🎁 Gift Ideas and Product Reviews for Mom! 🎁 

Mother’s day is tomorrow, May 11th! How did it get here so fast? Do you have any great plans? I went shopping for my mom this week, and found a bunch of products that are pretty darn neat.

I’ve put together some of my favorite ones below in case you are still looking for something special that will make your loved one’s life — and your own — a little easier, safer, and maybe even more fun.

GPS tracking:

Several companies are now leveraging the power of GPS to create innovative solutions that help us keep up with confused or wandering loved ones. Here are some of my favorites.

• Metalert GPS SmartSoles: out of everything I looked at, this is the most exciting new product for me — shoe sole inserts that contain GPS tracking. How clever is that?!

• Bouncie GPS Tracker for Vehicles: maybe the time hasn’t come yet to take the keys, but you’re starting to feel worried about your loved one’s driving. Bouncie plugs in inconspicuously and tracks driving habits, car information, and location.

• Apple AirTags: if you use Apple products, the Apple AirTags can give you an affordable solution that’s very effective. Just keep in mind that if they don’t have the tag with them, it won’t help. Develop a plan to make sure they always have it.

If you need more tips on how to reduce the risk of Wandering, try out my training on Managing Behaviors available through the elumenEd website.

Identification and Medical Information Wearables

Medical identification is getting more innovative, and even a little more stylish. I love that many of them are integrating QR codes to provide medical information: when they scan the code, a first responder is taken to a web site with all of the necessary information.

• ROAD iD Personalized Medical Identification Bracelet: with lots of colors to choose from, this attractive bracelet is personalized with your loved one’s critical information engraved on it. Durable, waterproof, and long lasting.

• QR Code Alert ID Tag for Watch Band: does your loved one already have a watch they wear all of the time? This QR tag fits on their current band so there’s no battle about having them remember to wear it.

• Dynotag Medical Alert Necklace QR ID w/ Detailed Online Profile: if your loved one is more likely to wear a necklace, or they’re already used to wearing a pendant, this necklace style QR identification tag could be perfect.

Pill Reminder Systems:

The perennial pill problem! Virtually everyone assisting a loved one with dementia runs into the situation where a loved one loses track of their pill regimen and misses critical medication. These products aim to assist with tools to help remember.

• Monthly Pill Organizer, 4x/day, 31 Days, w/ Talking Alarm Reminders: thanks to an innovative design, this large pill organizer allows you to schedule up to 124 doses (31 days x 4 doses per day). If you’re setting up pills, you can get all of your loved one’s pills organized for the month in one fell swoop. The talking alarm system provides reminders whenever a dose is due.

• ORKA Talking Clock Pill Reminder w/ XL Screen: this clock has an extra large screen with a variety of alarm reminders. You can even record your own voice reminder to give specific directions or just make it more personal.

Medical and Fall Alert Systems:

• Kanega Fall Detection Smart Watch: named the best smartwatch of 2024 by the National Council on Aging, the Kanega system provides help through their push button, voice assist, and fall detection. It’s a stylish addition to medical alert product options.

• Alexa Emergency Assist: it used to be that Alexa was mostly good for breaking into dinner conversations when you mention an “election” or “a letter” to your family! But now Amazon also offers an Emergency Assistance service that’s pretty handy if you already have a device.

• Bay Alarm SOS Mobile GPS and Medical Alert: Bay Alarm was established in 1946 and their products were ranked well in every review of medical alert systems I found online. The Amazon ratings are less than stellar, but I trust the National Council on Aging more when it comes to dementia product reviews. They give Bay Alarm 4.5/5 stars.

New and Innovative:

• ElliQ — Your AI Sidekick: if you and your loved one are brave early adopters of new technology, ElliQ looks like a pretty cool entry into the intersecting worlds of AI and aging. Your loved one can chat with “Elli,” do activities, share pictures with you, and have video chats. It includes music and audiobooks, games, exercises, and more. It can also provide you with a log of your loved one’s activities and health routines so you can stay involved. If ElliQ delivers on its promises, I think the price is reasonable.

SOME OF THE LINKS IN THIS NEWSLETTER ARE AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS WE MAY EARN A COMMISSION IF YOU CLICK AND MAKE A PURCHASE, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. WE ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WE TRUST.

🚗 How to Have the Car Key Conversation 🔑 

When you’re ready for more, here’s how I can help:

I offer the following additional resources to help you out when you need a hand:

• World class training programs, free guides, and more at www.elumened.com

• If you want to chat, I’d love to get to know you. Book a free 20-minute slot on my calendar. We’ll talk about what’s going on for you and brainstorm, or I’m happy to just provide a listening ear.