How Technology Can Support Aging in Place

Each May, we recognize Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, resilience, and independence of older adults. This month, we’re also reflecting on how we can better support individuals as they age.

The 2026 theme of Older Americans Month is Champion Your Health. This month, we highlight prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as key parts of healthy aging. This includes supporting independence however possible. Implementing technology is one way that caregivers and providers can help older adults retain greater independence as they age.

However, technology must be used thoughtfully, intentionally, and always in partnership with human care. Let’s talk about how technology can practically facilitate aging in place, how to balance technology, and how you can help.

What does aging in place mean?

Aging in place refers to the ability to live safely, independently, and comfortably at home, regardless of age or ability. Supervising Social Work Care Manager for the Multipurpose Senior Service Program (MSSP), Maria Ramirez, MSW, ASW, says, “Through MSSP, aging in place means more than remaining at home, it means maintaining dignity, independence, and connection while safely navigating changes in health.”

Technology has become a key tool in supporting this goal by helping older adults retain independence while improving safety, communication, and access to care.

From telehealth and wearable devices to smart home sensors and medication reminders, a wide range of tools can support daily living, monitor health, and reduce isolation.

“At HPC, our aim is to help people age with dignity,” says John Beleutz, MPH, executive director of Health Projects Center. “For many older adults, dignity means being able to stay independent. That’s why we welcome technology that helps people maintain that independence.”

When used appropriately, these tools can significantly enhance quality of life and help delay or prevent the need for institutional care. In addition, technology can help to reduce caregiver burden, which has been shown to improve care outcomes.

What technology helps support aging in place?

Technology that supports aging in place includes:

1. Health monitoring devices

Wearables and in-home sensors can track vital signs, detect falls, and alert caregivers or providers in real time. These tools can monitor changes in health status and trigger early intervention when needed.

From an Enhanced Care Management (ECM) perspective, monitoring tools support early intervention by helping care teams identify changes before needs escalate. “Tools like electronic health records and health information exchange platforms allow us to see emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or gaps in care quickly,” says Cynthia Diaz, Enhanced Care Management Supervisor at Health Projects Center. “That visibility allows us to reach out sooner, coordinate care, and connect members to the right resources in a more proactive way.”

“I’ve seen how simple technologies can make a meaningful difference,” says Ramirez. “For example, personal emergency response systems and medication reminders have helped participants avoid hospitalizations and feel more confident living alone.” Fall detection systems and motion sensors can identify emergencies quickly and immediately place calls to family members and first responders.

2. Smartphones and tablets

For older adults, smartphones can be new and, at times, challenging to use. However, modern advancements offer assistance and convenience that can support better communication, which can reduce isolation, promote health check-ins, and improve mood. For example:

• Tools like dictation, text-to-speech and visual support, help those with hearing and vision issues communicate. “I am hoping I can get translation devices for participants who only speak their native language,” says Ramirez. “I hope I can get it approved soon as it will make a huge impact on our participants.”

• AI voice assistants (like Siri) help people struggling with fine motor skills, mobility or cognitive decline  through hands-free communication

• Safety apps can require check-ins at set intervals, helping families stay connected with a loved one aging in place

“In some cases, regular check-in calls and remote monitoring have allowed us to identify concerns early and intervene before they escalate into crises,” says Ramirez.

3. Telehealth

Telehealth has transformed access to care, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or chronic conditions. Many older adults struggle with transportation or mobility, which can be barriers to receiving medical care.

Ramirez suggests “regular check-in calls and remote monitoring have allowed us to identify concerns early and intervene before they escalate into crises.”

Virtual visits allow older adults to connect with healthcare providers without leaving home, improving continuity of care.

Technology also plays a critical role in supporting individuals with complex health needs who receive care from multiple providers. “In ECM, we rely on technology to coordinate care across systems,” Diaz explains. “Platforms that allow us to track referrals, authorizations, and encounters help ensure continuity of care and prevent people from falling through the cracks.”

She adds that increasing digital literacy can further empower older adults. “When members are able to access their health information, schedule appointments, and communicate directly with providers, technology enhances engagement and supports both medical and social needs more efficiently.”

4. Medication reminders

Many older adults take multiple medications, sometimes at different times each day. The CDC reports that 69% of U.S. adults aged 40–79, took one or more prescription drugs, while 22% took five or more.

While reminders on smartphones may be enough for some, others may need more robust support. Simple technologies like automated medication reminders or voice-activated assistants notify people when it’s time to take medications and automatically dispense the correct dose. This can support routines and reduce the risk of missed doses or errors.

5. Smart home technology

For aging adults, smart home technology can be incredibly helpful for aging at home. For example, older adults and caregivers can customize smart home systems to regulate things like temperature and lighting control, reducing the need for manual work.

This technology can also use household sounds, such as doorbells or timers, and trigger a physical sensation for people with hearing loss. For those with mobility issues, smart homes are great for making adjustments to the environment without moving, which reduces the fall risk.

Even better, modern smart homes learn user preferences and automatically adjust to fit their needs.

“The most empowering technologies are often the ones that are easy to use and seamlessly fit into a participant’s daily routine,” says Ramirez. “When combined with person-centered care, technology becomes a powerful tool that supports not just safety, but quality of life and independence.”

How care managers can help

Health Projects Center’s Director of Care Management, Sondra Bitonti, LCSW, shared that “care managers figure out what technology fits an older adult by starting with the person, not the tech. They look at what the older adult actually needs or wants help with (like safety, health, or staying connected), and whether the tool will make life easier—not more stressful.” Bitonti clarifies that, “an older adults’ abilities and willingness to learn matter too: memory, vision, hearing, and comfort using devices all play a big role in the decision-making process between a participant and a care manager.”

Care managers, healthcare providers, and caregivers play a critical role in helping patients and families:

• Identify 1-2 technologies that will be most helpful and prioritizing those. Bitonti suggests, “if an older adult already uses a smart phone, laptop, or tablet, that’s a great place to build from.”

• Match tools to an individual’s abilities, preferences, and comfort level. “Simple options such as a few large buttons, voice commands, minimal set-up, easy to use troubleshooting/tech support in their preferred language seem to work best,” says Bitonti.

• Slowly integrate technology into existing care routines

• Provide education and ongoing support. It is important for the care manager and participant to assess who will provide tech support. Bitonti suggests thinking about, “who will help set it up, troubleshoot, or respond if something goes wrong?”

Technology is most effective when it is:

a) personalized to the individual’s needs and comfort level

b) introduced gradually

Don’t start with too much at once, or it won’t stick. Try implementing the one or two tools that align best with the care recipient’s needs, and if that works, introduce more.

Most importantly, combine technology with human care. “Technology works best when there’s human backup,” says Bitonti. Studies emphasize that technology is more effective when combined with care coordination, not as a replacement for it. Sensor-based monitoring, for example, has shown improved outcomes when paired with clinical oversight and human support.

“While care managers do help, they are not available as consistent tech support that may be needed when learning a new skill or using a new tool.”  Bitonti recommends “designating someone and creating the tech support plan is an important step not to miss.”

Even with advanced technology, human and clinical oversight remain essential. “Data alone doesn’t tell the full story,” Diaz notes. “Care teams interpret information, assess risk, and make informed decisions that consider the full medical, behavioral, and social context of a person’s life.”

She adds, “Technology enhances our work, but it can’t replace clinical judgment or the human connection that drives effective care management.”

How to balance technology

Many older adults and caregivers can feel overwhelmed by:

• Too many devices or platforms

• Complex interfaces that are difficult to learn

• Alerts or data that are confusing or excessive

• Concerns around privacy and autonomy

Concerns around privacy and autonomy are common when introducing new technology. “Building trust is essential,” says Diaz. “We address concerns by explaining technology in a simple, transparent way and reinforcing that it supports—not replaces—the member’s voice and choice.”

She emphasizes that consent and comfort are central to the process. “We emphasize confidentiality, obtain consent, and allow members to engage at their own comfort level, with the option to revoke consent at any time. Using a person‑centered approach helps ensure members feel in control of their care and decisions.”

Research shows that while technologies can improve independence, barriers such as usability, cost, and lack of training can limit their effectiveness. “Care managers think about cost, access to internet, monthly fees, language options and whether the tool will still make sense as an older adult needs change over time,” says Bitonti. “What it comes down to is that the “right” technology is the one that fits the person’s abilities, goals, and support system—not the fanciest option available.”

Support older adults through education and slow integration, focusing on how it helps them achieve their goals.

The goal should not be to “digitize” care, but to simplify and support daily life.

Supporting independence during Older Americans Month

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, it’s important to recognize that independence looks different for everyone. For some, it means living alone safely. For others, it means staying connected to community, family, and culture.

No matter how your care recipient, patient, or loved one desires to age, technology can enable them to do so.

How HPC supports caregivers and providers

At Health Projects Center (HPC), we know that aging in place is a priority for both older adults and their families. In our work, we help caregivers and providers support aging in place, including how to use available technologies to support patients and care recipients.

Our programs provide:

• Caregiver training & support to equip both family and professional caregivers with essential skills and knowledge.

• Community resources & education that connect patients and caregivers with social programs, financial assistance, and respite care.

• Advocacy & policy efforts that work to expand access to equitable healthcare and supportive services.

Healthcare providers and caregivers play a key role in helping older adults adopt technologies that help them age in place safely, and we connect you to the right resources to do so. Connect with us at hpcn.org.