Naturally, you'd like your parents to be able to stay in their home forever. But you worry -- that they'll fall, forget to take their meds, or just run into trouble and need assistance. Over the past few years, inventors have been devising gadgets designed to help keep elderly parents safe at home while you or a caregiver keep an eye on them from afar.
Not all gadgets are created equal -- and some come with a hefty price tag -- but those listed here really are breakthroughs. Take a look at some of the recent inventions that may make you and your elderly parents feel more at ease. (Note: Some of these devices aren't yet commercially available but will be soon.)
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E-Neighbor System
This system is programmed to detect unusual activity in the home. A shower left running or a fridge that goes unopened for a day could trigger a phone call to you or a caregiver. (Expect to spend about $300 for wiring and equipment and $20 per month for emergency call center service; www.healthsense.com)
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Magnetic Induction Cooktop
It prevents burns and house fires by using an electromagnet to cook food rather than gas flames or electric heat. The cooktop will only get hot when an induction-compatible pan is placed on it. Take the pan off, and no more heat is produced. (From $159; www.sunpentown.com)
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Fall Monitoring System
If your elderly parent falls, floor sensors transmit the information to a personal computer, which sends an alert to you or another caregiver. (Available in 2008 from Home Guardian, 434-975-4208)
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VideoEye
A camera magnifies text and displays it on a computer monitor so that elderly with poor vision can write a check, peruse the morning paper, use a phone book, and read the fine print on their prescriptions.($1,850 to $3,800; www.videoeye.com, 800-416-0758)
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Smart Bed
Wireless sensors in the mattress check up on your parent during the night, measuring pulse rate, breathing, and restlessness. The data is sent to your computer, making it easier to monitor your parent's health. (Approximately $1,000; Home Guardian, 434-975-4208)
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Automatic Pill Dispenser
A computerized pillbox gadget dispenses up to ten prescriptions right on schedule. It will also notify you when a refill is needed or when it looks like your parent hasn't taken the medication. ($800 to $1,000; www.inrangesystems.com)
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BioSensor Wrist Watch
Built-in sensors in this gadget monitor your parent's movements, stress level, and heart rate. The watch sends you an email, text message, or instant message when it looks like there might be trouble. (From $1,000; www.exmocare.com)
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Temperature-Activated Flow Reducer
It's relatively low-tech, but this gadget sure does work. A screw-on faucet attachment prevents burns by shutting off the water from a sink or shower if it gets too hot. ($37; www.alzstore.com)
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Personal Emergency Response System
These home devices -- also called emergency medical response systems -- connect your parent to a 24-hour call center with a push of the button. The transmitter can be worn on a neck pendant or bracelet, and it sends a signal to the call center via a receiver that's connected to your parent's home telephone line. Your parent can push the button after a fall or any kind of emergency, and the call center will contact you and/or emergency personnel as appropriate. (PERS can be purchased or leased and prices vary widely. Expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,500, plus a small monthly monitoring fee, if your parent wants to own his system. Rentals, which usually include monitoring, average $15 to $50 a month.) There are lots of companies selling PERS; to find one in your area, do an online search that includes term PERS or emergency medical response system and your state or region.
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Doorbell/telephone flashing-light signaler
If your parent is growing hard of hearing, a device that enables a ringing doorbell or phone to trigger a flashing light -- which can include existing house lamps and special strobes for rooms where lamps aren't generally used -- can make all the difference. ($70 and up for doorbell only; $110 for doorbell and phone) Search online using terms such as doorbell, hard of hearing.
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