Apps are everywhere these days. As we rely more on our smartphones to get information and just plain make it through the day, it would make sense that we can use apps to help administer better senior care, too. Believe it or not, there are tons of apps out there that can assist with caregiving, and many of them are free. Some might not necessarily be designed just for this purpose, but they can easily be used here and help you to be a better caregiver to a loved family member.
First, you will need a schedule to plot out the future. Most phones come with one of these built in to the software. You want to be able to plan ahead if there are doctors’ appointments, places that you need to be, or if there are bills due that you need to take care of for the person you are assisting. All of these things can help you to stay more organized and go through your week with the right approach. If you can, program reminders and alarms into your routine so that you can be alerted in the off-chance that you forget something. Make sure you put in times, locations, and what you need to bring with you.
Next, you need a list app. Things like Todoist are free to download, and extremely effective. Just input all the tasks you need to do, and check them off as you go. It’s a good way to make sure that medications aren’t missed, meals aren’t skipped, and that chores are all done over the course of a busy day. Most apps like this allow you to upgrade to a paid version of the app if you want more features, but this is something that you will need to figure out on your own if you actually need them or not.
Finally, look for apps that allow you to monitor health conditions. Blood pressure might be an issue (yes! There are apps for this!), you can get a heart rate monitor, or a GPS to help keep tracks on a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, or maybe you want something that allows you to have the option to personally talk with a physician face to face in a video chat, such as with Skype. All of these are possible with a smartphone, and they can be incredibly helpful at streamlining the day and making things a bit easier for you as a family caregiver.
Two quick words of warning, though. Technology can be helpful, but it can be confusing if you try to do too much too quickly. Just take your time and learn what you need to know thoroughly so that you are actually benefitting from apps, and not letting them be counterproductive. Also, avoid the pitfalls of social media. Yes, they’re great ways to stay in touch with family members and friends, but they can encroach upon the time that you should be spending with your loved one. Don’t let this happen and use your apps in a helpful way, rather than just having them become a burdensome distraction.
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