9 Gadget Gift Ideas For Caregivers Taking Care of Seniors

Are you a caregiver taking care of a senior? If yes, it is time to embrace technology to make your caregiving journey a little easier. While caregivers try hard to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of their loved ones, they struggle in self-care.

The situation turns worse when there is no one in the family to help them. Gradually, they become too exhausted and get depressed. Modern gadgets powered by technology helps a lot when it is about caregiving to seniors.

That’s why these 9 gadget gift ideas are great for caregivers that take care of seniors or close family members.

Video Surveillance Camera

You want to go grocery shopping or to a friend’s home, but you don’t want to leave
your loved one alone.  So, what is the way to get out of the house while still watching your elderly family member?

Install a quality video surveillance camera at home. The device enables you to monitor your elderly parents or grandparents from your smartphone or tablet. Choose the one with motion sensors, night vision, and two-way audio to have peace of mind.

Automated Pill Dispenser

If remembering all the medication doses of a senior is stressful for you, an automated pill dispenser will prove beneficial to you. The device not only issues a reminder for a due medication dose but also dispenses a measured amount of the same. So, there are no chances of your loved one missing any medication dose. Some of these devices also come with passcode protection.

Wearable GPS Tracking Device

The device is apt for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Such people are at risk of wandering away due to disorientation and memory loss. If your loved one
wanders in an unfamiliar area, a loud audio alarm of the device will immediately alert you.

You will receive the device location including the street address and zip code on
your smartphone or any other mobile device. It is best to opt for wearable and water-
resistant GPS trackers so that it can be with your loved one round the clock.

Sensor Mat with Alarm

Falling is one of the most common causes of injury among the elderly. Also, continuous monitoring is stressful. However, it becomes all the more necessary when there are mobility issues. A sensor mat with an alarm ends your woes by alerting you about a possible fall. You can place this mat near the bed or in other strategic places of your home to get a quick alert.

Medical Alert Device

Today, lots of Americans are investing in a medical alert system which is a wearable
device with a panic or help button. When a senior press the button in an emergency, he or she gets connected to a trained real person who will then offer valuable advice or help on time. Also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), these
devices send a text to the loved ones or the senior’s caregiver.

Adjustable Walking Cane

Seniors are more prone to falls due to illness, poor eyesight, aging affecting their ability to balance themselves, and so on. The adjustable walking cane is a wonderful
electronic device that prevents an accidental fall with its built-in LED light and anti-slip properties. Moreover, it is lightweight and foldable too!

Digital Calendar Day Clock

Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s often become confused about the date and time. They are more prone to forget birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant days of their loved ones.

The electronic device is a simple calendar and day clock with a large
display. Thus, it is apt for any senior to keep an easy tab on the day, time, month, and year. With clearly visible time, they also become well aware of their bedtime or
mealtime.

Hydration Reminder

Sometimes, people start losing their sense of thirst with aging. The problem increases two-fold when they are on medications. Those with mobility issues or experiencing memory loss are likely to drink less water and become dehydrated.

The hydration reminder is a compact device that will blink before dehydration kicks in. You can attach the device to any drinking bottle.

Sleep Tracker

You can find both wearable and non-wearable sleep trackers in the market at an
affordable price. While most of the wearable ones also come with fitness tracking, the non-wearable sleep trackers sit under the mattress.

They are relatively easy to use for seniors. Sleep deprivation is a common problem encountered not only by the elderly but also by caregivers.

So, having a sleep tracker for both your loved one and yourself can
help you to measure the various sleep stages. By tracking the sleep, you can know
about any changes that are essential to make to ensure a good night sleep.

Before going for any of the caregiving gadgets, it is vital to understand the needs of the elderly. Know the benefits of technology so that you can understand how these gadgets will help you to overcome your caregiving challenges. With technological advances, things are likely to become less challenging for caregivers.

About the Author:

Maria Garcia is a family caregiver who gradually mastered the art of self-care. she is a member of the Dave Nassaney’s Facebook community of caregivers and has taken caregiving tips from his caregiving support resources.