Tech the Halls with Thoughtful Gifts: The Lutheran SeniorLife Holiday Guide for Loved Ones

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and who better to offer gift ideas for your loved ones than members of the Lutheran SeniorLife Technology Test Pilots?  Each month, members of the club, located in the Passavant Community, evaluate assistive tech devices designed for older adults. Recently, we met and selected a few of our favorites that may be the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite loved one!

Simpl Lift Music Player (smpltec.com)

Give the gift of music! This MP3 music player has been designed to be as easy to operate as possible for the end user. Simply lift the lever, and the music plays. One large button allows for skipping a song. The player is preloaded with big band tunes, but you can easily add the user’s favorite music.

Why we like it:

  • It’s very simple to use!
  • The sound is very good.
  • It’s customizable with the user’s favorite music.
  • Really good for those living with dementia, designed with safety in mind.
  • Highly recommend!

Sagely Pill Organizer with free App (livesagely.com)

Take the worry out of medication management! This pill box’s unique and innovative design includes large, clear, and detachable compartments that make pill loading easy and more accurate. A free companion app, available on iOS or Android, will sound an alarm and notify you when it’s time to take your pills.

Why we like it:

  • Nice to set up.
  • Easy to use, cost-effective!
  • It is good for those managing their own pills and is inexpensive.
  • Easy to use, can download the app for additional support and reminders.

TV Ears/TV Soundbox (tvears.com/sereneinnovations.com)

Enjoy watching and listening to your television! TV Ears provide a clearer and richer TV listening experience. The wireless headset with noise-reducing foam ear tips weighs only two ounces and offers voice-clarifying circuitry.

The TV Soundbox is a portable, wireless TV speaker that allows you to bring sound closer to you – the device can be placed next to you anywhere in your home.  It is portable, powerful, and offers very clear sound. Set- up is very easy.

Why we like them:

  • The Soundbox is a good option if you wear hearing aids.
  • You can carry the Soundbox with you into other rooms.
  • Both are very easy to use.
  • TV Ears brings the sound directly to your ears, so others don’t hear the volume as loud.

Calendar Clock/Day Clock (Amazon.com)

This large, easy-to-read digital clock displays time, day, and date without abbreviations to reduce confusion. It is designed with durable materials, is easy to set up, and includes customizable alarms and a dimming feature. It is available in three sizes: 8″, 12″, or 15″.

Why we like it:

  • It is very practical!
  • Great font size, nice and basic.
  • Good for both vision and memory.
  • Helps keep you oriented.

Wireless, Remote Doorbell (Amazon.com)

Be alerted to visitors at your door without compromising on privacy.  A wireless, remote doorbell can alert you with both visual and auditory notifications.  It requires no wires, Wi-Fi or subscription plan.  Choose a tone and light color that works for you.

Why we like it:

  • It is practical!
  • A great idea.
  • Easy, inexpensive and useful!
  • Very helpful for anyone who is hard of hearing.

FireAvert Auto Stove Shutoff (fireavert.com)

Gift your loved one safety and peace of mind this holiday season! FireAvert is an innovative safety device aimed at preventing kitchen fires, particularly those caused by unattended stoves.  How does this work?   When food begins to smoke, your fire alarm will sound, and the stove will shut down.

Why we like it:

  • Practical and safe for those at high risk.
  • I love this for fire safety!
  • Very smart fire prevention device.
  • Available for both electric and gas stoves.

Specialty Telephones: Captioned, Amplified, Picture phones, Senior Friendly Smart Phones

Finally, stay connected to your loved one.  A meaningful call from a friend or family member can brighten anyone’s day.  Help your family member enjoy and participate in these calls with a device that amplifies, clarifies, or makes connecting easier.  We’ve found the following products to be helpful with staying in touch:

  • ClearCaptions Captioned Telephone
  • Clarity Alto Extra Loud, Big Buttoned Telephone
  • Future Call Picture Phone
  • Lively! Smart or Flip Phone
  • Raz Mobility Memory Cell Phone

These assistive devices are a sampling of the many technology products available for older adults. Lutheran SeniorLife does not sell any products, but if you would like help finding a products, please call Sharon Whalen, SilverSmart Program Coordinator, and she will help you with choosing the best product to meet your needs.

Sharon Whalen

Sharon.whalen@lutheranseniorlife.org

(724) 452.3619