Project Stay at Home Safely
Instructions : For this assignment identify 5 technology aids that could be implemented in Ms Platt’s home/daily routine to help monitor her safety needs. For each technology aid explain what the device does and relate it back to how this will be helpful to Ms. Platt/Lacey. Give one paragraph (minimum of 4-5 sentences) explaining and relating each device to Ms. Platt/Lacey.
Case Study: Ms. Kailyn Platt is an 83 y/o widow of 6 months who lives independently is a small, modest home. Since her husband’s death 6 months ago Ms. Platt’s daughter, Lacey, has noticed her mother is becoming more forgetful and appears lonely. Ms. Platt have 2 medications to take each morning and 1 each evening however, Ms. Platt sometimes to forgets to take her pills or mixes up the doses and times to take the medications. Lacey and her family live approx. 30 mins away from Ms. Platt. Lacey tries to visit 2-3 times a week to check on Ms. Platt and spend some time with her, but sometimes it is hard to balance between work and helping with her grandchildren. Ms. Platt has been asking Lacey if she can come by more frequently to visit. Lacey has thought of trying to move Ms. Platt to a nearby assistive living facility but Ms. Platt enjoys being in her home and does not want to move. Ms. Platt does not drive, but she is enjoys walking around her neighborhood and being outside working in her garden. Last week when Lacey came to visit at lunchtime on her day off the stovetop was still on from Ms. Platt preparing breakfast. When asked Ms. Platt said she was in a hurry to leave for her walk and forgot to turn it off. She also mentioned that her walk took a little longer than normal because she accidentally took a wrong turn. Lacey is looking for ideas of products she could use in Ms. Platt’s home to help provide a safe environment and give Lacey information about what is going on in the home.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Assistive technology can provide safety and support to older adults, allowing them to age in place comfortably. In this case, Mrs. Kailyn Platt is facing challenges in maintaining her safety and taking her medication, and her daughter Lacey is concerned about her mother’s well-being. This assignment aims to identify five technology aids that can be implemented in Mrs. Platt’s home to assist with monitoring her safety needs.
Answer:
1. Medication reminders: A medication reminder device can be useful for Mrs. Platt to remember to take her medication on time. The device can be programmed to sound an alarm or send reminders to help her take the right medication at the right time. This technology aid could reduce accidents due to medication errors and provide peace of mind to Lacey.
2. Smart stove shut-off system: A smart stove shut-off system can help prevent a fire hazard in the kitchen. The system can automatically shut off the stove if it detects that it has been left on for an extended period or when Mrs. Platt leaves the premises. This would ensure that Mrs. Platt is safer in her home, and Lacey can be at ease knowing that her mother is less vulnerable to kitchen fires.
3. GPS tracking watch: A GPS tracking watch can be useful for Mrs. Platt to monitor her location when she goes for a walk. The watch will record Mrs. Platt’s location, and Lacey can access this information on her smartphone. The GPS tracking watch can provide Lacey with peace of mind, knowing that she can locate her mother if she gets lost or disoriented.
4. Medical alert system: A medical alert system is useful for elderly individuals like Mrs. Platt, who may require immediate help in case of an emergency. The system can be connected to a monitoring center that can dispatch help when needed. This technology aid can provide Mrs. Platt and Lacey with the confidence that assistance will arrive quickly in case of an emergency.
5. Wireless doorbell with camera: A wireless doorbell with a camera can be used to monitor who is at the door before opening it. The camera system can be integrated with Lacey’s smartphone or other devices, allowing her to see and communicate with anyone at the door. This technology aid can help Mrs. Platt avoid unwanted visitors and increase her sense of security while living alone.
