7 Ways Technology Helps Family Caregivers

By ACA | March 28, 2019

Last Updated: March 27, 2019

“Seniors” and “technology” are two words that are not often linked together, but research shows the important role that technology plays in senior care.7 Ways Technology Helps Family Caregivers

Learn about the latest technology and which trends family caregivers should take advantage of.

How Technology Helps Family Caregivers

According to a Pew Research Center study, approximately 72% of caregivers gather health information online and 52% participate in an online social activity related to health. Just under half go online to learn a diagnosis.

In addition to searching for information on medical drugs, problems and treatments, many go online to read about the personal experiences others have had with certain health conditions — as a way to understand more about their parent or senior loved one’s health or even a condition they’re dealing with themselves.

With 75% of seniors age 65 and over living with a chronic health condition, including diabetes and high blood pressure, family caregivers have learned how to navigate the online resources available.

But what other forms of technology are caregivers using? How do seniors benefit from the latest trends?

Here are some of the greatest that AARP recommends to family caregivers:

1. GPS technology.

GPS trackers can attach to clothing or be worn on the wrist and tell the caregiver a senior’s exact location. Some can even be set to alert a family caregiver, via email, phone or text, when a loved one goes outside of a certain geographical area.

2. Health tracking tools.

Caring for a senior loved one means tracking appointments, health records, insurance and more. Tools like HealthVault and Mayo Health Manager provide a single location for caregivers to store and organize health information and prepare for emergencies.

3. Medication reminders.

Tools like MedMinder and TabSafe can be used to set reminders for taking medications or even to alert a caregiver when a senior has forgotten to take a prescription.

4. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS).

Think Medic Alert or Medical Guardian — the person wearing the PERS can press a button to contact a call center in the case of an emergency. Most can be worn only inside the home, but some allow the wearer to go mobile.

5. Software Applications and Support Communities

Sites such as LotsaHelpingHands.com provide a support network for family caregivers looking for a connection when they need help.

6. Telikin Computer

Developed for (and long-awaited by) seniors and caregivers, the Telikin computer comes with the software fully installed, supports Skype and provides a picture viewing program that allows the user to share and view albums in just a few clicks.

7. Wireless Home Monitoring

Sensor-based home monitoring systems can alert a family caregiver of an emergency or when something unusual has happened. For example, if a senior has not left the bathroom for an extended period of time, it could mean he or she has fallen.

Are you a family caregiver who has experience with other caregiving technology? What tools do you recommend? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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Need caregiver certification? Please visit the American Caregiver Association

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