Embracing Technology: A Family Caregiver’s Guide to Innovations
In the ever-shifting landscape of caring for older adults, technology can offer more than a flicker of hope – it can provide a surprising level of support. When managing the complex needs of older adults living with physical limitations or memory loss, family caregivers and professional care providers are finding that technology offers considerable assistance. In this blog post, we explore several technological innovations revolutionizing caregiving in the home.
1. Smart Home Devices:
With the increasing cost of hiring paid care, smart home technology can be an effective solution for family caregivers. Devices like smart thermostats, lighting, and door locks can be remotely controlled, ensuring comfort and safety. Voice-activated assistants can set reminders for medications, appointments, and guide us through simple tasks. The Apple smartwatch can even detect falls.
I currently have the Nest installed in my parent's house. Now I can make sure the doors are locked at night and set the thermostat at an appropriate temperature. When she does get deliveries, I can see them and speak on Mum's behalf as she cannot pick up heavy bags.
Tip: If you have a Siri or Alexa device, print out simple instructions your loved one can read. These prompts will make daily tasks more manageable, enhance safety, and provide comfort and connection for older adult users.
Another device we use at the house are indoor cameras. While some may feel that this is a little intrusive, it gives us comfort without disturbing her and she is happy to have them in the house because they help her remain as independent as possible.
Blink Mini is a compact Indoor Smart Security Camera that also has the following features:
Night vision capabilities
Motion Detection Feature
Two-Way Audio System,
Compatible with Alexa
Easy to set up
We have one in the main living area and one in the bedroom. I even have one at my house to keep tabs on my dogs when we are away.
2. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS):
PERS devices are wearable gadgets that allow older adults or those living with dementia to call for help with the push of a button. These devices often come with fall detection technology, GPS tracking, and the ability to speak directly to a response center.
We use a Life Alert wearable device that my mum wears at night. If she gets out of bed and falls, she can press a button that connects to the Life Alert call center. After they dispatch paramedics to Mum's house, they alert me (or my sister) that paramedics are on the way. For our family, the monthly subscription is worth every penny.
Another option is a free service called Ask My Buddy that connects with your Amazon Alexa, Google Home Device, or Microsoft Cortana. Friends, family, or first responders are a shout away once you have connected with Ask My Buddy. While it’s not a replacement for emergency medical response, it adds a level of security when your loved one cannot press their call button or reach the phone.
3. Television for Individuals Living With Dementia:
Zinnia TV is a much-needed resource specifically designed for individuals living with dementia. It offers visually engaging content that stimulates cognitive function and can reduce agitation and improve mood. The content ranges from nature scenes to gentle activities tailored to capture and hold the attention of those living with memory loss.
Co-founder of Zinnia TV, Allyson Schrier created Zinnia TV to support her husband's dementia journey. Her goal was to craft videos that served multiple purposes, such as engaging and bringing joy to him, providing her with moments of respite, and serving as a soothing distraction during his moments of anxiety. Zinnia TV features content that is easy to follow, devoid of complicated storylines, and free from commercial interruptions.
A hybrid television-based platform that presents exciting opportunities to stay connected and remotely monitor your care recipient is JubileeTV. When you connect Jubilee TV, your loved one's television becomes a secure, reliable way to support your aging loved one in their home. Their system features:
App-based remote TV control
Voice activated remote-control to any cable or satellite service
Video calling
On-screen reminders
Daily check-in
Photo sharing
4. Communication Aides:
Tablets and smartphones equipped with user-friendly apps enable video calls, helping us maintain social connections vital for mental health. For those with speech difficulties, some apps convert text to speech or use symbols to aid communication.
5. Pill Organizers and Medication Reminders:
Organizing medications can be stressful and time-consuming, even with pill boxes. If you have dexterity issues, Sagely is a clever answer. Sagely caters to a diverse range of users and addresses the common issues associated with conventional pill boxes, such as their tendency to break, hard-to-open designs, tiny compartments, and opaque containers that obscure the contents. Their pill organizer simplifies the process of pill organization and even includes a free app to help you set reminders.
6. Online Support Networks:
For family caregivers themselves, online platforms and forums offer a space to share experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support from others in similar situations.
One thing to note is that many online caregiver support networks rely on Meta/Facebook to communicate with their members, but some family caregivers may not use that platform. If that is the case, we created this list of alternatives:
7. Visual Aides
The options available to the visually impaired are expanding and this list of resources from the American Academy of Ophthalmology is hard to beat. Beyond supporting those with no or low vision, technology can also improve the quality of life for older adults by promoting connection and helping to activate awe.
Sharing a cherished photo with your loved one is an unbeatable way to brighten their day. Whether a snapshot of the kids engaging in playful antics, a captivating scene from your holiday escapades, or a tender recollection from the past, family photos can bring joy from fond memories.
A fun product that family and friends can engage with is the Skylight Digital Picture Frame. Simple to set up, friends and family members email photos to the device for your loved one to enjoy. There is no membership fee or additional charges after you purchase the frame.
8. Telemedicine
Telemedicine can be an invaluable lifeline for family caregivers, offering convenience and accessibility to essential healthcare resources. These virtual platforms enable caregivers to connect with healthcare professionals remotely, minimizing the logistical challenges of traditional in-person visits. Family caregivers can schedule virtual consultations, seek medical advice, and discuss care plans without leaving their homes, easing the burden of travel and time constraints. Additionally, telemedicine fosters continuous monitoring and timely interventions, ensuring that caregivers address health concerns when they arise. This innovative approach enhances the overall quality of care and provides much-needed support for family caregivers.
9. Remote Monitoring
New apps and devices are coming to market as technology continues to advance. We listed JubileeTV above and subscribers to the Amazon ecosystem can explore Alexa Together as an intriguing option presented as a “remote caregiving service to help care for those you love.” Services include:
Alerts
Emergency Response
Activity Feed
Circle of Support
Remote Assist
Fall Detection Response
Photo Sharing
A more comprehensive solution is Connected Caregiver. Launched in 2023, this one-stop-shop remote monitoring service can give you peace of mind when you are not with your loved one. Their offerings include various customizable tools and features to stay connected and monitor your care recipient’s health and safety, even from afar. Features include:
Fall Detection & Emergency Medical Alerts
Enhanced Medication Schedule Adherence
Alerts for Potential Missed Medications
GPS Location Tracking
First-Motion-of-the-Day Tracking
Full-Care Essentials features for care coordination
The Prompter Connected Pillbox and a phone with the Safety Plus app
Care Essentials dashboard on mobile
The intersection of technology and caregiving is creating exciting new possibilities for enhancing the quality of life for older adults and those living with dementia or memory impairment. In tandem with all the potential positives comes the social, economic, or cultural barriers to adopting technology that will be different for each individual. It is also worth noting that these innovations raise ethical and privacy concerns that will be crucial for developers to explore and define alongside end users and care providers. Ultimately, while technology can never replace the human touch and compassion central to caregiving, it can significantly ease the workload and improve the efficacy of providing care.
The speed of digital innovation is leaving many older adults behind. We have found several promising resources that seek to bridge the gap and promote digital equity through education and training.
OATS: Older Adults Technology Services
Oasis Lifelong Adventure Technology Classes
How are you using technology, and what technology challenges do you face as a family caregiver? Please comment below or contact us. We read every reply.
