Navigating Family Disagreements in Caring for Others: Tips for Harmony and Legal Safeguards

As an elder law attorney concentrating my practice on aging in place planning, I frequently guide families through the emotional, financial, legal, and practical challenges of caring for aging parents. One of these challenges is family unity. Family disagreements arise from differing views on care needs, financial burdens, or roles, often exacerbating stress during an already difficult time.  These conflicts can be avoided and mitigated with proactive communication, collaborative planning, and a strong emphasis on legal and financial tools that honor and protect a person's autonomy and wishes. Below, I'll share essential tips for managing these disputes, while highlighting the importance of incorporating specialized tools like private care agreements and reviewing advance directives to ensure decisions align with your parents' expressed preferences and best interests.  These strategies work when children are caring for parents, but apply in all kinds of family caregiving circumstances.

•Foster Open Communication: Start by encouraging honest, respectful conversations among siblings. Share concerns, needs, and preferences openly to reduce misunderstandings and build collaboration. During these discussions, review your parents' legal and medical documents, which include advance directives, such as a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA), Living Will (LW), or Advance Directive for Dementia, to ensure everyone understands their wishes. If aging in place is a priority outlined in a trust, General Durable Power of Attorney (GDPOA), or separate document, reference these explicitly to keep the focus grounded in your parents' directives, preventing debates from veering into personal agendas.

•Appreciate and Respect Differences:  When implementing any complex plan, differences of opinions and approaches are inherent; you are often balancing different considerations (e.g., care quality versus cost of care; independence versus safety), so there may not be bright line answers to every challenge.  Embracing a process of identifying differences and openly and honestly exploring options, approaches, and solutions, without characterizing ideas (e.g., as unhelpful, self-interested,  or lazy), permits every interested and contributing party to participate. That does not mean that if you are a fiduciary you should fail to recognize these for what they are or may be, but evaluating them without aggressively dismissing them or characterizing them is a more diplomatic approach.  

•Don't disband the Team Before the End of the Season: One of the most common mistakes fiduciaries make is "going it alone."  Being the boss in an organization doesn't mean that you are the only person necessary in the organization; family members may be needed to perform a variety of tasks, and their input and support may be valuable for a variety of reasons.  Good planning acknowledges and plans for the worst-case scenario, which must consider your inability to perform all tasks necessary for the entire duration of time during which a parent or loved one may need help.  Building a team is not only wise to support your good work, but it is also necessary to permit continuation of your good work in the worst case: your absence or loss. 

•Respect Authority, Designated or Otherwise: When managing care for aging parents, for example, respect their authority to make their own decisions, and once they are no longer able, respect the authority they have designated through legal documents.  This respect is paramount to honoring their wishes and maintaining family harmony.  An adult must never be treated as a child (no adult would accept this relationship with another adult), and doing so is likely to result in the parent, a spouse, and/or other children seeking to remove the offending person as a decision-maker. There is no more certain path to discord than ignoring a parent's wishes and decisions.  Documents like a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA), General Durable Power of Attorney (GDPOA), Living Will (LW), Advance Directive for Dementia, or trust provisions often name specific individuals, such as a sibling, spouse, or trusted friend, to make financial, medical, or care-related decisions. These designations reflect your parents' deliberate choices and carry legal weight under state law.  Below, I outline the importance of respecting these roles, how to address concerns about their performance, and the legal steps to take if the designated agent proves unwilling or unable to serve.

• Honoring Designated Authority: Your parents' advance directives or trust documents specify who holds authority to act on their behalf, whether for healthcare decisions (via an HCPOA), financial matters (via a GDPOA), or trust administration. Respecting these designations avoids undermining their autonomy and prevents disputes among siblings or other family members. For example, if one sibling is named as the healthcare agent in an HCPOA, others should defer to their decisions regarding medical care, even if disagreements arise, unless the document allows for co-agents or specifies otherwise. Similarly, a trust may designate a sibling or third party as trustee to manage assets for aging in place, and their authority should be upheld unless legally challenged. Open communication, as discussed earlier, can help family members align with these roles by clarifying expectations and ensuring decisions reflect the parents' wishes, such as a preference for aging in place outlined in a separate directive.

• Recognizing Signs of Unwillingness or Inability: While respecting designated authority is critical, there may be instances where the appointed agent is unwilling or unable to fulfill their duties effectively. Signs to watch for include:

• Unwillingness: The agent refuses to act, ignores requests for updates, or fails to engage with healthcare providers or financial institutions, delaying critical care or asset management.

• Inability: The agent is incapacitated, lacks the capacity to make sound decisions (e.g., due to cognitive decline), or mismanages responsibilities, such as neglecting bills or misinterpreting medical directives.

• Conflict of Interest or Abuse: The agent prioritizes personal gain, misuses funds, or disregards the parents' wishes, such as ignoring an Advance Directive for Dementia that specifies care preferences.  If these issues arise, document specific instances (e.g., missed medical appointments, financial irregularities) and discuss concerns with them and others to assess whether the problem is systemic or situational. Avoid unilateral actions, as they could violate the legal authority granted them and spark disputes or cause your exclusio.  

• Exploring Legal Options with Counsel: If the designated agent is unwilling or unable to serve, or their actions harm your parents' interests, consult an elder law attorney promptly to explore legal remedies. Potential steps include:

• Requesting Resignation: Encourage the agent to voluntarily step down, as allowed under most powers of attorney or trust agreements. This may require a notarized resignation letter and notification to financial or medical entities.

• Activating Successor Agents: Many HCPOAs, GDPOAs, or trusts name alternate or successor agents. Review the documents to confirm if another sibling or individual can step in without court intervention.

• Petitioning for Removal: If the agent refuses to resign or is unfit, file a petition in probate court to remove them. This requires evidence of misconduct, incapacity, or neglect, such as bank statements showing mismanagement or affidavits from healthcare providers. In Ohio, courts prioritize the principal’s intent, so reference the parents' directives to strengthen the case.

• Seeking Guardianship or Conservatorship: If no successor agent is named or the situation is urgent (e.g., immediate health risks), consider petitioning for guardianship (for personal/health decisions) or conservatorship (for financial matters). This is a last resort due to its invasiveness and cost, as it overrides your parents' autonomy and may conflict with their aging in place wishes.

Engage an attorney early to navigate these steps, as unauthorized challenges to an agent’s authority can lead to costly litigation or family rifts. The attorney can also review Private Care Agreements or advance directives to ensure any transition aligns with your parents' wishes, such as maintaining aging in place through tech solutions or home care funding.

• Reporting Abuse: If you suspect financial exploitation or neglect, report to Adult Protective Services statewide, toll-free help line at 1-855-644-6277, contact your county Department of Job and Family Services, or use the Ohio Adult Protective Services Online Referral tool.  Use the Elder Abuse Reporting Checklist to gather and report information that will help investigators take action.

• Integrating with Family Collaboration: When addressing concerns about a designated agent, involve all interested parties to maintain transparency and avoid accusations of overreach. Reference the care plan and legal documents discussed earlier, ensuring any challenge to authority respects the framework your parents established. For example, if a sibling is the GDPOA agent but fails to fund home modifications outlined in a trust, use mediation (as outlined in your care plan) to address the issue before escalating to court. This approach reinforces teamwork while safeguarding rights and interests. By respecting the authority your parents have entrusted, while staying vigilant for signs of failure, you uphold their legacy and ensure their care aligns with their directives. If issues arise, our firm or another attorney can guide you through the legal maze to protect your loved ones.

•Involve Care Recipients in Planning When Possible: If your parents, for example, are still capable, include them in discussions to minimize trauma and clarify their wishes directly, updating documents like LWs or Advance Directives for Dementia as needed. This can preempt disputes and reinforce family unity.

•Develop a Comprehensive Care Plan Together: Work as a team to create a detailed care plan covering healthcare, finances, and living arrangements. If tensions run high, involve a neutral third-party like a mediator, geriatric care manager, or elder law attorney to facilitate. A key element to consider is a Private Care Agreement, a formal contract that outlines care responsibilities, expectations, duties, goals, and even compensation for siblings providing hands-on care. This can prevent resentment over unequal burdens by treating caregiving as an integral role, while permitting payment complying with Medicaid rules to avoid future penalties. Always cross-reference the plan with your parents' directives, such as a GDPOA for financial decisions or aging-in-place wishes in a trust, to ensure the plan respects their autonomy and avoids legal pitfalls.

•Determine Role of In-Laws Early:  The role of a parent's daughter- or son-in-law can be contentious, children often bristling at a brother-in-law or sister-in-law having any role whatsoever.  Every family dynamic is different, so address the issue early. Frankly, some families do a disservice to their efforts by summarily excluding in-laws from any discussion or consideration, and often act surprised when needs arise and in-laws previously excluded are "suddenly" unwilling to help. Navigate the waters early and develop an understanding that best serves the most vulnerable- the poerson for whom you are caring. 

•Respect Individual Roles and Strengths: Acknowledge that family members bring different skills to the table; one might excel at financial management via a GDPOA, while another handles daily caregiving. Assign tasks based on capabilities, availability, and proximity to minimize resentment. If a Private Care Agreement is in place, it can formalize these roles, providing structure and fair compensation. Remember to consult advance directives like an HCPOA or LW when roles involve medical decisions, ensuring no one oversteps boundaries that could lead to disputes or legal challenges.

•Prioritize Your Parents' Well-Being and Wishes: Shift the conversation away from "winning" arguments by centering on your parents' needs and preferences. Remind everyone that the ultimate goal is quality care, guided by their documented wishes, whether it's an Advance Directive for Dementia specifying care in cognitive decline or aging in place instructions in a trust or separate document. This focus not only eases tensions but also protects against future conflicts by providing a clear, legally binding roadmap.

•Seek Professional Guidance When Needed: If disagreements escalate, don't hesitate to consult experts like family therapists, geriatric care managers, or elder law attorneys. These professionals can mediate, assess care needs objectively, and help draft or review legal tools such as Private Care Agreements or advance directives. In my practice, I've seen how early intervention prevents small issues from becoming court battles, especially when directives like an HCPOA or GDPOA are unclear or outdated.  Approaching elder care with empathy, teamwork, and a commitment to your parents' legal directives can transform sibling challenges into opportunities for stronger family bonds and better outcomes. By incorporating Private Care Agreements and faithfully reviewing advance directives, you honor your parents' autonomy while safeguarding family harmony.

•Address Past Family Dynamics and Emotional Baggage: Unresolved childhood rivalries or longstanding resentments often resurface during caregiving. Consider family therapy early to unpack these emotions, as they can fuel conflicts over decisions like living arrangements or medical care.  This is especially relevant when interpreting ambiguous directives in a trust or GDPOA.

•Account for Geographical and Lifestyle Differences: Siblings living far away may underestimate daily demands, leading to friction. Use video calls or shared apps for transparency, and factor in proximity when assigning roles in a Private Care Agreement.  Also, discuss cultural or personal values that might influence views on aging in place versus facility care.

•Investigating and Deploying Technology for Safe Aging in Place: In addition to addressing sibling dynamics and legal directives, incorporating appropriate technology can significantly enhance your parents' ability to age in place safely and independently. I often recommend that families investigate tech solutions tailored to individual needs, such as mobility challenges, cognitive decline, or chronic health conditions. The key is a thoughtful approach: start by assessing specific care requirements through discussions with family, healthcare providers, or a geriatric care manager. Research options through reliable sources like AARP's AgeTech Collaborative or specialized blogs on aging technology, and always prioritize user-friendly devices that respect privacy and integrate seamlessly with existing care plans. 

When deploying tech, involve all interested and relevant family members to ensure buy-in, test for ease of use, and consider ongoing costs or training. Below, I outline key technologies, drawing from emerging trends like AI and smart home integrations, to support daily living while minimizing risks.

• Security Systems for Real-Time Monitoring: Smart security systems (e.g., ADT, Vivint), deploying video doorbells (e.g., Ring) or indoor cameras with motion sensors, allow family members to monitor a home remotely through phone or computer apps. These provide peace of mind by alerting siblings to unusual activity, like unexpected visitors or wandering at night—a common concern in dementia cases. Benefits include deterring intruders and enabling quick responses to emergencies. When investigating, look for systems with two-way audio for communication and end-to-end encryption to protect privacy. Deployment tip: Install with professional help to avoid overwhelming your parents, and tie alerts to a shared family app for coordinated monitoring.

• Medication Dispensing Machines: Automated pill dispensers, like those from Hero or MedMinder, organize medications, dispense doses at scheduled times, and send app notifications if a dose is missed. They track usage to prevent overdoses or over-utilization, which is crucial for parents managing multiple prescriptions. These devices can integrate with health apps to log adherence, reducing the burden on caregivers. Research models with tamper-proof locks and refill reminders; for deployment, sync with your parents' HCPOA or GDPOA to designate who receives alerts, ensuring compliance with their wishes.

• Passive vs. Active Fall Detection: Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults.  Fall detection and prevention tech is essential. Active fall detection requires user action, such as pressing a button on a wearable pendant (e.g., traditional medical alert systems like Life Alert), are suitable for alert individuals who can self-activate. In contrast, passive fall detection uses sensors, often in smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch), security systems, or home devices with AI, to automatically detect falls via motion changes or impacts, alerting emergency contacts without input.  Passive systems are ideal for those with cognitive impairments, as they don't rely on memory or manual effort. Investigate accuracy rates and battery life; deploy by testing in real scenarios and linking to a family response plan outlined in advance directives.

• Health Monitoring Devices: Wearable tech like Fitbit or Oura rings tracks vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and activity levels, flagging anomalies via apps.  For broader monitoring, smart scales or blood glucose monitors integrate with telehealth platforms for remote doctor consultations. These tools support proactive care, aligning with Living Wills or Advance Directives for Dementia by enabling early intervention. When researching, prioritize FDA-approved devices with data-sharing features.  For deployment, ensure data privacy complies with HIPAA and involve siblings in reviewing trends to avoid disputes.

• Other Technologies to Assist Aging in Place: Beyond the basics, consider these innovations to promote independence:

• Smart Home Devices: Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home control lighting, thermostats, and appliances hands-free, reducing physical strain and enhancing safety (e.g., automated lights to prevent trips). AI-powered companions, such as ElliQ robots, offer reminders, companionship, and even mood-tracking for those with dementia.

• GPS Trackers and Wander Management: Devices like AngelSense provide location alerts for parents prone to wandering, with geofencing to notify if they leave a safe zone.  Our family uses Life360, a phone application, so that we can find each other.  We receive alerts when a person arrives or leaves home, the supermarket, and/or the doctor's office.

• Telehealth and Virtual Care: Platforms like Teladoc enable video visits, integrating with health monitors for seamless care without travel.

• Hearing, Visual, and Cognitive Aids: Advance hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity or brain fitness apps (e.g., via Lumosity) address sensory losses, with AI adapting to user needs.  Meta AI glasses are being utilized to assist those with vision impairments. 

• Social Connection Tech: Video call setups or apps like GrandPad combat isolation, fostering family ties as per aging in place wishes in trusts.

By investigating these technologies, starting with a family tech audit, and deploying them thoughtfully, you can align with your parents' directives while easing sibling responsibilities. Remember, tech should complement, not replace, human care.  Consult an elder law attorney to integrate these into a Private Care Agreement or GDPOA for legal protection.

•Prepare for Specific Flashpoints: Conflicts often arise over issues like driving cessation, asset management, or end-of-life care. Proactively address these in the care plan, using tools like a geriatric assessment to provide objective data. 

•Monitor for Burnout and Self-Care: The primary caregiver sibling or spouse may face exhaustion, breeding resentment. Encourage regular check-ins and respite options, perhaps funded through a Private Care Agreement, to maintain balance. 

We are experienced in helping families like yours protect what matters most, from drafting Trusts, Private Care Agreements, Powers of Attorney, and advance directives, to reviewing existing documents for seamless aging-in-place planning. To learn more about how we can assist you, call our office at 330-896-09300 to schedule your complimentary strategy session with one of our team members. Let us help you find solutions to ease the task of caregiving. Take the first step toward peace of mind today!

Aging in Place: Multigenerational Living as a Strategy to Avoid Institutional Care and Support Family Caregiving

As the U.S. population ages, the desire to age in place—remaining in one’s home and community as one grows older—has become a priority for many older adults. According to a recent AARP survey, 77% of adults aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes for the long term, a trend unchanged for over a decade. However, rising healthcare costs, limited long-term care options, and the financial burden of institutional care (e.g., nursing homes costing over $100,000 annually) pose significant challenges.

A growing solution to these issues is multigenerational living, where families pool resources to care for aging loved ones at home. A recent article from National Mortgage Professional highlights this trend, noting that 17% of homebuyers in 2024 purchased multigenerational homes to reduce costs, care for aging parents, or accommodate adult children. This article explores how multigenerational living supports aging in place, aligns with elder law strategies to avoid institutional care spend-down, and strengthens family caregiving, with insights for Ohio residents.

Multigenerational Living: A Practical Solution for Aging in Place

The National Mortgage Professional article underscores a shift in homebuying trends, driven by economic and caregiving needs. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 36% of multigenerational buyers cited cost savings as their top reason, followed by caregiving for aging parents (25%) and supporting adult children (21%). Generation X buyers (36%) and Millennials (28%) are leading this trend, with some Gen Z buyers (44%) motivated by financial support. These homes often include features like mother-in-law suites or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), designed with grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, and zero-step entries to support seniors’ mobility needs.

Multigenerational living aligns with aging in place by allowing older adults to remain in a familiar environment while receiving care from family members. This setup contrasts with institutional care, which can deplete savings and disrupt emotional well-being. For example, the KFF Health News reports that 9 in 10 people find it “impossible or very difficult” to afford nursing home costs without Medicaid, and assisted living facilities average $54,000 annually. By sharing housing costs, families can redirect funds to home modifications (e.g., wider doorways, first-floor bedrooms) or in-home care services, enhancing safety and independence.

Elder Law Strategies: Avoiding Institutional Care Spend-Down

In elder law, a key goal is to avoid asset spend down, where seniors exhaust their assets in order to qualify for Medicaid, which covers long-term care but often requires institutional settings. Multigenerational living offers a financial and legal strategy to preserve assets while meeting care needs. By pooling resources, and aging in place, families can:

• Reduce Housing Costs: The Veterans United survey notes that multigenerational homes help families afford larger properties, lowering per-person expenses compared to separate households or senior living facilities.

• Delay or Avoid Medicaid Eligibility: Keeping seniors at home with family care reduces reliance on costly institutional care, preserving savings and assets for inheritance or other needs.

• Leverage Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Ohio’s Medicaid program offers HCBS waivers, such as the PASSPORT program, which funds in-home care services (e.g., personal care aides, meal delivery) for eligible seniors, supporting aging in place without institutionalization.

• Eliminate the Inherent risks of Institutional Care: Institutional care comes with some profound inherent risks, such as medical and non-medical mistakes, security risks, infection risks, and guardianship risks, most of which can be eliminated or reduced by aging in place (for a discussion regarding these risks, attend an Aging in Place Planning Workshop).

These strategies are not, however, without complications or risks.  Families should fully consider title, security, and ultimate disposition issues carefully before reflexively doing what comes naturally; how these issues are confronted and resolved have tax and legal implications for all concerned.  Effective elder law, financial and health care planning is critical to maximize these benefits. Families should:

• Consult an Elder Law Attorney: An attorney can structure assets (e.g., through trusts) to protect them from Medicaid spend-down while ensuring eligibility for HCBS.

• Consult a Financial Planner/Insurance Specialist: Effective financial  and insurance planning can help assure that you are maximizing your financial resources to age in place, and provide opportunities for alternative to institutional care or spend down at a time of need (e.g., long-term care insurance, short term disability insurance, home health care policies, or Advantage Plans with robust aging in place benefits such as "hospital at home").

• Draft Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives: These documents ensure fiduciaries can manage financial assets, and make health care decisions minimizing the risk of the legal system intruding into what otherwise a family might consider private decisions.

• Plan for Care Costs: The Center for American Progress notes that unpaid family caregiving, common in multigenerational homes, saves families from hiring professional caregivers, but supplemental HCBS can bridge gaps when needs escalate.

Family Caregiving: Benefits and Challenges in Multigenerational Homes

Family caregiving is the backbone of multigenerational living, with 63% of older adults receiving care from family, often in their 20s to 40s. The National Mortgage Professional article emphasizes caregiving as a key motivator for multigenerational buyers, particularly for aging parents. Benefits include:

• Emotional and Social Support: The Institute on Aging highlights that multigenerational homes reduce isolation, a major health risk for seniors, by fostering daily interactions and shared activities like cooking or storytelling.

• Cost-Effective Care: Family caregivers provide unpaid care, saving thousands compared to professional services. The AARP reports that 1 in 5 Americans is a family caregiver, with 40% caring for someone in their home.

• Flexible Care Arrangements: ADUs allow caregivers to monitor seniors closely while maintaining privacy, supporting both independence and safety.

• Preferred Treatment or Protection of Assets: One key Medicaid provision that highlights these benefits is the two-year live-in child caregiver exemption for home transfers, which allows certain family caregivers to receive the home of a Medicaid applicant without triggering penalties or asset recovery.

However, caregiving can strain families, especially women, who face a median wage loss of $24,500 over two years when providing intensive care. Challenges include:

• Emotional and Physical Toll: Caregiver.com notes that caregivers often experience fatigue, irritability, and lack of personal time, particularly in multigenerational households with multiple care recipients (e.g., grandparents and grandchildren).

• Role Negotiation: Families must define responsibilities, as some members may prefer hands-on care while others focus on chores or finances.

• Conflict Risks: Lifestyle differences (e.g., noise levels, guest policies) can spark disputes, requiring open communication.

To address these challenges, families can:

• Involve Capable Children and Grandchildren: Young family members can assist with light tasks (e.g., reading to grandparents), fostering bonds and easing caregiver burdens.

• Seek Respite Care: Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging offer respite services, allowing caregivers temporary relief.

• Use Technology: Technology can provide surprising solutions and necessary relief for caregiving burdens when employed properly.  More, use of technology can actually support cognitive health, and slow cognitive decline.

Practical Tips for Families

Assess Home Suitability: Use the National Institute on Aging’s Home Safety Checklist to identify modifications (e.g., stair railings, better lighting) for aging in place (make only necessary modifications to avoid unnecessary expenditures depleting funds for what may be alternate future needs).

Discuss Expectations: Hold a family meeting to clarify caregiving roles, financial contributions, and lifestyle preferences.

Incorporate Technology: Use technology where appropriate, and protect its availability and access by completing a Digital Asset Inventory, ensuring fiduciaries can act swiftly as needs arise.

Explore Housing Options: Consider ADUs or multigenerational homes with accessible features, as 59% of caregivers in the AARP survey value such designs.

Seek Legal Guidance: An Ohio elder law attorney can tailor plans to leverage HCBS, protect assets, and age in place.

Conclusion

Multigenerational living is a powerful strategy for aging in place, offering financial savings, emotional support, and caregiving flexibility. By reducing reliance on institutional care, families can avoid spend-down and preserve assets, aligning with elder law goals. However, success requires planning. In Ohio, leveraging programs like PASSPORT makes sense. As the National Mortgage Professional article shows, multigenerational homes are more than a trend—they’re a meaningful solution for families navigating the challenges of aging.

For some insight into the laws, rules and regulations governing ADU's in Ohio, go here and here.

Frequent Use of Technology Slows Cognitive Decline: Empowering Seniors to Thrive in a Digital Age

A recent Newsweek article boldly declared: "[o]lder adults who frequently use digital technology may experience slower rates of cognitive decline." The article continues, "sweeping new analysis challenges previous research that has suggested digital technology could reduce cognitive function as we age and instead suggests that use of technology may be linked to lower rates of cognitive decline in older adults."  

Far from being a hurdle, technology equips seniors with tools to improve health, safety, security, dining, and social connections, fostering independence and vitality. Below, we'll explore practical ways seniors can leverage technology in these areas, including passive fall detection and alert systems alongside active solutions, inspired by the study’s call for balanced tech adoption.

Health: Proactive Wellness with Digital Tools

Technology empowers seniors to monitor and manage their health effectively. Wearable devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch track heart rate, sleep, and activity, alerting users to potential concerns. Apps like MyFitnessPal support nutrition tracking, while telehealth platforms like Teladoc offer virtual doctor consultations, minimizing travel. 

Medication management apps, such as Medisafe, send timely reminders for prescriptions. Seniors can begin with one tool, like a wearable, and consult their healthcare provider to align it with their needs, ensuring a proactive approach to wellness.  Seniors can also share their technology experiences, and results, with others, helping foster a sense of community. 

Personal Safety: Enhanced Protection with Passive and Active Systems

Smart technology bolsters personal safety for seniors living independently. 

Passive Fall Detection:  Systems, integrated into devices like Apple Watch or specialized sensors from companies like SafelyYou, automatically detect falls and alert emergency contacts or services without requiring user action—ideal for those at risk of falls, or proactice seniors wanting a robust sense of safety.

Passive Alert Systems:  Embedded in smart home hubs and security systems, these applications monitor daily routines and notify caregivers if unusual patterns (e.g., prolonged inactivity) are detected. These systems work without the necessity of a user pushing a button, or remembering to wear a device or operate it properly. Working autonomously and "in the background," they offer comfort and saferty to both the healthy and well-oriented and the impaired or disabled.  

Active systems: Life Alert, Medical Alert, Lifeline, and others, allow seniors to press a button  to summon help instantly, or in the cases of voice activated home applications like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home, summon help verbally. 

Additional tools, such as motion-sensor lights and smart doorbells with cameras (e.g., Ring), reduce fall risks and enhance home safety. Seniors can start with a single device, like a smart speaker or fall detection wearable, and gradually build a comprehensive safety net.

Personal Security: Safeguarding a Senior 

Security systems and cameras are pivotal in supporting seniors who wish to age in place, offering safety, independence, and peace of mind for both the seniors and their families. These technologies enable adult children to remotely monitor their parents’ well-being and home security without being intrusive, leveraging advancements in smart home systems, AI, and connectivity.  These offer family members opportunities to support an independent senior, conveniently and capably. .  

Remote Monitoring for Safety and Well-Being: Modern security systems and cameras allow adult children, and grandchildren to check on their parents from anywhere—home, work, or on the go—using smartphones, tablets, or computers. This is facilitated by cloud-based platforms and mobile apps that provide real-time access to camera feeds and system alerts.

• Non-Intrusive Observation: Cameras with two-way audio and motion detection (e.g., Ring, ADT, Vivent, Arlo, Google Nest) can be placed in common areas like living rooms or kitchens, allowing children to "drop in" virtually without disrupting their parents’ routines. For example, children can view live feeds to ensure their parent is active or safe without needing to call or visit. Systems like Amazon’s Echo Show or Google Nest Hub also enable video calls where seniors can accept or decline, preserving their autonomy and privacy.

• Health and Activity Monitoring: Some security systems integrate with wearable devices or smart sensors (e.g., FallCall or GrandCare) to detect falls or unusual inactivity. If a senior hasn’t moved past a motion sensor in a set period, an alert can notify children to check in. This is discreet, as it doesn’t require constant video surveillance.

• Privacy Considerations: To avoid intrusion, cameras can be set to record only when motion is detected or during specific times. Privacy-focused systems allow seniors to disable cameras or set “do not disturb” modes. Clear communication about where cameras are placed and their purpose ensures seniors feel respected.

• Convenience and Accessibility for Remote Monitoring:  The design of modern security systems prioritizes ease of use for both seniors and their children, ensuring monitoring is seamless and non-disruptive.

• Mobile Apps for Remote Access: Systems like Vivent, ADT, Blink, Wyze, or Eufy offer user-friendly apps that let children check camera feeds, review recorded footage, or receive alerts from anywhere with an internet connection. For example, a child at work can quickly open the  app to confirm their parent answered the door safely or check if a package was delivered.

• Customizable Alerts: Families can set up notifications for specific events, such as motion in the backyard at night or a front door left ajar. This reduces unnecessary interruptions while ensuring critical events are flagged. For instance, SimpliSafe allows users to prioritize alerts (e.g., “urgent” for a door alarm, “informational” for a delivery).

• Voice-Activated Systems: For seniors, voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can control cameras or locks hands-free, reducing the need to interact with complex apps, devices, or keypads.  With many, a smartphone or doorbell can be linked to voice or facial recognitions so that  a senior can verbally open a door.  Children can also use these platforms to drop in via voice or video, making check-ins feel like a casual conversation.

Security Alarms and Fraud Prevention: Security systems are critical for protecting seniors from external threats, such as break-ins or fraudsters, while also monitoring home safety issues like doors left open. These systems provide real-time alerts to both seniors and their children.

• Doorbell Cameras for Fraud Protection: Video doorbells (e.g., Ring, Nest Doorbell) allow seniors to see and communicate with visitors without opening the door. Adult children can receive notifications when someone rings the bell and view the feed to identify potential scammers or unrecognized visitors. For instance, if a fraudster poses as a utility worker, children can intervene by calling their parent or contacting authorities. AI features in some doorbells can detect suspicious behavior, like loitering, and send alerts.

• Door and Window Sensors: Smart security systems (e.g., Vivent, SimpliSafe, ADT) include sensors that automatically lock doors, notify users if a door or window is left open, or is tampered with. This is particularly useful for seniors with memory issues who might forget to lock doors or secure windows. Children can receive these alerts via an app and remind their parent or take action remotely, such as locking a smart door lock

• Integration with Smart Locks: Smart locks (e.g., those with security systems, or stand-alone products from August, Schlage) allow family members to lock or unlock doors remotely if their parent is unable to do so or if a caregiver needs access. This ensures security without requiring the senior to manage physical keys.

Additional Benefits of Technology for Aging in Place: Beyond monitoring and security, these systems enhance seniors’ independence and quality of life:

• Emergency Response Integration: Many security systems connect to 24/7 monitoring services that can dispatch emergency responders if a fall or intrusion is detected. Children are notified simultaneously, ensuring rapid response even if they’re far away.

• Smart Home Integration:: Cameras and security systems often pair with other smart devices, like smart lights or thermostats, to create a safer environment. For example, motion-activated lights can prevent falls at night, and children can adjust settings remotely if needed.

• Data-Driven Insights: Advanced systems use AI to analyze patterns, such as a senior’s daily routine, and flag anomalies (e.g., no activity in the kitchen by noon). This helps children intervene proactively without constant monitoring.

Challenges and Solutions: While security and safety systems are powerful tools, there are challenges to consider:

• Technology Adoption: Some seniors may resist or struggle with new technology. The solution is to choose, at least initially user-friendly systems with simple interfaces (e.g., Ring’s plug-and-play cameras) and provide training or involve tech-savvy grandchildren to assist.  Don;t forget to encourage seniors that using tech may help them retain cognitive capability! 

• Privacy Concerns: Seniors may feel "watched" or "dependent."  Use cameras with clear indicators (e.g., lights when active), limit their placement to non-private areas, and involve seniors in setup and deployment decisions.

• Cost: Systems can be expensive, with cameras costing $50–$200 each and monitoring services adding monthly fees. Opt for affordable options like Wyze or Blink, which offer robust features without subscriptions, or prioritize key devices like a video doorbell and door sensors. Another strategy is to spend the money for a high-end system from a good security system provider (ADT, Vivent), take advantage of discounts, and terminate monthly monitoring as soon as possible. Having their tech supoport later may be worth the investment. 

Real-World Examples:

• Home Security: A senior’s Ring Doorbell detects a stranger at the door. The adult child, at work, receives an alert, views the feed, and uses two-way audio to deter the visitor, protecting their parent from a potential scam.

• Arlo Cameras with Motion Detepreventing a security riskction: Motion sensors in an Arlo system notice no activity for several hours, sending a notice to all users. A child checks the camera feed, and sees their parent on the floor, calling emergency services while heading to the home.

• Apple Watch Passive Fall Detection: A senior falls walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  The watch detects the fall, and notifies an emergency contact and local emergency services.  After the child rushes across town, she arrives to find that EMT has treated the parent and preparing for a trip to the local hospital yo make sure no injuries are severe.

• Life 360 Collision Detection: A senior is involved in a single car accident travelling from an event in the late evening. Life 360 detects the collision and notifies the family group and emergency services. 

• Door Sensors: A senior forgets to close the back door. The child gets an alert after 15 minutes, checks the parent's safety on a camera, and calls the parent to remind the senior to close the door, preventing a security risk  The child can lock the door remotely via a smart lock.

Security systems and cameras empower seniors to age in place by enhancing safety and enabling discreet, convenient monitoring by their children. Video doorbells, door sensors, and smart cameras provide real-time insights into home security and potential threats like fraudsters, while motion detectors and fall alerts ensure well-being. By prioritizing user-friendly, privacy-respecting technology, families can balance independence for seniors with peace of mind for themselves, all manageable from any location. For optimal use, families should select systems that align with the senior’s comfort level and involve them in the setup process to foster trust and autonomy.

Financial Security: Safeguarding Privacy and Finances

Cybersecurity is vital as seniors embrace technology. Password managers like LastPass securely store credentials, while apps like LifeLock monitor for identity theft. Seniors should activate two-factor authentication on banking and email accounts and explore free cybersecurity workshops through libraries or AARP to navigate the digital world confidently. These tools ensure personal and financial security without overwhelming users.

Food and Dining: Simplifying Nutrition and Social Engagement 

Technology streamlines meal planning and dining. Grocery delivery services like Instacart,  Amazon Fresh, or Uber Eats Delivery, bring ingredients to the door, while meal kit services like Blue Apron provide pre-portioned recipes tailored to dietary preferences. Apps like Yummly generate recipes based on available ingredients, and smart kitchen devices, such as Instant Pots, simplify cooking. Seniors can discover local dining deals via apps like OpenTable or join virtual cooking classes to make meal prep a social experience, fostering both nutrition and enjoyment.

 Avoiding Isolation: Fostering Connections Digitally

Social isolation is a pressing concern for seniors and their families, but technology can help bridge the gap. Video call platforms like Zoom or FaceTime connect seniors with loved ones, while social media like Facebook builds community ties. Online groups on platforms like Meetup offer virtual book clubs or hobby classes, and apps like SilverSneakers combine fitness with social interaction through virtual classes. Seniors can start with a weekly video call or join one online group, gradually expanding their digital social network to stay engaged and connected.

Getting Started: A Balanced Approach

To avoid cognitive overload, as cautioned in the Newsweek study, seniors should adopt technology incrementally. Begin with one tool—perhaps a passive fall detection device, an active alert system, or a video call app—and master it before adding others. YouTube tutorials or local senior center classes offer beginner-friendly guidance. Setting screen time limits and balancing tech use with offline activities, like reading or walking, maintains well-being. Family members can assist by setting up devices or teaching basic functions, ensuring seniors feel confident and supported. Tech-savvy grandkids can help teach grandparents and demonstrate technology and apps, fostering engagement, respect, and nurturing family bonds.  

  

Conclusion

Technology is a powerful ally for seniors, enhancing health, safety, security, dining, and social connections. From passive fall detection and alert systems to active Life Alert solutions, smart home tools, and virtual communities, seniors can live more independently and joyfully. The Newsweek study emphasizes mindful adoption, and by starting small and balancing digital and offline life, seniors can unlock technology’s full potential. Whether monitoring health, securing the home, or connecting with friends, technology empowers seniors to thrive in the digital era and age in place.

*For more on the study, visit [Newsweek’s article](https://www.newsweek.com/technology-reduced-digital-dementia-study-2058511).

Five Trends Driving Potential of Wearables for Older Adults

Laurie Orlov has identified five trends driving the potential of wearable technology for older adults.  Orlov is a tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate, and founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch (an excellent blog to which every reader should subscribe). 

Wearable technology is nothing new, perhaps, but application to and use by the older community has always been a question.  From activity trackers that gained popularity in the past decade, to introduction of smart watches by Apple in 2015, the adoption of wearables by older adults has continued to grow. New products, like the Oura Ring, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Active, or the Bose SoundControl hearing aid, continue to fuel interest in their potential for older adults.

The five trends she identified are:  

• Forecasts of purchases are rising. The analyst firm Gartner has predicted, in its January 2021 forecast, that worldwide end-user spending on wearable devices will reach $81.5 billion this year, representing an 18.1% increase over 2020, when spending reached $69 billion. The growth is being attributed to increased remote working and a higher interest in health monitoring.  According to Orlov, IDC forecast growth in hearables (397 million units) and smart watch shipments (156 million units) out to 2024, and an Apple Watch insider told her that 3-5 million Apple watches alone have been purchased by adults age 65+.

• Health-tracking devices and usage grew in 2020. According to Rock Health, 66% of those who started using a wearable did so to manage a diagnosed health condition.  And more than 51% of wearables owners use the device to manage a diagnosed health condition.  Specific health attributes included weight, heart rate, blood pressure. It should be noted data was collected prior to the 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns.

• Views on the patient's role in their medical are changing.  In 2013, Leroy Hood published a paper, “Systems Biology and P4 Medicine: Past, Present, and Future” that introduced the idea that patients had a role in their own care, saying that medicine should be ‘predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory.” That concept became a basis for the growing interest in the role of wearables as capable of assisting in all four attributes.  The public is taking a greater role, in part due to availability of devices that make them active participants, and in part as they discern their own specific goal and objectives regarding health care.

• Consumers show preferences about what to track.  Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, as of January, 2020, the Guidance for Wearable Health Solutions white paper noted that users of wearables were showing preferences about what to track, expressing, for example, interest in tracking blood pressure and heart health. 

• Growing consumer interest in actually utilizing wearable health solution information. Because individuals want to participate in their own health, they not only want to track, but also to share data with their doctor to help with a more accurate diagnosis. The Consumer Technology Association has been surveying consumers – and noted that even in February of 2019, 58% of consumers were willing to share health data with their doctor to gain a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Technology can be a game-changer for an older person's ability to age in place,  whether at home, in a community, with friends or family, or even in an institution.  Technology is persistent, does not become weary or burdened emotionally, physically, or mentally, and particularly where incorporated with robust human contact, interaction, oversight, and review, can empower choices that  simply are not otherwise possible.   

Hands-free Shoes Courtesy of Nike- The Aging in Place Connection

Go Flyease by Nike
image used under fair use

Nike has announced innovative hands-free shoes called Go Flyease. The CNN article,  "Nike Made a Hands-free Shoe and You Have to See it to Believe it," describes the new shoe:

"[I]t's Nike's first pair of lace-less sneakers that can easily be put on and taken off without using your hands. The casual shoe arrives at a time when people are touching fewer things during the pandemic and a revival of comfier counterparts that take minimal effort to take on and off...."  

The description and the video demo suggest that  donning the shoes is easy and comfortable.  These are not just traditional slip-ons, like slippers, moccasins, or crocs, which often require hands to either put on or adjust, and often fit quite loosely.  The shoe actually snaps in place around the foot when stepping into the shoe.  The article explains that:

"[t]he Go Flyease has unique features, including a tension band that secures the shoe in place of laces. Putting them on involves just stepping into the shoe so that it will snap into place. Taking them off is done by stepping on the heel." 

Aside from pandemic justification, the shoes make aging in place easier, permitting anyone to don or shed shoes without the assistance of another, and without the danger that often accompanies too loose fitting shoes, especially for folks with impaired sensitivity in their extremities. Reduced flexibility, injury, joint pain; all of these conditions sometimes make putting on and tying shoes difficult.  No longer will seniors have to accept the trade-off of a trip hazard for comfort, convenience and ease.  Congratulations Nike!  

The shoe is not yet available for order, but when it is available, you can order a pair here.  

ADT and Senior Helpers Team Up to Provide Aging in Place Support

Security Systems News reports that ADT, a leading security, automation and smart home solutions provider serving residential and business customers, has partnered with Senior Helpers, a provider of in-home senior care, and will introduce its medical alert systems to Senior Helpers clients.  The new partnership will provide seniors with additional safety and support, particularly when a Senior Helpers caregiver is not present.

“Our partnership with Senior Helpers will help provide additional safety and support for its clients who require a caregiver but who also want the freedom and independence to live in their own home, maintain and enjoy their current lifestyle and stick to a budget with no long-term contract commitments,” ADT’s Sr. Vice President of Emerging Markets, Jay Darfler, said in the announcement.

ADT’s medical alert systems also send notifications to Senior Helpers caregivers and designated family and friends in the event of a medical emergency and throughout the initial term of treatment until the customer is discharged.

“Providing peace of mind for our clients is very important, and we believe that this service from ADT is one that many of our clients will find attractive,” Senior Helpers CEO & Co-Founder Peter Ross said in the announcement.

Under the new partnership, Senior Helpers clients will receive preferred pricing for ADT Medical Alert Systems, including ADT Medical Alert Plus and ADT On-The-Go units.

ADT Medical Alert Plus provides a full in-home monitoring service that offers fall detection and home temperature monitoring, along with a wide monitoring range (600 feet from the base). ADT On-The-Go is a mobile option, and the systems also provide families and caregivers with options to monitor their aging loved ones remotely. The device has fall detection and GPS capabilities, and landlines are not required for either service.

For more information on ADT Health and Senior Helpers, visit www.adt.com/health and www.seniorhelpers.com.

Aging in Place: Medication Mischief Managed

Medication concerns are among the most common to cause people to consider or choose institutional care.  Failure to manage medication properly can lead to negative outcomes, disability, and loss of life.  The concerns are well justified.  Medication non-adherence (not filling prescriptions or missing dosages)  results in 10% of hospitalizations, 125,000 deaths, and costs the healthcare system up to $300 billion/year.  Consider that 1 in 5 Medicare patients are re-admitted to the hospital within 30 days after discharge – half of them because of medication non-adherence. In a study by Walgreens, researchers found that every 1% improvement in adherence saves about $50 in healthcare spending.

Technology and modern service-oriented solutions, however, increasingly offer medication management solutions.  Free apps, like Pill Reminder (iPhone) and PillsOnTime (Android) track doses to prevent non-adherence to a prescribed regime. Tracker by Medisafe (iPhone and Android), not only reminds you when it’s time for a refill but enables you to track vitals like blood pressure. Davis’ Drug Guide (iPhone) even contains detailed drug information for patients who have questions about a drug, the possible side effects, or its interactions with other medications.  Traditional retail pharmacies such as CVS, offer packaged medication helping to ensure that patients don't accidentally exclude a medicine from the regime.

For some individuals, a plastic 7-day pill container provides enough structure to enable them to manage their medications. For those who need additional help, technology-enabled containers help prevent both missing a dose or taking the wrong pill. Units are easily connected to the Internet for communication to caregivers about whether the unit was opened at the right time.

Some examples of possible solutions include:

• Tabtime Vibe Vibrating Pill Timer Reminder is a more modern version of the classic plastic pill case.  For less than $20, the Tabtime Vibe Vibrating Pill Timer Reminder has five compartments with different alarms that beep and vibrate when it’s time to take your medicine.

• PillPack (recently acquired by Amazon) delivers  packaged medication doses and has an accompanying app to track information about them. 

• Traditional retail pharmacies such as CVS offer packaged medication. 

• TabSafe is a dispenser and management system that  reminds the user, dispenses medications, alerts caregivers before a dose time is missed, and monitors adherence. TabSafe advertises that it improves medication adherence to over 96%.

• MedMinder is  an automated dispensing box that can be pre-loaded by the pharmacy.

• Guardian Angels HomeCare Medication Dispensing Management Solution (Personal Medication System) will automatically dispense medication and vitamins in accordance with your prescribed treatment program. This device is a low-cost, practical solution to ensure patients get the right dose of medications at the right time. When medicine is not taken within 30 minutes of the prescribed time, a care center is notified. A. representative will call to remind the patient to take their medicine. If the representative does not get a response from the patient, a caregiver or medical contact is then called to ensure adherence.

•  Philips Lifeline Automated Medication Dispensing Service permits a caregiver to load up to 40 days of doses which are dispensed in small cups at a cost of $59.95 per month.

The cost of these solutions are surprisingly reasonable. PillPack and MedMinder, for example, charge just the co-pay medication cost.  Regardless, there is little question that the peace of mind, security, and safety afforded these solutions are well worth the expense.

Aging in Place Wearables

ID 108749319 © Leowolfert | Dreamstime.com

Wearables are devices that hang around your neck, are strapped to your wrist like a watch, or are affix edin any fashion to your body or clothing.  These may collect and assemble data for a wide variety of purposes, for your own use, or the use by professionals. For those who see a wearable in a health context, they may be disappointed to learn that some doctors doesn’t seem to care or know what to do with your heart rhythm data, but you can benefit, nonetheless, from tracking your performance (exercise, heart rate), competing with yourself, and feeling the satisfaction from any improvement over time.  Simply, these devices, at a minimum can aid and encourage your efforts to live a more healthy lifestyle: 

• Wearables can measure your heart rate. Tracking heart rate is one of the most basic functions of wrist-worn wearables—and a basic element of tracking includes knowing the target (and maximum) heart rate ranges for your particular age group. The objective is to exercise to the point where your heart is beating at up to 85% of its capacity.  Seniors need to be aware that medications can impact heart rate, and for those starting out, focusing on the lower end of the range is safer.
• Wearables can track your exercise. Are you walking, running, swimming or doing an exercise that devices can detect as motion—and even count, as with steps? Whether you are exercising  to lose or maintain weight, or become or stay fit, the combination of motion and measured heart rate can be compared against goals and even recommended fitness levels. The goals can be entered into a smartphone application, such as Apple Health or Samsung Health, and the Bluetooth-synchronized device coaching feature will buzz and/or display encouragement as you move and as goals are achieved.

Wearables are often protective, safety, or security devices.  Probably the most well-known are devices that provide aid or assistance in the event of a fall.  Fall detection has been a feature of wearable Personal Emergency Response Pendants (or Medical Alerts) for the past decade. Increasingly, these devices automatically provide protection, rather relying upon the wearer to, for example,  press a button. These devices have a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope which are designed to be activated if you fall. These devices sometimes will automatically place a call to emergency services. These developments are attractive to seniors who live in retirement communities, live alone, or spend time alone such as while walking a dog or playing golf.  

Wearables can also help you findd where you’re going, ensure that you can be found by others, and can help prevent the fear and disorientation that comes with feeling lost. We are increasingly dependent on GPS location-tracking as part of mapping and directions. GPS location can be enabled in newer wearables, like Samsung’s or Apple’s. 

Some GPS wearables work independently from a smartphone or work even if the phone is turned off. A GPS-enabled device can be a lifesaver. When enabled and integrated with a service, for example, it enables responders to find your location and display that on a map. And if you lose or misplace the device, its GPS location capability can enable you to find it, similar to the Find my Phone feature.

As technology advances, wearables can provide more fundamental and necessary health information. FOR example, new wearables permit you to perform an Electrocardiogram (ECG). Checking for heart arrythmia is an even newer feature of wearables, and is included in the Apple Watch Series 4 and likely in a future Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. For individuals who are worried about abnormal heart rhythms, or AFib, which mostly affects those age 65+, these devices are useful and comforting. Experts have expressed cautious optimism, noting a high level of accuracy and ease of use.

Smartphone app integration is increasingly not required for these devices to perform capably, but integration can, nonetheless be useful.  For some wearables, the data collection from the device is collected and presented through an application on the smartphone—for example, Samsung Health or MyFitnessPal. The applications can be set up to enable you to be part of a tracking group, for example, comparing results. As with the Apple Watch (which is paired with a smartphone) or UnaliWear’s Kanega Watch (which doesn’t require a smartphone), the watch can be useful by itself—when the phone is turned off or there is no smartphone.

Emergency notifications can alert family, professional caregivers, or emergency services.  Although it may sound sensible to contact 911, those responders have complained about false alerts from accidental or incidental contacts. One firm, Fall Call Solutions, has created an app for the Apple Watch that will contact a screening call center first, as is done by MobileHelp Smart.    If you’re over 65, Apple Watch can notify emergency responders if you fall, as in a recent incident involving an 80-year-old woman.  After the product was launched, however, emergency responders expressed concerns about too many false calls.  The devices must be configured with a set of caregiving responders, which could include family, professional caregivers, or a call center.   That can be set up directly on a device or through the use of an app, like Fall Call’s Elder Check Now.

Wearables can be set up to share information with a doctor. For example, if a person has had heart trouble in the past, they may want the doctor to be informed. One of the concerns about health-related wearables is the role of the health provider. While the device can transmit information to your doctor, does the doctor even want it or know what to do with it?  Increasingly, these devices will become associated with a form of telemedicine, where the data is analyzed in real time, resulting in a doctor contacting you proactively in the event that data raises concern or suggests an emergent health event. 

Although there have been periods of pessimism about the staying power of wearables, most agree that they are here to stay—with a greater role in the future for baby boomers and beyond, whether they reside at home or in a senior living setting. Some think that baby boomers will drive market growth in 2019, with 8 million of those aged 55+ owning a smartwatch by the end of the year. One reason for a surge in adoption has been a drop in prices—some are now under $200. For the older adult, a wearable may help a person who lives alone feel safer knowing that a fall will be detected, or a useful warning will be provided, as in the case of irregular heart rhythms. 

Hearables are recent innovations designed to be more stylish than hearing aids and fit in or around the ear. Each of the functions, such as in-ear amplification, translation, fitness, predictive analytics, are available now, synchronizing activity data with a smartphone.

Smart clothing refers to any clothing item enhanced with some functionality-adding technology, including smart socks, smart shoes, active wear, and even a smart business suit.

Smart glasses may  help the legally blind actually see what’s around them.  Smart glasses can also perform just social or personal functions such as Snapchat smart glasses that can capture photos in real time and upload them to Snapchat.

Technology is providing solutions precisely at a time at which they are most needed.   

This article relies heavily upon "Can wearables help you be healthier and safer?" published on the 

Aging In Place Technology Watch, Industry Market Trends, Research & Analysis.