Enhancing Home Care Support through Assistive Technology
Guest Article from Maor Tsitrin, Marketing & Communications Assistant at Victoria Lifeline
When considering home care, we often associate it with care providers who visit the home to help clients by preparing meals, performing light housekeeping, and providing general care.
However, it’s also important to consider assistive technology and supportive equipment as part of a comprehensive home care strategy for those who wish to age in place. From mobility aids to smart home devices, assistive technology helps older adults and people with disabilities live safely and independently at home. These tools not only support daily living but also empower individuals to maintain confidence and control over their routines.
Assistive technology can include a wide range of supports, such as:
Mobility, Seating & Positioning supports (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs)
Hearing supports (hearing aids, cochlear implant batteries, alerting systems)
Communication supports (iPads with communication apps, speech-to-text tools)
Visual supports (magnifiers, talking clocks, screen readers)
Smart Home Technology (voice-activated lights, switches, appliances)
Adaptive Recreation Equipment (wheelchair skis, hand cycles, adaptive helmets)
Learning and Developmental Supports
Supports for Daily Living (automatic medication dispensers, grab bars)
Home Modifications (chair lifts, ramps, bathroom adaptations)
Vehicle Modifications (adaptive driving systems, lift installations)
Among these innovations, one essential technology is often overlooked — the medical alert system. This simple device can make a life-changing difference in ensuring safety and independence at home.
Why getting assistive technology might help you
In a medical emergency or fall, every minute matters. Research shows that the longer a person remains on the ground after a fall, the higher their risk of serious injury and complications. For example, falls make up 95% of all hip fractures, and it’s estimated that approximately one-third of older adults are admitted to long-term care following hospitalization for a fall. Quick access to help ensure that medical attention can be provided as soon as possible, which can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Assistive technology like medical alert systems is designed to help bridge the gap during these critical moments by connecting users directly to trained professionals at the push of a button (and sometimes detection of a fall). The operator can assess the situation, speak directly with the user, and contact a loved one or dispatch emergency services as needed. It’s peace of mind for both the user and their loved ones.
How Assistive Technology Enhances Home Care
Even with the most reliable home care services in place, no one can be there 24/7. Many people can’t afford 24-hour home care, and family members/caregivers may not live close by. Emergencies, unfortunately, don’t wait for the next visit. Assistive technologies like smart home devices, medical alert systems, and mobility supports help fill that gap between care visits. They allow individuals to remain independent while still having access to help when they need it most. For example, voice-activated systems can turn lights on automatically to prevent nighttime falls, while fall-detection pendants can immediately call for help if someone is injured.
A caregiver can’t always predict when an emergency will occur, but knowing that their loved one has access to quick and reliable help offers immense reassurance. When incorporated into a home care plan, assistive technologies offer an important safety layer that supports caregivers and family members. It doesn’t replace care; it enhances it.
How does assistive technology support independence
Independence for many is tied to quality of life and a sense of self. Yet the fear of falling or facing a medical emergency alone can cause people to withdraw from the activities they once enjoyed. This can lead to a harmful cycle in which an individual becomes less active, affecting their overall strength and mobility, thereby increasing the risk of falling or developing health issues. Assistive technology helps reduce that fear. This safety net often allows individuals to feel more confident in their day-to-day activities, reducing anxiety for both the individual and their caregivers
How to Find the Right Assistive Supports for You
Choosing the right assistive technology can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, each offering different features and benefits, it can be hard to know what’s truly important. The key is finding a system that best fits your lifestyle and care needs. Because every person’s situation is unique, taking the time to assess your specific needs can make all the difference in how well the system supports you. To help guide those discussions, there are some important questions to ask yourself when comparing medical alert options. Here are a few more things to consider:
Lifestyle and Mobility Level
The first thing to consider is where the individual spends most of their time. For someone who primarily stays at home, an in-home system may be the best fit. These systems offer reliable coverage throughout the home and often in nearby areas, such as the yard or driveway. This provides coverage and peace of mind where it’s needed the most. Although home is often seen as the safest place, living alone introduces an additional risk because no one is around.
For those individuals who are still quite active outside the home, a mobile system might be the better choice. Some of the newer systems even come in smartwatch form, offering additional features like step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and access to other helpful health apps.
Health and Safety Needs
Existing medical conditions and history should also be considered. If there’s a history of falls, look for a system that includes automatic fall detection, which can call for help even if the person is unable to push the button. Fall detection provides an extra layer of protection but is not 100% accurate. If able, users should always press their button for assistance. Some devices can also alert a caregiver when the user leaves the home, which can be a critical feature for those who have a tendency to wander or get lost easily.
Service and Support
Reliable service is just as important as the device itself. For individuals who aren’t comfortable with technology, choosing a provider that offers local, hands-on support can make a big difference. Look for companies that provide in-home installation or setup assistance to ensure the system is working properly from day one. Many people also find comfort in knowing their calls for help are answered close to home. A locally based response centre can offer a more personal, reassuring connection than an overseas call centre.
Budget and Accessibility
Some assistive technologies operate using a monthly subscription model. These monthly subscriptions cover the rental of the equipment and the cost of monitoring. Exploring coverage options through insurance, subsidy programs, or local non-profits can make these systems more accessible. Manitoba Possible has an assistive technology program to support full and equal participation for seniors and people with disabilities in Manitoba.
For Manitobans seeking a trusted local option, Victoria Lifeline offers a variety of medical alert solutions designed to match different lifestyles and care needs. For over 37 years, their team has helped seniors and vulnerable adults stay independent while ensuring immediate access to help when emergencies occur.
As a local non-profit organization, Victoria Lifeline reinvests proceeds back into the community through the Victoria Hospital Foundation, supporting programs that help older adults live safely at home. In addition, Victoria Lifeline provides a subsidy program to make medical alert systems more affordable for seniors or those on fixed incomes, helping ensure safety and independence are accessible to everyone.
By integrating assistive technologies with home care, families can feel confident that their loved ones have immediate access to support in emergencies, helping maintain independence while enhancing overall safety at home.
This article was written by Victoria Lifeline for the purpose of educating people about the value of medical alert systems and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional. Consult a professional before making any significant changes.
About Care Possible
Care Possible is a non-profit social enterprise by Manitoba Possible, dedicated to providing affordable, flexible, and preference-based in-home and respite care services. We support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families using self and family-managed care in Winnipeg. Our mission is to ensure that every Manitoban who accesses care has an excellent experience.