According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 42 percent of Americans age 65 and older use smartphones. Advances in smartphone technology and the ongoing development of new apps help make caregiving a little easier. Managing medications, coordinating care, and apps for cognitive engagement are changing the way seniors receive care and stay active and alert. Here are just five of the popular apps for caregivers and seniors:
Related blog: Video Games Can help seniors maintain their overall well-being
Skype
Video chats are a convenient way to connect with loved ones far away. Skype is one of the more popular apps for visiting with your loved one online, however, other options exist. The GrandPad uses the Call app and may serve as an easier tool for your senior to understand and to use.
Other standalone devices for easy video calling include the Amazon Echo Show, Facebook Portal, and Google Nest. These devices are always on and easy to use with voice activation and face recognition. Having a dedicated device for video calls may be less confusing for your senior, depending on their comfort level with technology.
Medisafe
This highly-rated health app features important methods for tracking medications. App users can set an alarm as a reminder to take their medicine and the app notifies you if you are running low on a prescription. Medisafe can also alert you if there is a possible conflict involving two or more of your medications. Designed by two brothers who almost lost their father to a medication mistake, Medisafe is a useful tool for managing medications.
Lumosity
One of the more popular brain games and memory apps, Lumosity offers games to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It even includes a fit test feature that helps them measure their mental fitness against people their same age. This app helps seniors stay sharp by engaging them in fun and interactive games and puzzles.
Elder 411
This app is a one-stop source for caregivers. Designed by the award-winning doctor Marion Somers, Elder 411 is available for iPhones at a cost of just under a dollar. Among its most helpful tips are those for how to deal with caregiver stress. There are a question and answer section and more than 500 pieces of advice for those caring for a loved one.
Magnifying Glass with Light
Trying to read a menu in a dark restaurant, or the small type on a prescription bottle is much easier using this app. The app turns the smartphone screen into a full-screen magnifying glass with an accompanying light to illuminate the text. You can also use the app to capture a picture, then zoom in for a clearer view of the image. The magnifying glass with light is a helpful app for caregivers and seniors alike.
Most apps are free or available at minimum costs. When selecting an app, it is important to ensure it will work with your device, specifically an iPhone, iPad, or Android.
Sarasota Bay Club
At the Sarasota Bay Club, we provide the luxury lifestyle seniors deserve. From a state-of-the-art theater to on-site health care, we have everything you need to stay entertained, active, and healthy. Our friendly and professional staff provides quality care that can offer your caregiver peace-of-mind.
Apps are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, monitor things like medications and blood pressure, and more. Fun apps that challenge your problem and critical thinking skills are also helpful for seniors. At the Sarasota Bay Club, we offer multiple opportunities to help you thrive during your retirement years. To learn more, schedule your personal tour today. We can't wait to show you why so many choose to make the Sarasota Bay Club home.
