Critter Corner: New Technology for Seniors Who Are Aging-in-Place

Dear Commander Bun Bun,

My mother insists on staying in her home as long as she can. I live 100 miles away, and can’t be there as often as I would like, and I worry about her safety and security. Is there any new technology out there to help her?

Thanks!
Hal Pinma

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Dear Hal,

For 50 years, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has been the launch pad for new innovation and technology. This year, the conference (CES 2017) introduced new technology to help seniors that are aging-in-place, including:

•The Floodlight Cam is a motion-activated security camera with built-in LED floodlights, a 270-degree field-of-view, facial recognition, a 110-decibel siren alarm, two-way audio, and infrared for night vision. With the Ring app, homeowners can manually flash the floodlights, sound the alarm, and zoom or pan to focus. Users can set customizable motion zones and a schedule for the lights to turn on and off automatically.

•Blink Outdoor Cameras are also useful for safety and security, without an app that an older person might not have. The Blink XT is an outdoor camera, with weather-proofing, 1080p video, and an IR night vision sensor. Blink is also releasing new entry sensors to monitor doors and windows, a new water sensor to notify you of any unexpected leaks, a 105dB siren that can be manually or automatically triggered via motion sensor, and a keypad to arm and disarm Blink without resorting to the app.

•WHILL Intelligent Electric Vehicle (Wheelchair) is a modern chair using all the latest in battery technology, wheels, and more. When connected to a phone, it provides all sorts of telemetry for understanding how the vehicle is performing. Designed by automotive engineers, the Model M drives like a premium electric vehicle, distancing itself from antiquated power wheelchairs and scooters designed decades ago. It is also available as a rental.

•The Chipolo Item Tracker could be used to find things, pets, and people. It emits a loud noise until you locate the item, which makes it particularly useful if a family member has some memory loss. The loud sound could be good (in your house) or not-so-good (out in public).

•The Modobag carry-on suitcase is a not necessarily for aging in place, but would be great for travel. It is a trackable, motorized carry-on bag that the owner can sit on while moving down long concourses in airports.

Hop this is helpful!

Commander Bun Bun