5 WAYS TECHNOLOGY HELPS FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Family caregivers give emotional and physical care to older adults whether at home or in a residential community. Technology can find solutions to daily problems that family caregivers might face. Here are some ways Technology has provided assistance:
1. TRACKING
With the use of technology, caregivers are able to keep track of what those they are looking after are doing. They are even able to know their locations when they are not around them using the following tracking devices.
● GPS technology - These are devices that can be attached to a person's clothes or worn on the wrist. They are used to track where the individual been given care is. A text is sent when they go outside of the area they are supposed to be. This way even when they get lost their location can be identified.
● Fitness monitor - This device can help the caregiver to keep track of their loved one’s health by checking the progress of movement, weight fluctuation as well as other factors depending on the monitor being used.
Tracking and monitoring may seem excessive, but in instances when you are caring for someone whose memory is affected, these systems can act as a way of ensuring your loved ones remain safe when you can’t be there.
2. LEARNING NEW THINGS/ KNOWLEDGE IMPROVEMENT
By use of technology such as Google, caregivers are able to learn more about the diseases or problems of their loved ones hence are able to know of better ways to provide care. Their loved ones can also contact them when away in case they need assistance, which helps to reduce the stress felt by the caregiver.
3. SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Sometimes caregivers feel alone and even isolated. Hence technology has come up with sites and communities for caregivers where they come together to vent their frustrations to others like them who understand them. This way they are able to help each other maintain mental stability.
4. PROVISION OF MEDICAL DEVICES TO HELP THEIR PATIENTS.
Caregivers will give care to people with physical problems hence use of medical devices such as hearing aids, electronic wheelchairs, orthotic devices such as artificial limbs will come in handy. Use of these devices will make patients comfortable and even enhance their healing problems. It will also make work easier for caregivers as communication will be easier if those with hearing problems use hearing enhances. All this is made possible by using technology.
5. HELPS CAREGIVERS IMPROVE ENTERTAINMENT
Older adults need to engage in activities that will jog their brain and help them engage in activities that will relieve them of boredom and help them to forget their limitations. Playing soothing songs that can be streamed online can help. Sometimes showing them how to play computer games or access E-books can make a difference and improve their health.
Written by: Jane Byrne, who has been working in the care industry for 5+ years as a project coordinator.