It is common knowledge that technology can help us to lead better lives. Not long ago, it was difficult to imagine a technology that could prevent seniors from having to go to a nursing home. Today, this technology not only exists, but has immense potential to revolutionize elder care and to improve seniors’ quality of life.

National Public Radio recently discussed the importance for those individuals who seek long term care at home to have the choice to age in place, rather than having to be cared for in a nursing home. According to Joseph Shapiro of NPR News, “There’s a growing body of law and federal policy that states when the government pays for someone’s care in a nursing home, that person should have the choice to get his care at home.”

As many states are seeking Medicaid programs for people to receive their long term care at home, family members also should be creating a long term care plan for loved ones. Providing for the care of a loved one can be emotionally and financially challenging, and creating a financial plan is key.

Options for elder care include nursing homes, assisted living communities, home care services, and adult day services. AARP’s Public Policy Institute recently reported that nearly three people can get home care for the same cost as one person in a nursing home. According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute’s 2010 survey, national average rates for a private room in a nursing home increased by 4 percent, from $79,935 annually in 2009 to $83,585 in 2010; even a semi-private room’s annual costs increased by 3.5 percent, from $72,270 annually in 2009 to $74,825 annually in 2010.

Cost-effective assistive technology is a growing option for seniors seeking long term care at home. “Our customizable systems including The SimplyHome System and PERS (personal emergency response system) Plus are designed to provide peace-of-mind and independence, both for the senior and their loved ones,” says Allen Ray, CEO of SimplyHome. Family members work with SimplyHome’s representatives to create the best in home long term care solution.

“Universal design” was defined by Ron Mace, one of the leaders of the movement, as “the design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Companies specializing in universal design are popping up around the country, which is allowing seniors who might otherwise have to enter a nursing home the option of home long term care. Simple changes in the home can make a significant difference, such as incorporating wider doorways, grab bars, and easy-to-use pull-out shelving. These various improvements create a comfortable and safe home environment.

Often, family members are overwhelmed as they contemplate how to best provide elder care for their loved ones. Building a home or adapting an existing home by incorporating assistive technology allows seniors to age in place. Safety Monitoring also can give peace of mind to those who would like to have a caretaker assist their loved one, by providing an option for the caretaker to take necessary breaks.

Assistive technology, such as the SimplyHome System, can be incorporated easily into a new or existing home. Sensors monitor daily tasks, potential needs, problems, or unplanned events, and notify a designated caretaker or relative by phone, email, and/or text message if something out of the ordinary occurs.

The greatest gift to a loved one is to create a plan that allows them to live safely, comfortably, and independently in their home.