Supporting Older People to Use Technology

Over the years I’ve talked to a lot of managers of senior living communities. I know that the usage of smart phones amongst residents can be mixed. In newer villages or brand new villages, residents can be completely comfortable with using apps. When they move in they expect communications to be done online and question the need for paper at all. Just email or text the document to me. We see up to 90% of residents using a resident communications app like Pluss Communities on a daily basis.

In older villages, you can have a broad mix of ages and technology experience. Some residents use smart phones every day for all sorts of things. For others, making a phone call and texting their family is all they really do with it. With couples, sometimes one person takes responsibility for the use of the smartphone.

That mix of ages can make the thought of adopting tech in the village a little bit scary. Some residents can be very hesitant when it comes to technology and the use of smartphones but are open to learning more. Others can be completely against it. “I haven’t used one yet, why would I start now for crying out loud?” Against this backdrop it can be hard to consider introducing a resident app with mixed usage. However we see mobile app usage above 50% even in older villages.?

Every person’s experience with technology is different, but what is true for all of us is that when we learn something new, we all go on a learning journey and that can be full of ups and downs. With patience, practice and persistence we get there. This is true for all sorts of things we have learnt over our lives.

One of the things I really enjoy about my role is getting time to spend with residents whilst running resident onboarding sessions. Recently I was on site at a village and heard about the general mobile app technology training they offer to residents. It’s not specific to the Pluss Communities platform but covers the basics. Things like, how to setup your apple ID, how to use google maps, how to take and share photos and how to reset a password. Really simple things that we might take for granted but that can be essential for people who are new to the technology.?

Running a smartphone training workshop can not only get your community ready for using a communications app but it can unlock a world of options for your residents to better interact and engage with family and the world around them.?

Steps to organising your workshop

1. Assessing Needs and Interests

Our first step is to gauge our residents' current mobile phone skills and their interests. Do they wish to learn about video calls, texting, or using health apps? Understanding their goals will help tailor a program that resonates and engages.

2. Identify Suitable Technologies

Familiarise yourself with the most commonly used digital devices and applications among older adults, such as smartphones, tablets, video conferencing platforms, and social media. Evaluate the user-friendliness, accessibility features, and potential benefits of these technologies for your residents.

3. Recruit and Train Instructors

Seek out tech-savvy volunteers, staff members, or external experts who can serve as instructors for your digital literacy program. Provide them with comprehensive training on teaching techniques, lesson planning, and strategies for engaging older adult learners.

4. Develop a Curriculum and Schedule

Create a structured curriculum that covers a range of topics, from basic device operation and internet navigation to more advanced skills like online banking, video calling, and social media usage. Offer classes or workshops at various levels to cater to residents with different levels of experience and comfort with technology.

5. Provide Ongoing Support and Encouragement

Ensure that your residents have access to ongoing support, whether through one-on-one assistance, a dedicated tech helpdesk, or peer-to-peer mentoring programs. Regularly solicit feedback and adjust your program to address any emerging needs or challenges.

Crafting a Tailored Mobile Literacy Program

With insights into our residents' needs, we can create a program that addresses various aspects of mobile usage, ensuring inclusivity for all skill levels:

• Interactive Workshops: Host hands-on sessions focusing on essential mobile phone functions, popular apps, and internet safety. Keep these workshops small to ensure personalized attention.

• One-on-One Support: Offer personalized sessions for residents who prefer individual assistance or have specific concerns, ensuring no one is left behind.

• Leverage Community Resources: Engage tech-savvy volunteers and local experts to bring diverse teaching methods and perspectives into the program.

• Create Supportive Learning Environments: Encourage a culture of patience and positivity, where questions are welcomed, and achievements are celebrated.

Practical Tips for Mobile Mastery

• Simplify the Complex: Use clear, jargon-free language. Consider creating visual aids or step-by-step guides that residents can refer to outside of sessions.
• Emphasize Safety: Dedicate time to educate on mobile security, from setting strong passwords to recognizing fraudulent messages or calls.
• Relate to Everyday Life: Highlight practical applications, like using the camera to capture moments, installing health-monitoring apps, or using maps for navigation.
• Encourage Exploration: Urge residents to explore their phones in a guided setting, reinforcing learning through practice.
• Build a Peer Support Network: Foster an environment where residents feel comfortable helping each other, enhancing the sense of community and shared learning.

Event Outline: Mobile Literacy Launch Day

Kickstart the program with a day dedicated to mobile literacy, designed to engage and excite:

1. Morning Kickoff: Introduction to the Power of Mobile Phones
2. Workshop Sessions: Breakout sessions tailored to different interests—Messaging for Connection, Video Calls with Family, Health Apps, and Beyond.
3. Interactive Lunch: A social lunch where residents can share their mobile experiences and aspirations.
4. Afternoon Deep Dives: Focused sessions on security, app installations, and troubleshooting common issues.
5. Closing Gathering: A casual debrief, encouraging feedback and sharing of personal stories and successes.

Workshop Series

If you have the time and resources to support multiple workshops then you could break the training up into workshops that residents could choose to sign up to all of them or just the ones of interest.

Workshop 1: Introduction to Digital Devices

- Overview of common digital devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops)

- Hands-on demonstrations and practice with device setup and navigation

- Troubleshooting common issues and accessing support resources

Workshop 2: Staying Connected through Technology

- Exploring communication apps (video calling, messaging, email)

- Setting up and using social media platforms

- Strategies for maintaining relationships and combating isolation

Workshop 3: Managing Daily Tasks Digitally

- Online banking and bill payment

- Accessing healthcare services and information

- Using digital calendars and reminders

Workshop 4: Exploring the Digital World

- Navigating the internet and finding reliable information

- Accessing entertainment and educational resources online

- Staying safe and secure while using digital technologies

Workshop 5: Advancing Your Digital Skills

- Exploring more advanced features and functionalities

- Integrating digital tools into daily routines

- Sharing success stories and best practices

Remember to tailor the content and duration of each workshop based on the feedback and progress of your residents. Encourage participants to bring their own devices and provide ample time for hands-on practice and one-on-one assistance.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful in your digital literacy journey:

• AARP's Digital Literacy Resources - (https://www.aarp.org/technology/computer-training/)
• National Seniors Council's Digital Literacy Toolkit? (https://nationalseniors.com.au/digital-literacy-toolkit)
• Seniors Guide to Using Smartphones and Tablets (https://www.seniorsguide.com/technology/seniors-guide-to-using-smartphones-and-tablets/)
• Digital Literacy Curriculum for Older Adults (https://www.digitallearn.org/courses/digital-literacy-curriculum)

By implementing a comprehensive digital literacy program in your retirement village, you can empower your residents to thrive in the digital age, stay connected with loved ones, and maintain their independence and quality of life. Remember, the journey to digital literacy is a collaborative effort, and with the right support and resources, your residents can unlock a world of possibilities.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to support you and your team in this exciting endeavour.

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