The Other Side of Care: How Care Tech is Reshaping Senior-Caregiver Relationships

In the realm of eldercare, we often focus on the challenges faced by caregivers. But what about the seniors themselves? How do they feel about relying on their children or spouses for care? What are their thoughts on the increasing role of technology in their daily lives? As Ready Digital revolutionizes the care landscape with its mm wave radar system, it's crucial to understand the perspective of those at the heart of this care revolution.

The Guilt Factor: When Love Becomes a Burden

For many seniors, accepting care from their adult children or spouse comes with a heavy emotional toll. The most prevalent feeling? Guilt.

"I never wanted to be a burden on my kids," says Jason, 79. "They should be focusing on their careers, their own families. Instead, they're worrying about whether I've taken my meds or if I've fallen again."

Nearly half of caregivers report experiencing guilt from their care recipient, other family members, or facility staff. [1]

The Loss of Reciprocity

One of the most challenging aspects for many seniors is the shift in relationship dynamics. After a lifetime of being the caregiver - as a parent or spouse - suddenly finding oneself on the receiving end can be disorienting.

This loss of reciprocity can lead to:

• Feelings of uselessness or loss of purpose
• Attempts to "over-help" in other areas, sometimes to the point of exhaustion
• Withdrawal from family interactions due to embarrassment

The Privacy Paradox

As care needs increase, many seniors find their privacy diminishing. This is particularly true when it comes to physical care or 24/7 camera- based monitoring.

This loss of privacy can create conflicting emotions:

• Gratitude for the attentive care
• Frustration at the lack of personal space
• Anxiety about losing control over one's own life

Technology: A Blessing with Efforts

The introduction of care technology, like Ready Digital's mm wave radar system, attempts to bring down these complex emotions for seniors through:

• Relief at not having to wear or remember to use a device
• Comfort in knowing help will come quickly if needed
• Appreciation for the reduced burden on family caregivers
• Sense of privacy and “not been watched”

"Knowing that system is watching out for me, I feel safer," admits Tiffany, 81. "And I think my daughter sleeps better at night too."

However, there is still this technological stigma that is being fought to reduce the friction of use.

The Silver Lining

Interestingly, many seniors report that care technology has actually improved their relationship with family caregivers.

"Before, every interaction with my son felt like a check-up," says Ryan, 77. "Now, with the monitoring system in place, when he visits, we can just enjoy each other's company."

This shift can lead to:

• More quality time with family
• Reduced tension in relationships
• Increased sense of independence for the senior

Bridging the Gap: Technology and Human Touch

While technology like Ready Digital's system can provide invaluable support, seniors emphasize the continued need for human connection.

"The sensors can tell if I've fallen, but they can't hold my hand or share a laugh," points out Doris, 85. "We need to remember that care is about more than just physical safety."

This highlights the importance of:

• Balancing tech solutions with personal interaction
• Training caregivers to use technology as a tool, not a replacement for care
• Involving seniors in decisions about their care and the technologies used

The system's ability to track activity patterns opens doors for proactive care. Unusual changes can prompt check-ins, not just for physical health, but for emotional wellbeing too.

Every Alert is an Opportunity: Whether it's a genuine fall or a false alarm, each alert prompts caregivers to check in. These moments become chances for valuable interaction. "Last week, the system thought I had fallen but I did not," chuckles Martha, 68. But when my daughter called to check, we ended up having a wonderful chat. It was an unexpected bright spot in my day."

A Call for Empowered Aging

As we move forward in this new era of care, it's crucial that we:

1. Involve seniors in the design and implementation of care technologies
2. Provide education to help seniors understand and feel comfortable with new tech
3. Use technology to enhance, not replace, human caregiving
4. Create spaces for open dialogue about the emotional aspects of receiving care

What are your thoughts? If you're a senior using care technology, how has it affected your relationships with your caregivers? If you're a caregiver, have you noticed changes in your loved one's attitude since implementing tech solutions? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Source:

[1] National Institute of Health