As an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Widener University, Monique Chabot
has a lot of experience working with older adults and helping them maintain their independence. With a clinical background in geriatric house calls, Monique has gone into the homes of older adults, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and adult day centers to provide rehabilitation and support for cognition. In these environments, Monique noticed that many of them were not always conducive to the needs of older adults, and sometimes even made things worse for them. This led her to pursue a clinical doctorate in occupational therapy and delve into the world of modifications and environmental design.
One area that Monique is particularly interested in is the use of technology and smart technology to support older adults. By designing environments that are more user-friendly and incorporating technology that can assist with tasks, older adults can maintain their independence and continue to do the things that are meaningful to them. However, Monique notes that it’s important to consider the individual needs and preferences of each older adult, as well as their ability to use technology. It’s also important to take into account the potential for technology to fail and have backup plans in place.
Technology that can be useful for older adults
Monique highlights a few specific examples of technology that can be useful for older adults, including wearable technology that can track falls and send alerts to caregivers, smart home technology that can automate tasks and make homes safer, and telehealth technology that can allow for virtual visits with healthcare providers. She also emphasizes the importance of considering how technology can be used to support caregivers, who may be struggling with their own physical and mental health challenges.
Overall, Monique believes that technology has the potential to greatly improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully and consider the individual needs and preferences of each person. By designing environments and incorporating technology that is user-friendly and supportive, we can help older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
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Meet Ryan Herd – he’s an accomplished author, patent holder, and TEDx speaker who has made a name for himself in the world of “smart” technology. However, his passion for this field goes beyond professional accolades. As a caregiver to his father, Ryan has firsthand experience of the challenges that caregivers face every day.
In response to these challenges, Ryan founded Caregiver Smart Solutions. Through his company, he offers a suite of tools designed specifically to help caregivers monitor their loved ones using non-invasive sensors. This approach ensures that proper care is always in place, giving caregivers like you more peace of mind and time back in your life.
Whether you’re looking to care for an aging parent or someone with a chronic condition, Caregiver Smart Solutions has you covered. Thanks to Ryan’s expertise and commitment to the well-being of caregivers and their loved ones, you can trust that you’re in good hands.
