Using Technology for Caregiving
Using Technology for Caregiving
Technology can make your life as a caregiver a lot easier if you are aware
of what is available. Here are some tech ideas you may want to search:
| Issue or Concern | Suggested Technology & Description |
|---|---|
| Dementia wandering or missing person risk Search: Caregiver GPS Tracking or anti-wandering | GPS Tracker – GPS is most commonly used for directions in cars but it can also be used to track the person you are caring for. It’s worn on the wrist and when the person is outside a certain area (say the home perimeter) you will receive a phone, text or email message! See also motion sensor technology below. |
| Wireless Home Monitoring Search: Caregiver Home Monitoring | This is a motion sensor technology that lets the you know if there hasn’t been any motion in the house for a long time. You will be contacted if there are any unfamiliar patterns of movement (or no movement at all) e.g. if the care recipient is in the bathroom too long or if they faint and don’t move. Also, video door bells allow you to see who is at the door for safety and they are motion activated so you can be notified. You can also talk to the person at the door, “Dad, where are you going?” |
| Health Monitoring Search: Caregiver Health Monitoring apps | You can monitor your care recipient’s blood pressure, glucose levels, heart rate, sleep quality and physical activity, all remotely. |
| Fall, Cardiac or Dementia Risk Personal Response System (PERS) Search: Caregiver Personal Response System (PERS) | Similar to a Medic Alert Bracelet. The person can press a button to contact a call centre (e.g. If they have fallen and can’t get up.) This service is usually in home only and is a paid service. |
| Communication & Information Sharing: Search: Caregiver communication apps | These apps help multiple caregivers communicate, organize and share health information. If there are several caregivers, it’s nice to have all information and updates in 1 central location. You can share pictures and notes, assign tasks, and some even have a calendar function to track appointments. |
| Administrative Health Tracking Tools Search: Caregiver Tracking App | Can be used to track appointments, health records, insurance and more. These apps provide a single location to store and organize health information and prepare for emergencies. |
| Medication Reminders Search: Caregiver Medication Reminder Apps | These apps remind the person to take their medications, when to refill and even send you a text when meds are taken or running low. |
| Translation Apps Search: Translation Apps | Many dementia patients revert to their first language as their disease progresses – A translation app may help in this situation. e.g. Google translate. There are also products & apps that translate in real time so you can have a conversation. |
| Combining Technology Search: Smart Speakers or any specific name SIRI, ECHO etc. | Today, you can find apps that work together with your Fit Bit or SMART Speakers (SIRI, ALEXA, ECHO or HOME). Smart speakers can work with almost anything: lights, weather, music, call for help, fall detection or fitness tracking. |
| Support Communities Search: Caregiver support communities | There are apps that will help you connect with support networks or assist when looking for contracts for help. |
| Sleep Quality Search: Sleep tracking mats or mats that tell you when someone is awake. | There are mats that you lay on that will give you all kinds of sleep stats including heart rate, and when you snore. There are mats for the floor that tell you the person is awake when they step on the mat. |
Other Suggestions
• Memory game apps to help stimulate the brain of dementia patients.
• Meditation apps for stress relief.
• Refrigerators that show the inside to track if they are eating & what groceries are running low.
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