What Are The Best Assistive Technology Devices for the Elderly in the UK?

As we get older, simple tasks around the home can become more challenging. Whether it’s due to a decline in health or the natural changes in mobility that come with age, what used to be part of our everyday routine can suddenly feel much harder to do. 

The good news is, there’s a wide range of technology designed to make it easier to stay comfortable in your own home.

Assistive technology for the elderly is quickly on the rise, offering devices designed to make life safer and more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best options available in the UK and show you how they can make everyday life much easier.

‘Assistive technology’ refers to devices designed to help people with disabilities or health conditions carry out tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

The UK government defines assistive technology as ‘products or systems that support individuals with disabilities or impairments to carry out everyday functions.’

This includes medical devices, like hearing aids and wheelchairs, but can also extend to non-medical tech. For example, smart home devices – like voice-activated lights or app-controlled ovens – can be great for those with limited mobility or other age-related challenges, helping them continue living at home without issue.

Why is assistive technology important for seniors?

Assistive technology plays a big role in helping older adults maintain their independence. These devices can provide the support needed to continue with everyday tasks, improve safety, and even enhance social connections with those around you.

Here are some of the key groups assistive technology can be helpful for:

• Dementia or Alzheimer’s – This technology can help patients keep track of daily routines and offer reminders for medication or appointments.
• The deaf or hard of hearing – Devices like hearing aids, visual alarms, and video calling apps allow seniors to stay connected and aware of their surroundings.
• The blind or visually impaired – Assistive tech like screen readers or voice-activated lights can help with everyday tasks.
• People with arthritis or mobility challenges – Devices like grab bars make living at home safer, with less risk of falls and injury.

Types of assistive technology

Assistive technology comes in various shapes and sizes, designed to make different aspects of daily life easier. Here are some of the main examples of assistive technology:

• Mobility devices

These are designed to help you move around the home and keep you as safe as possible. Whether you rely on a walker, wheelchair, or motorised scooter to get around, mobility devices can help you stay active at home and within your community, while also maintaining independence.

• Communication devices

Communication is key to maintaining social connections as you age. Devices like hearing aids, amplified telephones, or even whiteboards allow you to communicate with loved ones and caregivers more easily. Video calling devices can also play an essential role in keeping you in touch with your family, especially if limited mobility makes getting to them in person difficult.

• Memory aids

Memory loss is common as we age, but assistive technology can help reduce the effects. Devices like smart clocks or message reminders can help seniors stay on top of tasks like taking medication or remembering appointments, which can also offer peace of mind to caregivers.

• Sensory devices

Sensory devices help improve the quality of life for those with hearing or vision impairments. These can include visual alarms and vibrating watches for those with limited hearing, or voice-activated assistants for the visually impaired.

• Safety devices

Safety is a top priority for seniors, especially since falls and at-home accidents are much more likely as we get older. Items like personal alarms and home monitoring systems help keep older adults safe. These devices can alert family members or emergency services if help is needed.

The top 5 assistive technology devices for the elderly at home

As you age, staying in the comfort of your own home can make all the difference to your confidence, health, and happiness.

Assistive technology can make living independently a reality for many older adults, saving you money on care home fees. Whether it’s making sure your home is as safe as possible, improving your ability to communicate with others, or simply making daily tasks more manageable, these devices are essential if you plan to continue living at home.

Here are the five top assistive technology devices:

1. Visual aids

Cognitive impairments, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, are unfortunately more common with old age, which is where having visual aids around your home can be a blessing.

For example, devices like digital photo frames encourage interaction and memory recall. Having a visual representation of your loved ones on hand can help you stay connected with your past and the people in your life. Unlike regular photo frames, these allow you to change the images regularly, or even set them to scroll through a selection automatically. This means you can keep your family photos updated, which is vital if you or a loved one has a degenerative condition.

In addition to digital frames, there are smartphone apps specifically designed for those with memory issues. These apps encourage you to talk about and reflect on your past experiences and organise photos by year, which can help to keep your memory sharp.

 

For more support when caring for someone with a cognitive impairment, see our blog on home adaptations for dementia.

2. Item locators

Misplacing your keys, phone, or glasses is a common frustration at any age, but it can become more of an issue as we age. Item locators are a simple yet brilliant solution. 

They work by attaching a small tracker to the items you use daily so they can easily be found. If you’re struggling to find something, you can use the mobile app that pairs with the tracker to locate it – usually ranging from around 10 metres indoors up to as much as 30-45 metres when outside!

Not only does this reduce the stress of searching high and low, but it also helps you stay independent, as there’s no need to rely on someone else to help look for lost items.

3. Personal help alarms

Personal alarms are excellent safety devices that can make a big difference if you’re living alone. These alarms are available as either a wearable pendant or bracelet. With the push of a button, the wearer can alert emergency services or a designated contact for help. Some more advanced models even have two-way communication, letting the wearer explain their situation or ask for advice.

These alarms provide peace of mind and reassure your loved ones that help is just minutes away in case of a fall, sudden illness, or emergency.

4. Memory aids

Memory aids are especially valuable for older adults, particularly those with dementia or age-related memory decline. These devices help remind individuals of daily tasks and important activities, making it easier to stay on track with their routines.

For example, motion sensor memo reminders can be fitted by doors, prompting a recorded message to be played as you walk past, like a reminder not to leave the house once it’s dark, or prompting you to make sure you have your keys before you head outside. Memory aids can also be used for medication reminders, appointments, or simple everyday tasks like locking doors behind you.

5. Communication assistance

1 in 14 older adults report feeling lonely, demonstrating how crucial it is to maintain a strong social life as we age. However, keeping in contact with loved ones can become more challenging if you have hearing or vision impairments.

If you struggle with poor eyesight, devices like adapted telephones come with larger buttons, louder ringtones, and even emergency buttons for quick assistance. For those with hearing impairments, there are telephones with visual displays or amplified sound to make conversations easier.

There are also non-digital options like picture cards, which can help people who struggle to speak engage in conversation with friends and family.

Other ways to make life at home easier with age

While assistive technology can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life, there are other adaptations you can make to help your home support your needs as you age.

Here are some simple changes you can consider:

• Install handrails – Placing handrails in key areas like the bathroom, stairs, and hallways can provide extra support when moving around, reducing the risk of falls.
• Fit a home lift – These can help you travel between floors without needing to use the stairs, making use of your entire home while keeping you safe.
• Widen doorways – If you’re using a wheelchair or walker, widening doorways can make it much easier to access every room comfortably.
• Use ceiling light cords – Install ceiling lights with longer cords, meaning you can easily turn them on and off without straining to reach switches.
• Invest in a height-adjustable bed – These beds let you control their height, making it easier to get in and out.
• Fit non-slip flooring – Consider replacing slippery carpets or tiles with non-slip flooring such as rubber, cork, or matte-finish tiles to reduce the chances of falling over, especially in high-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Transform your home with Stiltz

Making minor adjustments to your home can make a huge difference in helping you stay independent. From smart devices to mobility aids, the right changes mean your home will adapt to your needs as you age.

If you’re ready to transform your living space, explore the range of Stiltz home lifts, including the standard Duo model and the wheelchair-friendly Trio.

Contact us today to learn more, or browse our blog for more inspiration on ageing in place.