The Ultimate Tech Toolkit for Caregivers of Senior Parents

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“The Ultimate Tech Toolkit.” Sounds dumb. I know..

But being in the generations that basically built modern day tech as we know and use, apps and smart devices are almost essential household items at this point. While I will concede that smart devices still give me the creeps, they have helped in a major way to assist with caregiving. So, while you may not want to download more apps on your phone or even install a smart device in your home, when caring for your senior parent, you may be better off with some help.

As a caregiver to a senior parent, it really depends on how independent your parent is at the time of reading this. With that said, we are going to include tech that caregivers can use no matter what level of care you are providing because you can use each piece of tech as little or as much as you need.

Communication and Connection Technology

Viber

This is an app that allows the user the ability to not only create videos and voice calls, but create chats and even group chats. The entire family can hop on here and communicate with grandpa about how his team sucks. This is also available for mobile and desktop.

We all know what WhatsApp is. If you don’t, you clearly live under a rock. So, here’s the rundown: WhatsApp is considered to have a more intuitive user interface (UI) than most apps on the market. This is a solid option when finding apps that work across generations.

Continental US communication apps: You’re here. They’re here. Might as well use apps that are easily known and are free on our phones.

FaceTime

This is Apple’s video calling app. It lets users have video calls with anyone on another Apple device.

Google Meet

Feeling restricted by Apple’s proprietary products, you’re not alone. Google has an option that works on all devices! This works the exact same as FaceTime from Apple, but can also be scheduled into future meetings through a Google Calendar.

Disability

Inclusive communication: People worldwide are living longer. With advanced age, common biological changes occur. This can include anything from hearing loss, cataracts, osteoarthritis, diabetes, dementia, and many more conditions. With these types of conditions, typical communication devices and apps can be difficult for seniors to operate or even use for those with disabilities.

Roger Voice

This app transcribes calls instantly on mobile devices. This app is available for both Android & iPhone.

Envision AI

This app uses the smartphone’s camera to describe the world around someone that is visually impaired. It can also be trained to recognize family and friends. This app is available for both Android & iPhone.

Amazon Echo Show

Amazon made a device that allows users to share access and gives all users the ability to watch shows from their favorite streaming apps, share calendars, find and prepare meals, create to-do lists, and even set reminders. This all means you can share photos, accounts, set reminders, and communicate in real-time with your senior parents.

Additional communication tech: As we all know, there are many options that allow for images to be sent directly to photo frames rather than having to use a thumb drive. Depending on your budget, size, and display preferences there are many options from which to choose. Below we have a few options.

Aura Mason Luxe
- This is the highest rated wifi digital picture frame due to its quality and free, unlimited storage.
Nixplay
- A middle priced alternative to Aura and Aeezo, Nixplay also offers free, unlimited cloud photo storage.

Aeezo

This is a great alternative to the Aura brands, but a fraction of the cost.

Health and Wellness Technology

Not only do you need to take care of yourself while being a caregiver, but you need to stay on top of your senior parents’ health and wellness. A lot of tech and devices nowadays allow us to stay connected with our senior parents, but they don’t allow us to check on their health and be aware of any potential health issues. However, there are devices that we can use to make sure that our independent, senior parents are taking care of themselves and to provide us with a little peace of mind.

Technology to the rescue!

There are tools you can load your tech toolbox with to allow you to see, in real-time, where your senior parents’ health is at and what, if anything, needs to be done to ensure they have the healthiest life they can have.

Fitness trackers and activity monitors: Wait a minute. These are not new devices! No, they are not. But did you know that you can set up your accounts to share activity with others?

I bet you didn’t.

Apple Fitness

This is an app that is compatible with all Apple devices. If you get your senior parent an Apple watch and set them up to share their activity with you, you can see how much fitness they are fitting in and what types of exercise they are getting. You can also view their heart rate, notify you if there has been an emergency after calling EMS, find their location, and so much more. These types of features allow your senior parents their autonomy, while you get to keep your sanity and maybe (just maybe) lose a little bit of that stress.

Samsung Health

Not an Apple person, no worries. Samsung to your Android needs! While this app is available for both Android and Apple users, it is most compatible with Android devices. Much like the Apple fitness app, Samsung offers the same great capabilities through monitoring notifications. To best use this app, it is recommended to pair it with a Galaxy watch.

Monitors

Since 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, many medical professionals realized the immediate need for remote sharing of data. With this newly developed tech, companies jumped on the opportunity to create devices that can share data to anyone that gives permission. Below I have more devices to add to your tech toolkit to better care for your senior parent.

iHealth blood pressure monitor

This device is made to be very easy to use and, when used with the free companion app iHealth MyVitals, it allows the user to have all of their measurements stored on their app. With login to the app, you can see everything remotely. In addition, this allows the user the ability to download results and send them directly to their physicians. There are a few devices similar to this on the market. We recommend doing your research outside of iHealth, if you are looking for something specific.

Medication management

Monitoring medication right now is such a task for me, it is beyond difficult for our senior parents. Having apps at their fingertips is going to make this feel like less of a task every day. There are two apps that make the most sense, with one even turning it into a fun activity.

Mango Health

This app is an all-in-one medicine manager. It reminds the user to take medications, gives refill alters, and gives daily points and rewards to motivate the user to consistently log the medication history.

Dose Cast: This is another app that is easy-to-use. You will need to sign up for the paid version. However, at only $2.99 per month, it’s more than doable. It allows the user the ability to set notifications for medications, enter the correct dosages, take notes on meds, keeps track of refills, and lets the user connect their account to their doctor or pharmacy. Not as fun of an app, but very handy to stay on top of all of the medications that we know they need to take.

With the health and wellness apps and devices, as a caregiver, you can access all of the accounts and see the real-time health of your senior parents. This allows you a little more time in a day to maybe even eat a meal, let alone cook a whole one.

Dose Cast

This is another app that is easy-to-use. You will need to sign up for the paid version. However, at only $2.99 per month, it’s more than doable. It allows the user the ability to set notifications for medications, enter the correct dosages, take notes on meds, keeps track of refills, and lets the user connect their account to their doctor or pharmacy. Not as fun of an app, but very handy to stay on top of all of the medications that we know they need to take.

Safety and Security Technology

There is no sugar coating this: Seniors are being victimized through scams more than any other age group in the US.

There is no sugar coating this: Seniors are being victimized through scams more than any other age group in the US.

So, what do we do to keep our parents from sending that check, opening the door, and answering that phone call? Well, a stern talking to is first in order. Then, we suck it up and use tech. Because, while we don’t need expensive gadgets for everything, having some tech for practical things can make things easier.

Smart home devices and systems

These are just for watching movies and making our homes look cool. They can be a real game-changer for caregiving and maybe in your personal home, too.

Smart thermostats

Yeah, yeah, I know, another thermostat. But hear me out. Being able to control the temperature remotely is huge. You can make sure your parents are comfy without having to be there. Plus, some learn your schedule and adjust automatically. It’s like having a tiny assistant. This is a link to the top 4 recommended by the New York Times and really covers a range of abilities and budgets.

Smart speakers

Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home can be a game-changer. They can control other smart devices, play music, set alarms, and even make calls. For your parents, they can be a friendly voice assistant. The link we have here has the top 9 speakers of 2024. However, if you are looking for answers right now, we recommend Amazon and Google.

Hero Health medication management

Let's be honest, remembering to take meds is a pain, even for us. Imagine how tough it is for our senior parents. That's where smart medication dispensers come in. They look like regular pillboxes but with a tech twist. They remind your parents when to take their meds and even have features to let you know if they've missed a dose. It's like having a tiny nurse in your parent's home.

Safety first! Emergencies happen. We all know that being on edge all day, everyday is not sustainable for us. We need to have a little help. There are devices that can help when it comes to medical emergencies.

iPhone users

Apple Watch with cellular can be a lifesaver. It does way more than just tell time. The emergency SOS feature is huge. Plus, it can track your parent’s location.

Android or iPhone: There are dedicated medical alert systems like Life Alert. These devices have a pendant with a big, easy-to-press button. When pressed, it connects your parent to a 24/7 monitoring center.

Smart doorbells

You want to know who's knocking without answering the door? Smart doorbells are the way to go. They let you see and talk to whoever's there, right from your phone. It's like having a virtual eye on your parent's home. We recommend Ring and Nest Hello. They're both reliable and user-friendly.

Look, we know caregiving is tough. But with the right tech, it can be a little less stressful. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, the goal is to make life easier for both you and your parents.

Organization and Management Technology

Okay, let’s talk about staying sane. Juggling doctor's appointments, medication schedules, and grocery lists is enough to make anyone's head spin, let alone constantly worrying about your parents’ health. Let’s try to stay organized.

Online Calendars

We don’t need to list calendars here. Every cell phone comes standard with a calendar. Simply share your parents’ calendar with yours. Every time they make an appointment you can see it, and vice versa. You don’t have to share your calendar with them. But this way, you can see everything they have going on and coming up.

To-Do list Apps

Todoist is a popular choice. It's simple, easy to use, and lets you break down big tasks into smaller ones. Plus, you can set due dates and reminders.

Grocery Delivery

Services like Instacart and Shipt are lifesavers. You can order groceries online and have them delivered right to your door. Some even offer options for senior-friendly meals. Which is amazing because they can’t always cook and neither can you.

Financial management: Apps like Mint can help you track your parents' spending, pay bills, and even find ways to save money. It's like having a financial advisor in your pocket and in their bank.

Digital Document Storage

Okay, the older generations love some hard copies. But seriously, with inflation the way it is, who here can afford that amount of paper, let alone the amount of storage for all of their documents!? Not it. With companies like Microsoft experiencing issues these days, it’s best to go with a really secure option like Smart Vault. While it is originally designed for businesses, this is a great option for families to securely share important documents like social security cards, birth certificates, medical records, and more.

So, are these tools going to give you four more hours in a day and create a stress free life for you as a caregiver? Absolutely not. Are they going to help you manage all of the responsibilities you have on your plate? Yes.

It's not just about gadgets; it's about making your life easier. We've covered a bunch of apps and devices here, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out other resources and find what works best for you and your parents. AANN has more info if you need it. The bottom line? Tech can help you stay connected, keep your parents safe, and make caregiving a little less stressful.

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