As we age, it’s normal to need a little help. Most seniors function just fine; it’s just that sometimes, support from loved ones can make a positive difference. That’s why you’re ready to help your parents or senior friend.
Decades ago, you had to live near a senior in order to offer help. If you lived far away, there really wasn’t much you could do; however, technology has changed a lot since then.
These days, you can provide some form of assistance even if you live on the other side of the country. But before you can delve into tech like this, it helps to understand what kind of help seniors often need.
Problems Faced By Seniors
Lumen Learning has a free online course that describes the unique challenges faced by seniors. Some of these challenges include:
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Financial problems brought on by less income and more healthcare expenses.
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Ageism, or discrimination and prejudice based solely on the senior’s age.
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Mistreatment or even abuse by people who should be providing care.
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Loneliness and few opportunities to socialize.
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Depression and similar mental health issues.
Of course, one of the biggest challenges seniors face is health. Thankfully, people are living longer than ever; the consequence of that is having more health problems. As Everyday Health explains, many seniors face the same medical conditions:
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Arthritis
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Heart disease
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Cancer
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
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Osteoporosis
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Diabetes
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Disability issues
Apps & Sites To Help You Support Seniors
So how can you help your senior loved one manage these challenges when you live far away? With all of the advancement in technology these days, there are tons of apps, sites, and individual pieces of technology that can help you offer assistance no matter where you live.
For example, video chat can help alleviate loneliness and strengthen bonds between a senior and their family or loved ones. Video games can provide the mental stimulation needed to help fight dementia and can be a source of socialization. There are even health trackers that share information in real time. The beauty of this technology is that all of this can be done when you don’t live nearby.
Also, technology like this isn’t reserved just for you. There’s plenty of helpful technology your senior loved one can put to use. Some must-have technology for seniors include:
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Tablets, smartphones, and iPads for photos, music, video chat, reading, and games.
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Hearing aids to help with the loss of hearing that often comes with age.
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Wireless home monitoring systems in case of medical emergencies.
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Assistive technology such as LED lighting or stove shut-off systems.
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Smart home technology that gives seniors the freedom to live independently.
Home Services
There are plenty of other ways to help besides providing tangible technology options. Did you know there are a variety of services available online that you can set up from your phone or computer?
For example, if your senior has difficulty getting to the grocery store, Caring.com lists meal delivery services that can provide regular groceries or complete meals delivered directly to their home.
If your senior loved one needs some extra help around the house, there are plenty of online options for housekeeping, pet sitting and lawn, and handyman services.
These are only a few of the options available, but they go to show that it’s easy to connect your senior loved one with the right kind of assistance through the touch of a button.
It’s challenging to take care of a senior from afar, but technology truly is making things so much easier. Once you’re familiar with the typical problems seniors face, you can help by providing your senior with technology that can boost their independence, or by using online services to give them some peace of mind and assistance. By incorporating the benefits of technology into your long-distance caregiving, you can stay connected and involved. In some ways, it might feel like you were never gone.
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