Technology can make caregivers' lives easier, and help their loved ones keep Aging Well. That's why AARP Hawaii is offering a free workshop for caregivers and seniors. Amy Goyer, AARP's national caregiving expert, will be the speaker.
"Technology is changing the caregiving experience more than anything. I've been a caregiver since my 20s. I cared for my grandparents. Two years ago my dad passed away. The thing that's changed the most is technology. It's made it possible, especially for long-distance caregivers,
There is an app for anything. "I tell people think about it as a problem solving tool. You might think about safety for your loved one. If they are home alone and fall, become ill, they can have help. There are medical alert systems or radar systems that can detect a fall and call for help," Goyer lists. "You can have doors someone 2,000 miles away can unlock to let an aide in to let someone take a shower. Or sensors to know your mom's moving around the home okay."
With so many options, how do you choose one? "Again, what's the problem you're trying to solve? What solution are you looking for? Then think about who's going to be using it. What is the ease with technology? Are you going to send someone a device and expect them to set it up themselves? If not, is there installation support?" she suggests.
Privacy and fear of security breaches are issues. "We ask people to make sure your loved one understands the security factors. Fingerprint or face ID is a good safety feature. You also need to protect from scams," she reminds.
AARP Hawaii's free webinar is January 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. Click here to sign up. You have until January 20 at 5:15 p.m. to sign up (yes, that's 15 minutes into the webinar.)
