15 Best Technology Devices for Seniors Made Easy: 2020 Review 1 “ Instead of using technology to automate processes, think about using technology to enhance human interaction.” – Tony Zambito The Promise of Technology for Seniors Technology for seniors. To some, it may sound like an oxymoron. But more and more, technology is helping seniors to achieve their goals. Technology can help seniors and others: • Alleviate social isolation, increase connectivity, and enjoy a sense of community • Remain independent and able to thrive at home—wherever that may be • Adhere to medication dosages and schedules • Keep track of appointments and important dates • Stay safe and prevent falls 2 At Homethrive we constantly research, test, and review new technologies that help seniors to thrive at home. New and updated products are entering the market all the time. When they do, we’ll review those too! Wondering what the best technology choices are for you or your aging loved one? It depends on your needs. What’s best for you may not be optimal for someone else. Whether you have an advanced understanding of all-things- tech or you prefer it made easy, this eBook can help. In it, we’ve reviewed 15 top technological gadgets and devices for 2020 that can help you and/or your aging loved one. We’ve divided the book into five categories with three technologies highlighted in each: For each of the technology categories we’ve tested and • Smart Speakers reviewed, we will: • Tablets • Define and explain the terms used • Medication Management Equipment • Describe the technology and Technology category • Home Monitoring Systems for Seniors • Offer several benefits • Wearables (pros) • Provide a few drawbacks Click on any of the bullets above to (cons) jump to that section of the eBook. 3 Smart Speakers Homethrive Cares™ Review A “smart” speaker is a type of speaker and For 2020, we reviewed the following voice command device that allows hands-free smart speakers: activation. Some smart speakers also include • LifePod a screen, which is called a smart display. Smart speakers can allow users to hear the weather, • Google Assistant listen to music, set a timer, make hands-free • Amazon Alexa phone calls, or receive a medication reminder. Click on any of the bullets above to jump to that section of the eBook. 4 Smart Speakers A Few Definitions and Explanations Alert: a response to a voice command, such as Routine: a group of customized activities that getting a text or notification you can control with a single command, such as “Alexa, end my day;” the smart device could Entertainment: on smart speakers–news, music, respond by turning off the light, reading a audio books, jokes, podcasts, games; with smart bedtime story, and starting a sound machine speaker screens–also movies, videos, TV shows, noise, such as rainfall—almost simultaneously; video games Or it could check-in on a senior, ask about taking GPS: global positioning system; a navigational medication, remind about getting the mail or system using satellite signal to fix the location drinking adequate water. These reminders can of a device to detect its location be set by a Care Guide through a website portal Home Automation: special light bulbs, electric Skills: similar to an application or app (Amazon’s plugs, thermostats, and cameras that you can Alexa includes “skills”); these are voice capabilities control remotely from a smart speaker or other that might include checking the weather, playing smart device, such as a smart phone a game, listening to a joke, or accessing music; the tech-savvy can also create their own skills Natural Language: the way people talk rather than formal written language; conversational Smart Display: a screen on a smart speaker Portal: a website in which a Care Guide or Video Call: a voice call in which you can listen, caregiver can define routines, set check-ins, speak, and also see a person on a smart display or retrieve information Voice Call: a phone call in which you can hear Proactive Voice: a smart speaker that will act and speak to the person as desired without a user having to activate it Voice Search Capabilities: the ability to search with a voice command the web using a voice command as opposed to Reactive Voice: a response to a specific user typing the word or phrase in a browser command or prompt Wake Words: a word or phrase that activates a Reminder: a scheduled alert, such as a daily smart speaker; for example, this could be “Alexa” reminder at 8am to take a medication or a or “Hey, Google” scheduled audio command to get ready for an appointment on a given day 5 Smart Speakers Nav FooterLifePod is a smart speaker that acts as a Google Assistant is Google’s virtual assistant that personalized caregiver. Throughout the day, can be used on a smart phone, tablet, or smart LifePod initiates conversations that you or speaker. Google has also launched its assistant another caregiver schedule and personalize in a variety of products, including refrigerators, for your loved one. If your loved one says televisions, headphones, and cars. anything that suggests something may be wrong, LifePod will immediately send you Pros alerts via text. • Conversational and adapts to how a person A LifePod is included with a Homethrive talks Unlimited membership. In that case, the • Comprehensive search capabilities that make family’s Care Guide can set the routines it easy to find the answers you’re seeking and get the alerts. • Excellent GPS navigation Pros Cons • Proactive voice and ability to get alerts • Single wake word (phrase) • Gives Care Guide or care team the ability • Requires a lot of personal data for it to work to set routines and reminders optimally • Requires minimal effort by the senior • Smart phone required Cons • Reminders can only be set on the website portal • Entertainment is limited to news, music, and weather • Can’t be used for calling 6 Smart Speakers Amazon offers a variety of smart speakers. Pros They come in many different shapes and • Can set reminders without going to a website sizes—from a small “Dot” speaker to a or portal tablet-sized screen. Features include entertainment, communication, smart home • Full access to Alexa’s comprehensive skill library connection, shopping, and productivity • Ability for voice calls and, when smart speaker tools like reminders, calendar capabilities, screen is available, video calls list management, and more. Cons • Requires an Amazon account • Must be plugged in; doesn’t have an internal battery • Number of features can be overwhelming Price and Key Features Smart Speakers Price Key Features Nav $49.00/month Proactive voice (Free for Homethrive Unlimited members) Remote programming Footer Conversational $49.00 - $299.00 Excellent search capability Multitude of capabilities $49.99 - $249.99 Entertainment options 7 Tablets Homethrive Cares™ Review A tablet is a portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device. As a computer, it can achieve a broad range of functions without being tied to a heavy laptop or stationary desktop computer. It can be navigated without key strokes (typing). For 2020, we reviewed: • Breezie • GrandPad • iPad/Android Tablet Click on any of the bullets above to jump to that section of the eBook. 8 Tablets A Few Definitions and Explanations App: short for application Application: a computer program designed and written so that a user can achieve a specific purpose; applications can be on a computer, tablet, or smart phone Data Plan: an agreement between a mobile carrier (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, etc.) and a customer that specifies how much voice, video, music, text, and/or video game data can be used for a given price Hardware: the machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer, tablet, or phone Icons: a symbol or graphic representation on a tablet or other screen Remote Control Management: the ability to control a device from another location Wi-Fi: wireless networking technology that provides wireless high-speed internet and network connections instead of using a data plan or wires 9 Tablets Breezie is a solution created for seniors to use GrandPad is a touch-screen tablet designed on Samsung tablets. for older people. The interface consists of It is designed to make it as easy as possible for big buttons and text. Family or caregivers an older adult to navigate, from big icons to can connect with the senior through the functionality that can be limited. Each device companion app where they can adjust can be personalized to suit the individual’s settings, make calls, and share photos. preferences, comfort level with technology, Features include voice and video calling, and physical and cognitive abilities. email and messaging, photos and camera, music, and games. Breezie can be set up to have apps and media that match your loved one’s hobbies and location. Pros For example, for someone who loves to read, • Designed for seniors with big buttons and Breezie can have multiple avenues to access easy use free books online. • Simple charging with included base; no Pros need to plug it in • Ability for caregiver to manage remotely • Communicating with loved ones is very easy • Can be personalized to hobbies, interests, Cons and location • Limited customizability • Support team will troubleshoot remotely • Requires ongoing data plan (ongoing cost) Cons • Tablet itself is fairly small • Navigational buttons, such as “home” and “back” (standard in Samsung) are small; may be difficult for seniors to see/use • Charging device can be challenging because of small charging port • Call functionality is limited to Skype 10 Tablets For those who want more flexibility, more Pros capability, or who are more comfortable with • Unlimited features and functionality technology, iPads and Android tablets can be a great solution.