Being responsible for a senior’s care and well-being can be daunting even in the best of times. Providing support with personal care and household tasks can feel overwhelming. Combine this with trying to keep a loved one safe from the coronavirus, and there is an added layer of stress. Many caregivers say their biggest challenge is time—there never seems to be enough of it.
The strain of caregiving can take a physical and emotional toll. Caregivers often worry they aren’t doing a very good job. Whether it’s concerns about forgetting an appointment or making a medication mistake , doubt and fear are common among caregivers.
For many, finding easy ways to get and stay organized can alleviate some of the stress that caregiving creates. The trick is figuring out where and how to get started. Fortunately, technology can make many of these challenges easier. Some of the best caregiver apps are even free to download.
5 Ways Technology Can Support Family Caregivers
Depending on what you need help with, you’ll find a variety of platforms that may be of interest:
1. Google Drive: Free and easy to learn how to use, Google Drive is a great place to save and share documents. If several family members are involved in a senior’s care, you can use this file sharing service to give everyone easy access to calendars, medical history, physician contact information, medication lists, and more.
2. Symple: One way to spot changes and trends in a loved one’s health is by documenting their symptoms. An app that makes that a little easier is Symple. This app offers both free and paid versions. Seniors and caregivers alike may find Symple to be an effective tool.
3. Meal Train: Friends and family often want to help a senior or their caregiver during difficult times. Often, the problem is not knowing what to do. Meal Train is a free platform that allows people to help out by signing up to drop off dinner. It also provides a method of donating gift cards for restaurants and meal delivery services, such as GrubHub and DoorDash.
4. CareZone: One struggle caregivers often cite is how to organize a senior loved one’s medical information. When multiple physicians, pharmacies, and health care centers are part of an older adult’s care plan, the challenge is even greater. CareZone is a comprehensive app that allows you to organize and store health information ranging from medication lists to medical history. The app can be downloaded for free.
5. Lotsa Helping Hands: This is another app that makes it easier to pitch in and help a struggling senior or caregiver. Through the Lotsa Helping Hands app, friends and family can sign up to drive a loved one to an appointment or drop off lunch. It also allows users to post feedback so everyone stays informed. For example, if a volunteer takes the senior for a medical test, they can share a quick update on what is happening.
If the demands of caregiving for a family member are becoming too much, it may be time to consider an assisted living or memory care community. These communities help older adults enjoy their best quality of life in a safe, secure environment. Call (888) 434-4648 to learn more about each of these senior living options or to arrange a virtual tour of a Sunrise community near you!