Best Tech Tips For Caregivers: 3 Different Ways That Technology Can Be Incorporated Into Care Plans
It has been shown by studies that maintaining or increasing socialization with family and friends can profoundly affect a senior’s longevity and health. In 2012, a study was conducted by United Health Care of 100 centenarians and it was found that staying engaged socially was just as important as genetics and healthy living habits to healthy aging.
However, for some loved ones, in-person meetings can be difficult, and one of the few really viable solutions is technology. The following are some of the ways that caregivers can keep up with technology.
Maintain Social Connections Using Social Media and Video Chat
Social media is an excellent way for seniors to stay connected, Having the ability to share comments or thoughts on platforms such as Twitter or Facebook is a trend that continues to grow in the senior community – and it is something that should definitely be encouraged!
Also, leverage hardware solutions. Whenever possible, try setting a Nucleus smart home intercom system up. This is a senior-friendly and easy device that allows video chat with anybody in the family that has their own device, or has the app. Older adults just need to press one button to get in touch instantly with grandchildren or call for help if there is an emergency.
Use Video Games For Keeping The Body And Mind Active
Video games are not just for kids now. Studies continue showing the health benefits associated with playing video games, no matter what age the players are, and there are numerous benefits in particular for seniors.
Playing video games occasionally can, in fact, improve vision. McMaster University in Canada conducted a study that showed that senior patients who had cataracts reported that their vision improved after they played first-person shooter games such as Call of Duty or Halo. The focus of attention and rapid eye movement helped to strengthen their eyes and better vision was the result.
One good way for a Houston caregiver to promote overall good health is to add games to a weekly or daily routine.
Use Apps To Track Medication
Making sure that seniors are able to live as independently as they possibly can is one of the most important aspects of caregiving. Being able to correctly take and track medications is a big part of being able to maintain independence. The best apps should be researched and downloaded by caregivers to help seniors be able to accomplish this.
There are so many different apps available that it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one. The University of Sydney, fortunately, took this challenge on, and studied 272 various medication tracking apps and ranked them based on ease of use and functionality. The highest scoring apps were: MedicineList+, My Heart My Life, Alar Meds (only for Android), and Medisafe Pill Reminder and Mediation Tracker (free app).
Have you started to use technology as one of your caregiving tools? Let us know if you have any technologies that you would like to recommend.
For more information, visit our blog. For immediate assistance, call or contact Assisting Hands Houston today!
