The Senior Scene

As loved ones age, new worries surface among their children and other family members. Is my parent safe at home alone? What if I can’t physically visit them as often as I should? VideoCare, by Assisted Living Technologies Inc. (assistedlivingtechnologies.com) provides an elderly person with a touch-screen system that requires no keyboard, mouse or technical skill to use. It’s a large touch-screen monitor with simple prompts and large visual icons for different functions. The user can be connected for a face-to-face visit, leave an email message by voice, view photos and videos sent by family, get reminders from a calendar or sent remotely, listen to music and even play games which help sharpen memory.

The Intellident Toothbrush Shield protects toothbrushes — and the mouths they go into — from germs and bacteria. The cover, available at Walgreens and other major pharmacy retailers, works like a surgical mask. It can replace caps and holders that trap bacteria, is effective for seven days and is easily disposable, according to its manufacturer. Information is available at toothbrushshield.com

There are times when using overhead lights or task lamps is not an option. Mr. Beams Stick Anywhere Night Lights are the solution, according to their maker, Wirless Environment (mrbeams.com). The company says its night lights are the most versatile LED lighting solution for areas where an outlet isn’t accessible. Featuring built-in motion and light sensors, Mr. Beams can be used to light stairways, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms and other areas of the home that need to be safely navigated in low-lighting situations. Powered by four AA alkaline batteries, the Mr. Beams Stick Anywhere Night Light provides 10 square feet of lighting coverage and can be installed in less than five minutes, with no electrician required. The light instantly turns on when it detects motion from up to 15 feet away. Available in three-packs and six-packs, the light sells for $39.99 and $54.99, respectively.

One way of taking care of an elderly person, especially those living alone, is with a medical ID bracelet.  Hope Paige Medical ID Marketplace offers what it calls fashionable medical accessories that blend in with everyday pieces and will only stand out to medical professionals in case of emergency. Each bracelet can be customized with an engraving on the back to alert EMTs to medical conditions and provide other information. Retail stores that sell the bracelets include Walmart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Albertsons, Amazon and Target. More information, including styles and a design-your-own option that includes cords and charms, is at www.hopepaige.com. Hope Paige is based in Pennsylvania.