One of the main goals of human beings is to live independently and remain self-sufficient until old age. In general, people acquire greater autonomy as we progress through the different stages of life, especially during childhood and adolescence. However, with aging, this independent living tends to be compromised and, on many occasions, is lost as a consequence of the cognitive and social deterioration associated with the passage of time.
The modern telecare has become increasingly aware of the need to mitigate this loss of independence in the elderly. Beyond looking after physical health alone, maintaining such independence also contributes to the care of mental health. mental health of users. To this end, telecare devices have incorporated new functionalities that seek to improve both the health and the intrinsic capabilities of their users in order to promote their independent living.
In this article we review the most important ones.
Communication and interaction with users
As the years go by, it is common for elderly people to reduce the frequency of communication with their loved ones, often for fear of being a burden or to avoid asking for help. However, these situations can be alleviated thanks to technological advances in the field of telecare.
The incorporation of screen-based terminals has proven to be a valuable tool to better understand the perceived health of users. Functionalities such as video calls, along with traditional voice calls, allow for closer interaction. Video calls, in particular, offer the added value of being able to talk face-to-face, making it easier to assess both the person's physical and emotional state of health.
Another fundamental tool for obtaining information on the perceived health of the elderly is surveys. These can detect patterns or problems, such as fatigue or pain, that might go unnoticed in a simple voice conversation, thus providing a more complete picture of the user's well-being.
Activities and sociability for independent living
As people age, it becomes more difficult to find activities and events that allow them to socialize and enjoy themselves as they did in the past. However, thanks to the new capabilities and services offered by the telecare industry, it is possible to organize therapeutic groups, themed workshops and a variety of online events that bring older people together, encouraging their social interaction.
These meetings, led by specialists, not only offer stimulation and entertainment, but also facilitate the creation of new bonds among participants. In addition, they contribute to improve mental health and promote cognitive activity through activities specially designed for this purpose, providing an opportunity for connection and emotional well-being.
Stimulate choice
The most advanced telecare devices already have artificial intelligence-powered voice assistants capable of interacting with users and supporting them in making decisions that can have a significant impact on their daily lives. As people age, it is essential that they continue to exercise autonomy in everyday aspects, such as choosing their next meal or deciding where to go on their next walk.
These assistants allow users to expand their options when making decisions, thus strengthening their sense of independence and helping them to maintain control over important aspects of their daily lives, which enhances their well-being and self-esteem.
ID Vita Home, advanced Telecare terminal
The ID Vita Home is our telecare terminal equipped with advanced multimedia capabilities. Its outstanding features, such as a 10.1-inch touch screen, connectivity and state-of-the-art sensor technology, enable the deployment of new services focused on improving people's independence at home.
At Intelligent Data we continue to work on the integration and development of new multimedia functionalities to implement them together with our advanced telecare terminals, such as the ID Vita Home.