More than eight in 10 adults with aging parents are worried about their welfare and security – but want them to retain independence.
A poll of 2,000 UK-based adults, with moms and dads over 70, found falls, scammers and burglars are among their biggest concerns.
And 61 percent of adult children would like to ensure the safety and security of their elderly parents.
However, despite the desire to intervene, 46 percent fear doing so would make their parents feel like a burden.
Commissioned by smart home security company Ring, the study found 24 percent try to speak to their elderly parents at least once a week – although 11 percent would check in more frequently if they could.
It also emerged that 71 percent worry up to 10 times a week about how their elderly parents will cope with things around the house as they get older.
And 12 percent said neither they nor their siblings live near their elderly parents.
“As our loved ones age, we want to look after their wellbeing and safety, while at the same respecting their autonomy and personal space. Embracing thoughtful and innovative technology solutions like a video doorbell can offer new ways to stay connected and ensure the safety of our aging family members – without intruding on their lives,” Dave Ward, managing director of UK and international at Ring said.
The study also found 34 percent have experienced issues with their elderly parents that could’ve been avoided.
A third have had a parent fall with no one nearby to help and 26 percent expressed concern that their parents weren’t doing enough exercise.
More than one in five (22 percent) said their elderly parents struggle to do their weekly shop and 16 percent said their mom or dad weren’t leaving the house and were relying on deliveries.
It also emerged that despite half thinking their elderly parents would tell them if they were having issues due to their age, 32 percent don’t think they would.
As a result, 30 percent of respondents have considered using a smart home security solution to offer peace of mind.
Of those already using one, 35 percent said emergency call buttons are most beneficial, followed by video doorbells (28 percent) and motion detection alerts (24 percent).
While two-thirds of those polled, via OnePoll.com, would feel reassured if they could check in on their elderly parents through a home security system.
“My 88-year-old mom lives independently at home and has always effectively taken care of her finances, household administration and been aware of scammers. However, she has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia and, unfortunately, earlier in the year, nearly fell foul to a cowboy builder who came to her front door. A video doorbell would have given me the peace of mind I needed during this time,” Jane Thompson, 55, from South East London said.
“I moved my nanna in with us after her health deteriorated. I work long hours, so to ensure she’s safe whilst I’m away from the home, I installed a video doorbell. The device means I get notifications when someone rings the bell, and I’ve shown her how to talk to the person on the other side of the door on the app if she is unsure of who they are and why they are there,” While Laura Ingledew, a 32-year-old mum from Hartlepool said.
BIGGEST WORRIES ABOUT ELDERLY PARENTS:
- Health issues
- Falls and injuries
- Decline in memory
- Loneliness
- Scammers
- Driving safety
- Maintaining the home
- Barriers with technology
- Medication management
- Financial security
- Burglars
- Builders/workmen/salesmen taking financial advantage
- Preparing food safely
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
