The truth is, as a senior gets older it gets harder to encourage them to embrace technology. However, there are some great reasons to encourage your loved one to pick up a tablet, phone or laptop. It can take time teaching them how to work these devices. But it will be well worth the effort! Especially if they live on their own and wish to age in place. Senior home care can also encourage them to use their phones to contact family and friends to help battle loneliness.
Tech Can Be Used For Entertainment
One of the best things about encouraging your loved one to adopt modern technology is that it can be used for entertainment. Your senior mom or dad may be retired and need something to do throughout the day. Although screen time should be limited, this can give them something fun to do. They may watch movies, listen to music, play games, or even play multiplayer games with family members.
This is a great way to fill up a few hours and can keep your loved one from being bored. If you are worried about the amount of screentime, ask senior home care to help monitor how long they spend on their tablet or TV.
Can Be Used for Social Interaction
There comes a point when a senior may stop driving and rely on senior home care to get around. But they need to be able to communicate and socialize with others between outings. The best way to do that is to embrace technology to keep in touch with their friends and family. This isn’t as good as seeing friends in person but it can help a senior feel connected to others without leaving their home. It’s an easy way to keep in touch with loved ones and it’s a good way for you to be able to check in on what they’re doing.
Tech is Good for Health Monitoring
Chances are your senior loved one will have a lot of doctors appointments. An easy way to manage those appointments will be via telehealth. You may be able to drive your mom or dad to most of their appointments or you may be able to coordinate with senior home care to give them rides. However, another really great option is to find a doctor who offers telehealth visits. Not all doctors will provide this service, but when your senior uses technology it opens up more doors for them and their health. Technology is also the best way to set daily reminders, set appointments up, and keep track of everyday health.
Tech Allows For Open Communication
Keeping open communication between all family members, doctors, and other caregivers is going to be crucial as your parents age. This is one of the benefits of technology. You can start a group chat and include your senior loved one or even senior home care.