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Home » Blog » CAREGIVING » RESOURCES » Top Ways Home Technology is Advancing Caregiving

June 6, 2016 By Rena McDaniel 36 Comments

Top Ways Home Technology is Advancing Caregiving

Senior Adult.

Senior Adult.

Top Ways Home Technology is Advancing Caregiving

By Kaitlin Krull

Today I have another guest post coming your way. Please welcome Kaitlin Krull to The Diary of an Alzheimerscaregiver.com! Kaitlin Krull is a writer and mom of two girls living the expat life in the UK. She enjoys writing for Modernize.com with the goal of empowering homeowners with the expert guidance and educational tools they need to take on home projects with confidence.

Caring for a parent, relative, or friend with a debilitating physical and/or mental condition such as Alzheimer’s is a complex and often difficult process. An estimated 40% of us are currently offering care for children and adults with disabilities from home with varying degrees of external support. Thankfully, the development of home technology has made many aspects of caregiving easier and more straightforward. Here are just a few of the ways that accessible home technology is changing the way we care for our loved ones.

 

WiFi/Internet connectivity

Widespread access to the Internet has changed the way we live in countless ways. For caregivers, WiFi is essential for communication, information, and support. Patients and caregivers alike can now stay connected with family and friends around the world, keeping in touch and sending updates on their care. Caregivers can also utilize the Internet to access tailored information and support from blogs, websites, online forums, and online caregiver communities. Caregiving.com recommends adult caregiving websites such as caring.com, CarePlanners, the National Alzheimer’s Association, and MedHelp, but there are also many other places to access the support and information you may need as a caregiver.

 

IoT products

Perhaps one of the greatest advances in home technology in recent years has been the development of the Internet of Things, or smart devices and gadgets that connect wirelessly to the Internet, learn your home’s preferences, and function largely of their own accord. Smart thermostats, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and security systems that run on this technology are linked to smartphone and tablet apps that you can monitor and adjust on the go. At Modernize, we think that this kind of technology is particularly invaluable for caregivers, who can devote more time to caring for their loved ones because they know that their smart devices have some basic household needs covered. Other remote monitoring apps and products such as geo-tracking and GPS devices allow patients living with Alzheimer’s and other limiting conditions live a more independent life while putting caregivers’ minds at ease.

 

Adaptive technologyKaitlinKrull

Assistive technologies in the home are essential to many people living with disabilities, increasing mobility and simplifying caregiving in a variety of situations. Durable medical equipment such as tub assists, wheelchairs, stair lifts, walkers, ramps, and canes are low-tech but high function and make day-to-day care much more straightforward. High-tech assistive technology, including personal emergency response systems, mobility scooters, and communication devices offer even more convenience to both caregivers and patients in many aspects of home life.

 

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Filed Under: GUEST BLOGGERS, RESOURCES Tagged With: Alzheimer's resources, Caregiver resources, guest posts, Kaitlin Krull

About Rena McDaniel

I'm a recovering Alzheimer's Caregiver, a former loving daughter, a current wife, mom, and grandma who remembers all too clearly what it is like on the front lines of Alz Caregiving. I provide real advice, pro tips, or excellent tools from my own experiences and other experts I find along the way. A community of caregivers supporting each other!

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Comments

  1. Carol Cassara says

    June 6, 2016 at 9:36 am

    This is a cornucopia of helpful information for any caregiver. I love it when technology can aid the helping community.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 6, 2016 at 2:21 pm

      You and me both! Thank you for the support.

      Reply
  2. Haralee says

    June 6, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Using technology to do the best is great!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 6, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      It really is, thank you for the support.

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:29 am

    I’m always on the lookout for updated medical devices and equipment that makes my daughter who does life from her wheelchair easier and more efficient. Great resources here.

    Reply
  4. Karen @BakingInATornado says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:41 am

    The second best thing to finding prevention and a cure would be to make care giving easier. So happy to see that’s happening,

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 6, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      Very true, these are my two greatest wishes.

      Reply
  5. Beth Havey says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:57 am

    As we progress in society, yes, we need to take advantage of those things that can help us in caregiving roles. The internet helped me help my husband when he was diagnosed with a chronic illness. In retrospect, my mother had to stand by and watch my father die from an MI because the docs had no idea how to help him and of course there was no info available to her.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 6, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      I couldn’t imagine living in a time without the internet. It really has made so much information easy to find.

      Reply
  6. Ellen Dolgen says

    June 6, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    Wow, this is truly great information. So many advances that can help us care for our loved ones.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 6, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      Hopefully so many more advances to come as well, thank you for the support.

      Reply
  7. Andrea says

    June 6, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    SO great about all the technologies that are out there these days helping people with Alzheimer’s…

    Reply
  8. Toni McCloe says

    June 6, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    I came late to the technological world, but now I couldn’t live without it. When I was caring for my mother who had Alzheimer’s, the best book I found on the subject was The 36-Hour Day. It was invaluable and helped me understand what was happening with my mom. Thanks for your post.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:14 am

      I have that book too Toni and it’s been so helpful. It was a gift from the Alzheimer’s Assoc. I also came late, but like you I can’t get enough of it.

      Reply
  9. sue says

    June 6, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Such great information here which we don’t really think about. We live downstairs from my Parents-in-Law who are both 90 this year. They have had medical problems however are still independant to a certain extent. It is difficult to decide what to do for their best care as they don’t want to leave their home. Thanks for some very helpful advice. Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:16 am

      Your welcome Sue and thank you for your kind words. It’s something that you should start talking about now. The more information you have the better care you will be able to provide when they can no longer do it for themselves.

      Reply
  10. Cathy Lawdanski says

    June 6, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    Thank goodness for ways to connect with others, get information and technological help these days. So important for many in our generation who are caring for loved ones.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:16 am

      It is Cathy. It has saved my sanity. I’m very isolated and this is often my only contact with the outside world.

      Reply
  11. Janie Emaus says

    June 6, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Great advice. My 91 year old mom used to play Scrabble on FB with me. I have to get her back into the game!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:17 am

      It’s very good for the mind stimulations. You should also try Ruth Curran’s site she has some great mind games.

      Reply
  12. Carolann says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    I always get stoked when I see the words technology and seniors in the same sentence. As a corporate training director, I used to pay special attention to those in my class that felt intimidated by technology because of their age. I am so thrilled to see it’s really being utilized now more than ever. Awesome post. Love the awareness of it all!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:18 am

      Thank you Carolann. It is so important to keep our loved ones minds engaged for as long as possible.

      Reply
  13. Leanne says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    When it comes to caregiving any extra help is a bonus – I love that there is so much more available now than ever before and I’ll be using as much of it as possible if I end up caring for my mum or my in-laws down the track.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:20 am

      It’s great to have all of the information before your need it Leanne. Most caregivers are only put into action after an emergency has already occurred. Knowing the signs and preventive care is their only defense.

      Reply
  14. Lois Alter Mark says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    I love when technology is used for good! And I’m all for anything that helps caregivers!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:20 am

      So true Lois! Thank you for your comments.

      Reply
  15. Estelle says

    June 6, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    Its great to find these helpful resources for caregiving. Thanks for sharing them.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:21 am

      Thank you Estelle. I love spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s or seniors and caregivers.

      Reply
  16. Nicole Escat says

    June 7, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    I love your post, this is very informative and you’ve shared very important resources too! I like technology and the benefits I get from it.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      June 16, 2016 at 1:22 am

      THank you Nicole. I appreciate your comment.

      Reply
  17. brianna says

    June 7, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    My grandmother had alzheimers/dementia. Caring for individuals with this disease is so tough.

    Reply
  18. Carol Graham says

    June 7, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    I had no idea so much was available. Will share

    Reply
  19. Lisa Rios says

    June 8, 2016 at 5:44 am

    I agree, technology has become a great part in making caregiving an easier & more straightforward one for sure. Caregiving is such a hectic & sensitive job to do & I love that we have technologies that could make things a bit easier.

    Reply
  20. Henry Cooper says

    January 10, 2017 at 2:22 am

    Hello there, Rena! I already finished reading your article and it’s so precise and useful information for me, nowadays, people has much more techie by the new era. Moreover, Thank you for the great post.

    Keep posting.

    Reply
  21. Robert Chase says

    September 22, 2018 at 6:34 am

    Most of the blog I search mobility aided tools no one can fulfill my expectation without you. So I highly appreciate your work. Really a proudly post! What is the thinking level you are? I agree with your opinion and your list so that the disabled person can get their right in the out site and houses. Your article inspired me more to build my house wheelchair friendly for my grandmother who is now 78 years old. You discuss the mobility assist tools step by step, As wheelchair users, this is a great job for me. Please, you increase the list by adding price, installation, user guideline.

    Reply
  22. soswatch says

    February 4, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    Thanks for sharing this post with us.We discover that a good GPS enabled cellphone is a more sensible choice right now together with a conventional rock strong dependable and reasonably priced medical alarm system.

    Reply

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