Tech Savvy Caregiving for 2024

If your resolutions for the new year include investing in labor saving hacks, read on. This is your go to list for simplifying your life using up-to-date technology for your caregiving responsibilities. These suggestions are offered to those adult children and loved ones who are comfortable with apps, technology, AI, and new systems. You don’t have to be a digital native to utilize them.

In our quest to streamline responsibilities, let's explore how technology, when wielded by those familiar with digital tools, can aid in managing daily life for our elderly parents. This is a roundup of suggestions. You may be ready for some and not for others. It all depends on your comfort level and the willingness of your senior.

Calendaring and Daily Schedules

For those comfortable with digital calendars and scheduling tools, virtual assistants can be invaluable. They excel at setting up and maintaining digital calendars, ensuring all doctor appointments, social activities, and other essential engagements are well-organized and never forgotten. Regular updates and reminders keep both you and your parents stress-free and on track.

Shopping Lists and Grocery Management

Familiarity with online shopping and apps opens doors to effortless grocery management. Virtual assistants can create and manage detailed shopping lists, keeping track of dietary needs and ensuring essentials are always available. Coordination with grocery delivery services streamlines the process, providing necessary items without the need for physical shopping trips.

Menu Panning

A related suggestion is menu planning. If you are comfortable with ChatGPT or a similar AI tool, give it what’s in your parent’s refrigerator as well as dietary restrictions and preferences. Then ask it for recipes and/or menus for meals before the next grocery order comes.

Medication Management

Comfort with medication management apps and digital tools allows for efficient organization of medication schedules. Virtual assistants can set up reminders for medication intake times, ensuring doses are taken on schedule. Utilizing medication management apps further aids in tracking pill schedules, refills, and dosage adjustments. Some will also alert you to incompatible medications.

Here are some popular examples.

• 1. Medisafe: Medisafe is a widely used comprehensive medication management app available for both iOS and Android devices. There is a monthly fee for the app which offers features like medication reminders, pill tracking, doctor appointments, trackable health measurements, and refill alerts. You can also set up notifications for both you and your senior, ensuring that doses are never missed.
• 2. PillPack: PillPack, now a part of Amazon Pharmacy, provides a unique service by pre-sorting medications into individual packets labeled with the date and time for each dose. The app is straightforward, and the pharmacy can send the pre-sorted medication packets directly to your senior's doorstep.
• 3. Others include CareZone, Round Health, and apps created by pharmacy chains.: CareZone also provides a journal feature for recording symptoms and side effects.

Caregiver-specific Apps

Some free apps, like "Lotsa Helping Hands" or "Caring Village," are designed with caregivers in mind. They offer medication management features, but they also provide a broader set of tools for coordinating care, including scheduling, messaging, developing meal trains, and sharing updates with a care team.

Mail Management

For those at ease with digital filing and organization, virtual assistants handle mail sorting and management seamlessly. They filter junk mail, organize bills, and ensure important documents are addressed promptly. Digital filing systems enable remote access to essential documents, preventing anything crucial from slipping through the cracks. You want to set up autopayment for utilities, rent, insurance premiums, and other regular costs just like you do for your own. Utilizing the tools you are used to will save you time.

Health Monitoring

Explore AI-driven health monitoring devices that track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose levels. These devices can send real-time data to your smartphone, allowing you to keep a close eye on your senior's health. No need to adopt them just yet; they are coming soon. Just like some supervisory visits from nurses are done remotely now, your senior will soon have certain health measures monitored remotely by medical professionals through sophisticated medical devices.

This is already happening. Understand that it’s on the way and don’t get nervous from it. Become familiar now if you have the time and interest.

Voice Assistants

Set up voice-operated systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to help with daily tasks. Your senior can use voice commands for tasks like turning on lights, setting reminders, or playing soothing music. This is a good idea if your senior or the aide are comfortable with this. Otherwise, save the tech for the important stuff like medication monitoring and security of the home. You have to feel comfortable as well as your senior and his personal care assistant.

Home Security

Install AI-driven home security systems with features like facial recognition and motion detection. These systems can provide an added layer of safety for your senior and alert you to any unusual activity.

AI-Powered Companions

You’ve read about these and seen demos all over social media. You may want to consider AI companions like robotic pets or virtual chatbots designed to engage and interact with lonely seniors. These companions can provide companionship and even assist with cognitive stimulation exercises.

Remember to ensure that your senior is comfortable with and receptive to AI and other technology. Always prioritize their preferences and needs when implementing these solutions.

?