Using technology is necessary for a senior’s brain health, safety, and socialization needs. However, some devices can be challenging for older adults to navigate, causing them to shy away from using technology. Here are some of the ways family caregivers can make using various types of technology simpler for their senior loved ones.
Guide Your Parent through Instructions
The easiest way to simplify technology is to read the instructions until they make sense. If there are visual instructions that can help your loved one navigate devices or web browsers and apps, make sure he or she watches the videos. Write down specific instructions your loved one has difficulty remembering. You can write the essential information on a sticky note or a notepad near the device.
Purchase Devices with Large Buttons & Screens
As seniors age, the risk of developing eye conditions and diseases increases. It’s important for aging adults to visit their eye doctors regularly and practice healthy habits that prevent vision loss and blindness. Using larger devices with buttons and screens that are visible and wide puts less strain on the eyes, allowing seniors to operate their devices with ease. When seniors use larger devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, they can read text more easily and see videos more clearly.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Adjust Settings Accordingly
Clicking on buttons can be difficult for seniors with muscle and joint conditions such as arthritis. Adjust the settings to respond to single clicks instead of double clicks, and teach your loved one how to use the voice option for the devices he or she is operating. For example, many cable providers have remotes that can be operated with voice control. Your loved one can speak commands instead of clicking on the buttons to navigate through the channels and various settings.
Update Apps
Many apps won’t work correctly without being updated. For example, some social media applications stop running quickly because an update is required. If the social media site is stalling, your loved one could become angry and irritated and refuse to use the app again. However, you can monitor your loved one’s devices and make sure the apps are updated regularly, or you can select the auto-update feature.
From updating apps on phones to performing simple housekeeping tasks, older adults often need help with several activities. Tucson respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Choose Basic Models
If your loved one is learning how to use technology, allow him or her to start off slowly instead of using the most advanced devices right away. Most seniors use technology for specific purposes, such as making phone calls to their family and friends or watching their favorite television shows. Therefore, they only need basic products. As your loved one learns how to use the devices, you can consider upgrading to high-tech gadgets that allow him or her to manage daily tasks and activities with ease.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Tucson, AZ, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (520) 276-6555.