Ways to Care for Parent or Spouse with Technology

Statistics show that more than 75 percent of the wealth in the United States is controlled by people over 50.
The irony in that fact is that according to the Pew Research Center, 92 percent of young people aged 18-29 own a smart phone, while 74 percent of people aged 50-64 own one as well as 42 percent of those aged 65 and older.
But to be fair, 97 percent of Americans in the 50-65 or older age group and 80 percent of seniors aged 65 and older own a cell phone of some type.
This means that although most of the income in our country is owned by older Americans, the gap in technology being created to meet their needs is still lacking in 2017. Add oddly enough, one of the ways seniors are becoming more independent is through the use of technology.
So what’s being done to close the tech gaps? Fortunately, companies like Aging 2.0 are creating ways to inspire entrepreneurs, senior service professionals, tech-companies, distributors and investors come up with solutions to help improve the lives of seniors, keeping them independent for as long as they need to be. Aging 2.0 says its goal is to bridge the innovation gap.
And those of us here at Freedom Home Care realize that because more than 90 percent of older loved ones prefer to age-in-place, we wanted to be a partner in the search to find assistive technology devices that would help them do just that.
BeClose is a tracking device that uses wireless sensors that keep up with your senior’s activities when placed around the home. In the event of an accident, BeClose will alert caregivers by email, phone or text.
Honor is an app that helps pair seniors up with caregivers that best meet their needs. If your loved one needs in-home care, Honor finds a professional who can assist them with their everyday activities or routine. If they need more specialized help, such as Alzheimer’s care, Honor will place them with someone who can meet those specific needs as well.
Simply fill out an application about your senior and the company will screen potential caregivers. Caregivers also track progress and health & wellness of your loved one through the app.
CareZone is a free app that helps family members who don’t live near senior loved ones coordinate information about medications and doctors appointments.  The app also gives family members access to Alzheimer’s resources and allows them to upload prescription medicine information onto the app to be shared with anyone providing care.
AARP CIBC App helps those caring for a family member find other caregivers that they can connect with and share advice. It helps the caregiving community provide emotional support for each other, while offering tips on things like finances and more.