When you are responsible for a senior loved one, or a loved one with special needs, it’s not always possible for you to be present for them round the clock. And even when they are adept at managing on their own, you may worry for their well-being and security when you are away. Or perhaps you are concerned about a loved one who lives at a distance. You worry about whether they are staying safe, with access to basic needs and comforts. If you are a caregiver for a vulnerable relative or loved one or are trying to support them from afar, know that many recent innovations in technology will make your job easier. The Dr. Judy Psychological Healing Center brings you some ideas that are worth exploring.
Make sure they have a reliable device.
Simply being sure your loved one is equipped with a device they can easily use can make a huge difference both for your peace of mind and their well-being. Senior loved ones or others with special needs may benefit from the communication options a basic device makes available, especially if they feel isolated. Because feeling connected is crucial to mental and overall wellness, do as much as you can to put communication tech into your loved one’s hands, safely. Voice-to-text and speech recognition software can be game-changers for people with mobility or vision issues.
Check out the various phone apps to assist caregivers.
There seems to be an app for everything these days, and fortunately, this includes caregiving. Calendar and scheduling apps can help you stay attuned to their routines, as well as help them remember to tend to their own wellness. Apps can remind your loved ones to take any prescribed medication, encourage them to stay active when it’s safe to do so, and provide caregivers with medical and other updates. Location apps and other tracking devices such as microchips in wearables can be valuable both for checking up on activity and for finding your loved one should they happen to become disoriented or wander away from familiar spots.
Consider using camera monitors or sensors.
Setting up a camera in someone’s home can be intrusive, so talk to them about it if you’re considering it as an option — don’t install any camera monitors without their consent. If they are uncomfortable with the idea or if they are not able to give fully informed consent, consider sensors that will provide you with a general idea of their location, activity, sleep patterns, and physical well-being. Sensors can also be used to alert caregivers or emergency aid providers to falls or other accidents.
Equip your loved one with alert systems in case of emergencies.
If your loved one experiences a medical emergency or is immobilized, they may not be able to access or manipulate a device to call for help. This is why alert systems are so invaluable. Many can be programmed, not only to send an alert to emergency care providers but also to keep you informed about their situation — with a single push of a button. For those who want to get innovative, keep an eye on advancements in robotics. In the near future, we can anticipate an array of robotic devices programmed to perform specific tasks (rather like the Roomba) and provide the vulnerable with greater autonomy.
Being a caregiver is never going to be easy or without worry, but you and your loved ones can be assured of greater security and better connectedness if you take advantage of these devices and services. Always discuss with them what they feel comfortable trying and assist them in getting familiar with new caregiving technologies.
