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There is no need to feel intimidated in any way by the complexity of new tech devices. All it takes is to follow instructions, and a little bit of guidance for your aging parent, and they too can discover how simple it is to use most modern-day gadgets. Before long, you both will realize just how useful modern technology turns out to be in reducing caregiver burnout and stress and keeping your loved ones safe.
Phyllis is forever grateful that she was able to get her parents are on board with technology. This allows her to keep tabs on their daily whereabouts and ensure her parents are only a text message away. It is especially useful when they are out and about and helps reduce her worry.
The same cannot be said of her mother-in-law, who seems to be anti-technology, even though she has no problem watching TV. It makes her wonder how long it will be before her husband's mother needs to move into a senior care facility. Her lack of activity, increasing isolation and declining mobility are pointing to a time she is no longer safe at home.
But, on the other hand, her parents prove to be an excellent role model for her hubby's mom. With some encouragement and a new understanding of what it takes to age in place, it is just a matter of time before Jenny, her mom-in-law, starts realizing the numerous benefits of modern technology.
Phyllis thought it would be a brilliant idea to do a bit of research around the uses of modern-day technology and how it can make life easier for the elderly. She was blown away once she realized just how much it means to senior people.
Follow along as we delve deeper into some of the benefits of modern technology:
Phyllis is glad she did a bit of research as she discovered firsthand how technology had impacted society. Through these modern-day tools, she can be assured of her own parents' ability to age in place with only minimal need from an in home caregiver.
Phyllis has realized that senior individuals are often overlooked when it comes to the design of modern technologies. Especially if you consider the fact that their motor skills, sight, and hearing are likely declining as they age. We mustn't underestimate how quickly they can adapt to the ever-evolving technology landscape as any other age group would.
The coronavirus pandemic is proof of just how able seniors are to use new technologies such as Zoom and FaceTime when necessary. Many has to hop on a call with their physician using Telemedicine during this time.
Jack and Charlotte, Phyllis' parents, were keen to learn more about some of these favorite tech services and hopped onto their daughter's computer to find out how they too can benefit from these modern-day technological advancements.
Mobile applications or apps are the most easily accessible technology for seniors as they come preloaded on a cell phone or table. Other additional apps can be found in the app store to fit your needs. Many are free but some have a small up front cost. This list from senior living is a good place to start discovering new apps that are helpful for seniors.
Jack was super excited to find out how much easier their lives can be when using food delivery apps. He discovered Door Dash and Uber Eats for take-out delivery from local restaurants. HelloFresh and Home chef are options for meal kits to be delivered to your home with instructions for preparation. Silver Cuisine meals are prepackaged and prepared so that all you need to do is heat them up. Instacart is for grocery shopping without ever leaving the house.
Charlotte does not always trust their judgement when driving, while they are safe in the car now, she knows this will not always be the case. She is relieved to know that with the use of mobile apps like Lyft or Uber they will be able to get where they need to go when driving is no longer an option.
Their other daughter lives in the country, but it is no problem as video chatting apps such as Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype helps them connect with her at a suitable time where they get to see her smiling face and check in on their grandchildren.
Phyllis is well aware that both her parents and mother-in-law have some of the best smartphones on hand, but cannot help but wonder if there is any other modern tech she can get them to make life easier.
She learned that e-Readers and Tablets are just as useful. Her father is more of a bookworm, so she will get him an E-Reader to store his favorite books and quickly find his way to the next chapter whenever it suits him to do so.
Her mom loves watching movies, so a Tablet with its bigger screen would be the perfect device to ensure hours of entertainment.
Both Jack and Charlotte are still very active for their age. It would be great to let them use fitness trackers like Fitbit that also doubles as a wristwatch. These gadgets are waterproof and connect to a person's smartphone. The device monitors your steps, number of calories burned, heart rate, and even your sleep.
Phyllis can sleep better at night, knowing that modern technologies like these will improve the quality of life for both her parents and mom in law.
As we have discovered, our loved ones can benefit from modern technologies to improve the quality of their life and help them age in place for as long as possible. They can now be more connected than ever before to those whom they care about. And it also helps keeps them safe, so that you and their caregivers can worry less. A great example is when a loved one has forgotten to take their medicine, and you get an alert on your phone, so you can remind them of the medication schedule. Another way to reduce caregiver worry are the apps like emergency response systems or PERS in a medical emergency.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>