eCareDiary attended its second Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Silvers Summit in Las Vegas this week and learned about numerous new technologies designed to help caregivers and their loved ones live safer and healthier lives. The devices range from senior friendly computers to automatic fall detection devices to robots for the home. Without question, cutting edge technology for seniors is emerging quickly and becoming more user-friendly.
This was my first time at CES since Susan Baida attended last year. It is an amazing, and at times overwhelming show, with over 2,500 exhibitors and over 125,000 attendees. What has become clear is that CES is no longer just about the latest, greatest TV, iPhone or computer. Healthcare and senior care are an integral part of the show and their presence will be increasing over the next few years.
This conference was so vast with so many new technologies we will be doing a multiple part series on CES. Part 1 of the series will focus on senior and caregiving technologies, Part 2 will focus on some of the takeaways from the Silvers Summit and Part 3 will focus on general healthcare technologies.
Since eCareDiary is dedicated to seniors and caregivers, I will focus this review on new technologies relevant to managing care for aging loved ones.
1) Telikin is a new computer specifically designed for seniors. It operates with touch screen technology, has large easy to read icons and is generally very user friendly. The features include e-mail, video chat, photo sharing, games, and internet access. It also offers a 24/7 tech buddy which will help anyone with a Telikin that has questions or problems. This computer is great for first time computer users or veteran users with dexterity issues who can no longer use a regular keyboard and mouse. The Telikin retails for $699 and can be purchased at www.telikin.com.
2) Vgo is a home robot that allows you to monitor your home even when you are in another location. The Vgo allows you to see, hear, interact and move around with the person remotely. It is the result of 2 years of research, product development and trials. The Vgo is 4 feet tall so it works well for people who are standing and sitting. To learn more about the Vgo and how to get one, visit their website at www.vgocom.com.
3) Paro is an advanced therapeutic animal robot from Japan. Studies have shown that pets reduce stress for care recipients and caregivers. Paro is designed to be a pet-like robot that can be used in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities where animals are not allowed or not practical. Paro is starting to be made available for home use as well. For more information, visit the Paro website at www.paro.com.
4) LifeComm is a new personal monitoring device that includes sensors, GPS, and voice recognition. It is the next generation of home protection and monitoring devices. One big difference with LifeComm from other devices is that it is designed to be nice looking and stylish. It currently comes in a pendant version but will soon be available as a wrist watch. LifeComm is a partnership between Hughes Telematics Inc., Qualcomm and American Medical Alert Corp.
5) Presto is a computer less e-mail system that allows family members to send messages, photos and other items to loved ones without a computer. It does this by allowing you to setup a mailbox and connecting a printer to your home phone. It is a perfect way to connect with seniors who don't own a computer. Presto costs $49.99 and a $12.50 per month service fee. Learn more at www.presto.com.
Some other technologies that were reviewed by eCareDiary at last year's CES that we still are very high on include:
Dakim Brain Fitness a fun and challenging brain training system that helps seniors combat dementia. Their system is supported by research published in numerous medical journals stating that frequent participation in cognitive activities substantially reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s/dementia. Dakim has been around since 2002 mostly in senior living facilities and is now offering their software program to consumers at a retail price of $249 plus monthly service fees. They also sell a laptop style unit including the software for $2,349. To learn more, visit www.dakim.com
TabSafe is a medication dispensing device that promotes medication adherence. It provides reminders and alerts if medications are not taken. The modular design allows expansion of unit and multi-dose cartridges. The device feeds information on medication adherence to reports that can be retrieved online. www.tabsafe.com
Jitterbug Cell Phone has been around since 2006 offering a simplified cell phone with larger buttons and bigger numbers for seniors and baby boomers. In partnership with Samsung, they just launched Jitterbug J, an enhanced version with a package of new services including LiveNurseTM which gives customers 24/7 access to a live registered nurse. They have a 30-day return policy and their plans start at $14.99 a month plus the cost of the phone. For information, visit www.jitterbug.com.
