It’s very understandable that seniors of today would feel even more disconnected from the world around them than senior citizens of past generations, especially given the fact that technology is now progressing at such a breakneck pace. AZ home health caregivers have some recommendations on how you can improve Arizona health care for seniors, by helping to reduce that feeling of isolation or withdrawal among elderly loved ones. By acquainting seniors you know with modern devices and making some senior friendly adjustments to others, you can help remove much of the mystery and confusion about today’s technological devices.
Smartphone Adjustments
You can make a smartphone more accessible and usable to your senior loved one simply by making a few adjustments in the settings. Some of the possibilities you might want to try are:
- increase the font size for text and the icon size for graphics
- enable audio feedback for better understanding
- enable voice commands
- increase the level of zoom magnification.
Install a Personal Assistant in the Household
The amount of information that can be provided by Amazon Echo or Google Assistant is absolutely amazing, and much of it can be very useful to your senior loved one. With just a simple voice command, your elderly friend or relative will be able to:
- hear local and national news
- set a timer or alarm
- setup reminders for medications
- play music and games
- control the thermostat in the household
- access the Internet
- control household lighting
- manage television viewing
- learn about the weather
- replay exercise routines on demand
- make phone calls
- reply to text messages.
Surfing the Internet Safely
There’s a whole other world out there for seniors to explore on the Internet, but many seniors don’t understand how to navigate, and many lack an understanding of security issues online. You can introduce your elderly loved one to the online world in a few simple sessions where important information is repeated, and safety precautions are emphasized. If you’re not up to the task yourself, many communities offer classes which provide seniors with Internet instruction, as well as all the warnings and cautions about safety which attend regular usage.
General Education
While the Internet is a big part of the changing world around us, it’s not the only thing that’s having a major impact on how we live. Technology is proceeding at a faster pace now than ever before, making it difficult for even younger people to stay abreast of it, not to mention less connected seniors. Many local community colleges specifically provide training classes on technological advances as well as Internet usage, and most of these are offered free of charge.
Some retirement communities and centres for elderly persons also offer the same kinds of classes, and they can be even better received than from the more formal educational institutions. Many seniors are more apt to be comfortable learning from informed persons of their own age, rather than much younger instructors. There are even more benefits to be gleaned from learning about modern technology than just staying connected – keeping your senior loved one mentally active is a great idea for maintaining MD home health, and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Phoenix health care professionals have the same goals for seniors as do caregivers for private home health care – to keep them engaged, active, and physically and mentally fit. If you are looking for senior home care in arizona or home care in the Phoenix area, contact us today. We have home health care options that can be tailored to your needs and budget.