How Technology Can Help Your Loved One in an Assisted Living Community

Technology has woven itself into our lives, from the marvels of the first computer to the endless supply of knowledge found on the internet. A significant part of the world now runs on the internet: social media platforms that connect us, not only with our family and friends but with other people across the globe; smartphones that give us the ability to manage documents and take photographs; mobile applications that help us transact without having to visit an office or bank personally. We can shop in the comfort of our homes, read books without seeing a library, and even browse a database of shows through subscriptions.

Most seniors have experienced technology in one way or another. However, the newer innovations may seem overwhelming. After all, improvements and features are added to familiar devices yearly. How can our senior family members catch up with this undeniably important feature?

Finding the Right Technology for Seniors

The best device for your senior family members is what matches their needs and preferences. This may not necessarily be the newest model. For many seniors, some features seem more important than the other latest add-ons. Taking the time to find the perfect device will help our senior family members recognize and harness the many benefits of technology.

What To Look Into

• Devices and accessories that come with a comfortable grip— to keep devices from slipping easily from
• Models that can be personalized—your senior family member may prefer a larger screen, better contrast, or bigger fonts.
• Accessibility options—quick gestures and voice commands make using the device more effortless for them.

Remember that navigating around apps can be tricky, especially when it involves log-ins. Be patient when explaining these features to your family member.

Technology Keeps You Together

Even as they move into a new community, knowing how to navigate technology can still help you bond with your senior loved one. Here are some of the benefits of technology that can encourage our seniors to pursue learning them:

• Stay In Communication
  Smartphones and tablets have many communication features that can help you stay updated with each other’s lives. From texts to longer video calls, your communication doesn’t have to take a backseat. Using messaging programs can help them express thoughts they cannot speak personally. The popular messaging apps you can use are WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Chat, Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom. They don’t have to learn all of them but choose simple interfaces that senior members can easily navigate.
• Get Updates On Their Health
  Wearable health devices gather real-time data that can inform the wearer of the changes in their health routines. These devices look like handy watches with touch-screen interfaces. Swipe the screen to reveal the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Some wearable devices have trackers and can be connected to the smartphone so you can view the data. Find wearable health devices that suit your senior parents’ needs.
• Technology Is For the Home, Too
  Home technology devices are meant to help upkeep homes. There is movement-sensitive lighting that illuminates corners when one passes by. There are cleaning devices that take up the task of sweeping the floor. Smart appliances give you better peace of mind in managing the household, from washing machines that take care of the laundry in one go, to refrigerators that adjust temperatures and come with a screen, allowing you to see what’s inside without having to open the door. There are innovative locks that only require a thumbprint, or a voice command, which works perfectly should your senior member constantly misplace their keys.

  Intelligent assistants also help seniors manage their routines. These voice-activated assistants can set reminders for morning tasks and medication schedules, call hands-free, or connect to an emergency contact.

  This technology can also be applied to homes. You can easily adjust the temperature, turn off the lights, and play music across the house with a voice command.

Technology Ties You Together

With a smart device, you and your parents can still feel connected—maybe even closer than before. Harnessing the power of technology allows you and your parents to explore more possibilities in learning, moving, and staying mentally and physically active.

Another smart choice? Finding an assisted living community for your senior loved one. Your senior parents can live independently, perform tasks at their own pace, and feel secure with round-the-clock support from senior care professionals who can help them whenever they ask. This engagement-rich social environment offers programs encouraging your senior parents to move around, participate in recreational activities, and join wellness programs. To learn more about what we do at Ingleside, call us at 202-846-2651.