There are many things to think about before investing in age technology. I spoke with Ed Begg of AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) about what you should consider.
Do they want it?
An important first question to ask is: How receptive are older people to having this technology at home? Before thinking of buying, you must have a conversation with your elderly and everyone else living in the house and make sure they are on board with the idea. While many of these technologies are intended to help older people and perhaps enable them to live longer in their own homes, none of them replace human contact or human caregivers.
installation
Installation complexity varies from device to device. While many seniors are tech-savvy and will have no problem setting up these gadgets, others will need help. It is also important that they understand how to use the device and how to get technical support if they run into problems. It’s a good idea to take the time and run through the user guide to help with the installation. Some services offer step-by-step guides or even live setup sessions with support staff.
cost
Most age technologies are very expensive and involve an upfront fee and an ongoing subscription. If you stop the subscription, you often have to return the hardware (always check the terms). Although monthly costs tend to be high, discounts are often offered if you pay in advance for a longer period of time It’s worth watching out for sales events. Some devices and services may be available to you free of charge or may be subsidized by health-care schemes or insurance. Home Wi-Fi is required for most devices.
Confidentiality
Privacy is a serious concern as technology ages in some different ways. Any home device with cameras and microphones that can be accessed remotely is a privacy threat. It’s important that the user is okay with it and you should be careful about placement. The devices usually have a light or some indicator that the camera is on, and some have a privacy shield.
Another concern is what data the service provider or manufacturer is collecting and what they might use it for. Please check the privacy policy. Some data processing, which may include audio and video, may be necessary to offer the full range of features of the device. It’s also worth considering what might happen to that data if the company goes out of business or is acquired by another company.
Other considerations
While age technology can help improve the quality of life for the elderly and reduce the burden on caregivers, it is important to avoid over-reliance. One concern is that it may discourage rather than facilitate in-person visits and check-ins. From a practical point of view, it will become useless if it is unplugged or if there is a power or Wi-Fi outage.
Try to discuss the pros and cons of any device or service before you buy. It can be a big investment. Make sure you understand what your obligations are and how you can terminate service or return a device. Many offer a short trial period, so you can test in situ before deciding if it will work for your family.