FAMILY CAREGIVERS UNITE! Help conquer various issues like: Isolation, Boredom, Entertainment as well as practical things like Safety, Organization, Communication, Creativity, Education, Information and Resources.
When we think about being a caregiver, we don't always think about the technological resources available to help us. Dedication, compassion and time given as a caregiver can be enhanced utilizing technology. As a caregiver, it helps to find ways to make our lives happier and easier.
Isolation, Boredom, Entertainment:
CONNECTION & COMMUNICATION
EXAMPLE: Isolation is deterred when we can see someone “face-to-face” with programs such as Facetime, Skype, and Zoom. For me, there is nothing more precious than chatting with my grandson. What’s even better is seeing my grandson via a real time viewing app! It’s great to show each other our projects, surroundings or interaction with pets – a type of “show and tell”.
SOLUTIONS: Social Media; Facebook; YouTube; Pinterest; Email; Music; Chat or viewing programs such as Facetime, Skype, and Zoom.
ENTERTAINMENT
EXAMPLE: My 90-year-old Aunt enjoys listening to old time music, like hymns, while watching videos on YouTube. Oftentimes, she is unable to hear or see the screen adequately from my tablet or smartphone. My solution is to project (stream) the video to my smart TV and turn up the volume. Our “smart” technical devises make it quite easy to enjoy this option. This happens easily with just a few clicks.
SOLUTIONS: YouTube, Pandora, iTunes; Websites; Facebook; Games; Streaming to a Smart TV, phone, tablet or laptop (songs, videos, photos, etc.)
CREATIVITY
EXAMPLE: I enjoy creating cards, flyers, announcements, and ads with photos. There are numerous options to explore, whether it is for doodling, coloring or other artistic endeavor.
SOLUTIONS: Pinterest; Photo/Video apps; Drawing/Coloring; Craft Ideas; APPS: PicCollage or Canva
EDUCATION
EXAMPLE: I’ve used several online sites to find videos and articles for cooking, hairstyling, business, etc. for just about anything I want to learn.
SOLUTIONS: YouTube; APPS; Pinterest; University and other institutions; Research elder games; Learn “how to” for hobbies, crafts, interests, repairs.
Practical Uses:
SAFETY
EXAMPLE: GPS tracking – I’ve been using the free app Life360. My aunt’s impairment prohibits her from easily contacting me, especially in case of an emergency. The app tracks her GPS physical location throughout the day and provides travel times, distance and even speed of the vehicle she travels in. This helps alleviate anxiety I may feel when my aunt travels without me to adult daycare or spends time outside our home with her contracted caregivers. Security cameras can also be monitored from your
devices. You can view your loved one while you’re away. Navigation apps - Not only can a user find the directions, and be prompted with notifications while driving, it can also determine if there is a traffic accident that may delay your trip.
SOLUTIONS: GPS tracking (Life360, etc.); Smartwatches with Voice Connection; Alarm Necklaces; GPS insoles; Safety Cameras (accessible via devices); Alarm systems; Navigation apps (Google Maps, etc.)
ORGANIZATION
EXAMPLE: It is necessary for me to track both my personal and business appointments as well all activity for my aunt. I utilize calendar functions and set alarms to remind me in advance.
SOLUTIONS: Smartphone or Tablet Calendar; Apps; Outlook (multi functions with calendar, email, and contacts); Document scanning (business cards, physician reports); Contact Lists; Time Management; Communication (Facetiming, Skype); Business tools.
RESOURCES
EXAMPLE: Network of Care Riverside, Aging and Disabilities (http://riverside.networkofcare.org/aging/). This is an online website Riverside County publishes that offers various solution-oriented options. The site includes a personalized profile, which can be shared with other family members or caregivers. It is a type of diary or online entry system to keep track of meds, doctor’s appointments, lab tests, or other pertinent information helpful to a person’s care needs. There is also an option to print a medical card with information you provide into the secured profile of the website.
SOLUTIONS: Internet; Networking; Tools (calculator, compass, flashlight); Alexa; Siri; Website: Network of Care of Riverside for Aging and Disability
INFORMATION
EXAMPLE: Online Medical Portals are common with many physician offices. It provides access to medical records, health summaries, lab test results, and other medical related information. Records can be downloaded and printed for your files, or in advance of seeing a secondary physician, or specialist. My aunt was able to utilize this prior to seeing a new specialist and expedite receiving her medical information, eliminating contact directly with her primary doctor’s office.
SOLUTIONS: Internet; Apps; Websites; YouTube; Sales and Purchasing (Etsy, Amazon, eBay, Stores, etc.; Siri or Google; Physician medical portal.
Don’t let caregiving limit you without resources. Enhance your life with technology. Try out one of these options and see if it makes a difference in your life.
To contact Jeannette LeHoullier at DJ’s Virtual Management, call her at 951-458-9301 (office) OR 951-595-7248 (cell). Access her website for additional information and tutoring options www.djsvirtualmanagement.com. Their motto: “Assist with Integrity, Compassion and Patience”.
