We look at assisted living as a housing choice for older people and how this makes use of elderly assistive technology to promote a better quality of life in our later years.
There are a number of housing options available as we get older, offering different levels of support depending on our needs. Assisted living strikes a balance between independence and care, aimed at those who could be at risk of injury or illness but don’t need the medical attention or monitoring provided by a nursing or care home.
Assisted living housing often makes use of technology. With a range of equipment available, individuals are able to control what help they receive to live as self-sufficiently as possible.
What does assisted living mean?
Assisted living is for older people who need assistance with certain day-to-day tasks, such as dressing or bathing. Individuals are able to access personal care services while living independently in a home-like environment.
The Housing Learning and Improvement Network (LIN) defines key features of assisted living as “access to care services that can respond quickly to residents’ changing needs; provide unplanned care as and when required in addition to planned care; and provide an emergency response”.
Also known as extra-care housing, assisted living facilities are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They consist of private accommodation, such as a self-contained flat, as well as the use of shared spaces, such as lounges and gardens. There may be a catering service or communal dining.
Assisted living vs independent living vs nursing home: what’s the difference?
Assisted living, independent living and nursing homes are all housing options for older people. They cater to the needs of older adults but serve distinct purposes:
– Independent living (also known as sheltered housing or retirement homes)
Designed for people who want to live in a community with their peers and don’t need any assistance with day-to-day activities. However, there may be a warden who lives on-site or visits the site regularly. This offers a secure, self-contained environment with a range of facilities and events, so older people can retain their independence with easy access to help if there is a problem.
– Nursing homes
Delivers a higher level of care and medical supervision than assisted living. Residents generally have severe health issues or disabilities and may need assistance with nearly all daily activities. Nursing home staff include healthcare professionals, such as nurses, who can provide 24/7 medical attention.
– Assisted living
An alternative to nursing and care homes when independent living is not suitable. This offers a degree of hands-on care but in a self-contained, home-like environment for greater independence.
Services in assisted living housing
The level of care provided in an assisted living facility will depend on each person’s specific needs.
Specialist staff assist with tasks such as toileting, bathing, dressing, medication management, meal preparation and housekeeping. 24/7 emergency help is typically available through telecare services and there is generally an activities programme offering opportunities to socialise within the community.
The role of assistive technology for older people
Assisted living often makes use of technology to help older people manage their own health and wellbeing.
There are many elderly assistive technology options available, such as:
– Telecare devices – this includes wearable personal alarms and sensors in the property which send an alert if there is a problem or emergency.
– Smart Home devices – these can be installed to control lighting, heating and security to make daily living safer and more convenient.
– Telehealth services and medication management – this includes apps to remind people to take their medications and devices that monitor specific health indicators such as blood glucose levels, blood pressure or pulse rate.
These assistive technology devices for elderly people cover many different aspects of daily life. The common theme, however, is reducing reliance on others to give individuals more control over when and how they receive support.
How digital telecare supports assisted living
Digital telecare is a key option when considering elderly assistive technology.
There are many telecare devices and systems available. Traditionally, these have been used to deal with immediate problems and emergencies but can also provide proactive support. This means digital telecare is suitable for a range of needs, from those who need extra help with daily living activities to individuals with high dependencies.
For example, digital telecare can provide:
– Quick and reliable access help when there is a problem
Wearable personal alarms send an alert at the touch of a button while sensors, such as fall detectors or bed sensors, trigger an alarm if a problem is detected. These digital telecare devices connect to a monitoring centre in seconds, giving peace of mind that issues will be dealt with swiftly.
– Proactive monitoring services
These aim to anticipate and deal with health and wellbeing issues before they become more serious. Outgoing telecare calls offer regular wellbeing checks, medication and appointment reminders, and social contact. In addition, equipment such as bed, bathroom or door sensors can monitor behavioural patterns, flagging any changes that could indicate a potential problem.
– Increased security and safety
Video entry systems give people the reassurance of seeing who is at the door before letting them in, while other equipment, such as door sensors, can be used to send an alert if there are unusual patterns of behaviour.
– A way to stay more connected
Features such as video calling and Wi-Fi make it much easier to keep in touch with family and friends and stay up to date with the latest information. This can overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly for those who are less able to leave their home often.
It’s straightforward to tailor digital telecare services to meet individuals’ specific needs, making it a flexible solution for assisted living housing.
In addition, digital technology makes it possible to collect and analyse information on how people use these systems, with real-time access to a variety of health and wellbeing indicators. This builds a better understanding of what support is needed and when.
Assisted living for older people
As we age, it becomes important to find a way to balance our changing care needs, while ensuring we retain control over our lives.
Assisted living is one of a number of housing options, giving older people a way to maintain their independence, with the peace of mind that support is available at all times.
The use of elderly assistive technology complements the provision of assisted living facilities, as it allows us to better meet individuals’ differing requirements. This plays an important role in helping older people continue to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life throughout their later years.
Find out more about digital telecare and this can be used in supported housing environments to improve the safety and living experiences of older people.
