of routine tasks, react quickly in an emergency and assist with orientation. A clever combination of different digital aids can help users stay active and independent. This also reduces the burden on relatives.