There’s a lot to think about before investing in an old man. I spoke with Ed Baig from AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) about what to consider.
Do they want you?
The first important question to ask is this: How can an elderly person have this technology at home? Before you think about buying, you should have a conversation with your elder and all the other people who live at home, and make sure they are on board with the idea. While most of these technologies are intended to help the elderly and perhaps enable them to live in their own homes for longer, none of them will replace human contacts or human caregivers.
Installation
Installation difficulty varies from device to device. Many older people are tech-savvy and will have no problem keeping these gadgets up, while others will need help. It is also important that they understand how to use the device and how to get technical support should they run into issues. It’s a good idea to take the time to help with the installation and run through the user guide. Some services also offer step-by-step guides or live setup sessions with support staff.
Costs
Most technologies are expensive and involve upfront fees and ongoing subscriptions. If you cancel your subscription, you will be required to return the Hardware (Always check the conditions). While the monthly costs are usually very high, there are often reduced rates if you pay in advance. It’s also great to watch sales events. Some devices and services may be available free of charge to you or subsidized by health care schemes or insurance. Many devices require Wi-Fi at home.
Being alone
Privacy is a major concern with older technology in a few different ways. Any device in the home that has cameras and microphones that can be accessed remotely is a privacy risk. It is important that the user is okay with this, and you should be careful with placement. The devices usually have a light or some indication that the camera is open, and some have a privacy shield.
Another concern is what information the service provider or manufacturer collects and what they can use it for. See Privacy Policies. Data processing that may include audio and video may require the device to provide its full range of features. It’s also good to consider what might happen to that data if the company goes out of business or is acquired by another company.
Another consideration
While age-related technologies can help improve the quality of life of the elderly and reduce the burden on caregivers, it is important to avoid overdoing it. Another concern is that it could discourage personal visits and check-ins – rather than facilitate them. From a practical point of view, it will also be useless if it is not installed or there is a drop in power or Wi-Fi.
Try to discuss the pros and cons of any tool or service before making a purchase. It can be a big investment. Make sure you understand what your responsibilities are and how to terminate the service or return the device. Many offer a short trial period, so you can test SITU before deciding if it will work for your family.
