A car accident, a difficult recovery, and a little help from mGAP’s Smart Seniors/Smart Tech program.
For mGAP President Emeritus Ann Lippel, a recent car accident became an unexpected reminder of how quickly life can change and how technology can play an important role in keeping older adults safe and independent.
Ann broken several bones in the accident, requiring hospitalization. Following her hospital stay, she was transferred to a nursing and rehabilitation facility, where she received therapy and continued her recovery. Eventually, Ann returned home, ready to regain her independence and resume her normal activities.
But before she settled back into her routine, her doctor had a recommendation: Get an Apple Watch.
A Watch That Does More Than Tell Time
Following the accident, Ann was grateful that her car’s emergency SOS system automatically alerted emergency services. First responders arrived quickly, and her children were notified of the accident before she even regained consciousness.
Although an Apple Watch was not needed during this accident, Ann now appreciates the added peace of mind it provides, particularly its fall detection and emergency assistance features.
As Ann continued her recovery at home, her medical team emphasized the importance of monitoring her health and reducing the risk of falls. An Apple Watch offered an added level of reassurance through features such as Fall Detection, heart rate monitoring, and emergency alerts. While the watch does not directly measure blood pressure, its other health and safety features provide valuable information and greater peace of mind for Ann, her family, and her care team.
mGAP Makes a House Call
This is where mGAP’s Smart Seniors/Smart Tech program stepped in.
mGAP Coaches Carol Schlein and Ellie Bagli made a house call to help Ann set up her new Apple Watch and pair it with her iPhone.
Carol/Elli helped Ann understand the watch’s safety features, including emergency calling, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and GPS location services.
Ann’s cellular-enabled Apple Watch also allows her to make and receive calls without having her iPhone nearby, provided cellular service is activated and available. This means Ann has another way to reach family, friends, or emergency services, even when her phone is in another room.
For someone recovering from a serious accident, having access to help directly from her wrist provides valuable peace of mind.
Technology That Supports Aging in Place
Ann’s experience illustrates one of mGAP’s core missions: helping older adults remain safe, connected, and independent in their own homes.
Technology doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Sometimes, a small device and a little personal guidance make a meaningful difference.
Through mGAP’s Smart Seniors/Smart Tech program, volunteer coaches help older residents understand and use everyday technology, from smartphones and tablets to wearable devices with important health and safety features.
And sometimes, the best technology lesson happens right at someone’s kitchen table.
Welcome Home, Ann!
Everyone at mGAP wishes Ann a continued and speedy recovery. We certainly hope she never experiences another accident, but she now has an additional tool to help her feel safer and better prepared.
The best part of Ann’s new Apple Watch? We hope she never needs its emergency features.
But knowing they’re there makes a difference.
And that’s what aging in place is all about: maintaining independence, staying connected, and knowing help is within reach.