
dementia stages
Effective Caregiving Tips: Understanding the Three Dementia Stages and Their Symptoms Understanding dementia stages can help you provide more effective care to a loved one.
My mom was an electrical engineer. She could repair the oven, the toaster, and the washing machine when one of these devices would fail us. For most of her life, she had worked at a kitchen appliances manufacturer. And yet, when she was in her late 60’s she was unable to write a meaningful text message on her cell. You see, her mobile phone had tiny buttons and a poorly lit display, and at the same time, her vision was quickly deteriorating.
Many seniors find it hard to keep up with the new technologies because they have a physical impairment or a health condition that makes it difficult for them to deal with screens, buttons, and tabs.
Today, the ability to use technology effectively is imperative to those who want to be active members of society. Just like mom though, it’s not that seniors don’t want to be tech-savvy, on the contrary, often they are interested in new technologies. Unfortunately, they don’t have a history of using devices and background information like the rest of us and the young children so it takes seniors longer to become confident users.
We do however know that our elderly loved ones do benefit from some knowledge of technology and as we move into 2023, the top tech tools available for seniors continue to improve their lives in many ways. This article will explain how seniors can use tech gadgets, apps, and services to connect with communities, share content, and learn new things. For instance, video calling, email, and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn offer free options to connect with loved ones, stay in touch with communities, and understand the latest news and events.
Mastering new gadgets and mobile applications can be beneficial for the elderly in several ways.
Amongst the most common problems, seniors face with technology are
Medical alert systems can be a very helpful solution for seniors who prefer to keep their independence but are living alone. These gadgets offer functions such as automatic fall detection, getting help at the push of a button, GPS location, and a mobile help button that can be worn as a pendant, separately from the device. In case of an emergency, your beloved senior can get in touch with the professionals at Amy’s Eden immediately.
Tablets are perhaps one of the best technologies to introduce to your elderly loved one.
Smartphones are another gadget that seniors should be using in their daily life. When choosing a smartphone for an older adult keep it simple and be patient to demonstrate how the available apps work. Keep in mind that your beloved senior has used a wired phone with numbers all their life. In the beginning, they should learn how to make calls, take photos, send and read text messages and perhaps play a game or two.
E-Readers are a terrific innovation that will bring back the joy of reading to your loved one whose vision may have started to fail them. They may need some assistance with adding books to the device and adjusting the settings, but features such as the backlit screen, adjustable font size and the ability to store many books in the memory are all worth it.
Fitness trackers double as wristwatches and can be useful to more active seniors. They offer functionality such as sleep, activity, and heart rate monitoring; alarm, timer, and reminder to drink water settings. Fitness trackers are relatively easy to operate and only need to be charged from time to time.
Smart home devices such as Alexa speakers can be voice-activated and are good for seniors who have mobility problems. Others, like Nest and Arlo home sensors and video doorbells, can be programmed to send alerts when unusual activity at home is detected.
Mobile apps are created to be used on smartphones or tablets. Some are already uploaded on a brand-new device. Others need to be downloaded from Google Play or Apple Store depending on the manufacturer of the gadget. Some very useful apps can assist seniors in their daily life.
AARP and SeniorNet deliver news and stories geared toward the elderly. This app can be set up with location services and can alert your loved one of news from their local area. Many online resources and learning programs designed for individuals over 65 are available for them and can be helpful.
Magnifying glass + light is an app that helps seniors to read small text on menus, brochures, or documents. It switches on the camera of the phone as well as the light and allows users to easily zoom in on text.
Life360 is a tracking location app that could be very helpful to keep up with the whereabouts of your elderly family member. Location sharing can be set up for the caregiver too so the senior will know where you are as well.
Skype and WhatsApp Clever apps offer free calling and messaging options to keep seniors connected with family and friends.
Older adults who use technology have reported being more socially active, having higher self-esteem, feeling better about life, and being less depressed. Technology can decrease loneliness and bring more joy in the golden years of your aging loved one. Technological devices can also make living on their own at home safer. In addition, technology has made it easier to access important information about planning and assisted living communities.
Group and company sites like Amy’s Eden Senior Care, AgingCare and My Elder Advocate offer helpful resources and program options to improve the lives of seniors. Seniors can use tech tools to search for and learn about these important topics. In summary, tech gadgets, apps, and useful programs are making a significant impact on the lives of seniors in 2023, and we can expect more advancements in the coming year.
At Amy’s Eden, our caregivers are competent with technology and happy to assist your loved one with any desire they have to explore the digital world. Amy’s Eden Senior Care our mission is to love and to be involved in your loved one’s life and help them in every way to feel supported and loved.
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