During my time as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I was able to learn a lot from my senior patients. Being a caregiver on a day-to-day basis calls for fresh ideas to promote social, intellectual, physical, and overall wellness. Here are some creative tools and resources from caregivers encouraging exceptional patient care to seniors and the disabled.
Online Communication — Interaction with other caregivers on the web who are experiencing the same situation could create a sense of community. Online forums and support groups allow members to share stories, tips, technological developments, and even insurance information about various subjects and topics. Groups on www.caring.com include posts about Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Caring for a Parent, Diabetes, and more.
Health Tracking Programs — Monarcares allows caregivers to store their patient’s information in one secure and private place. Easily access medical, financial, and legal records via a web-based application. Coordinating a care plan for an aging adult or a patient with disability has never been easier!
Assistive Devices — Assistive devices like stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, or automatic door openers could improve mobility and eliminate struggles around the home, making for happier patient and a less worried caregiver. 101 Mobility® offers these devices with professional installations. Click here to find the location nearest you.
Tablet/iPad — Tablets and iPads are a great way for seniors to stay connected and enhance cognitive development. The user-friendly “swiping” control is great for those struggling with arthritis. Additionally, screen brightness levels can be adjusted for improved visibility.Seniors can face time with family, read a book, play a game, or swipe through photos of their grandchildren with ease.
Skype — Seeing loved ones in real time could make all the difference. If your patient is away from family or doesn’t get to visit them very often, Skype could help them visibly and audibly reconnect on a level they hadn’t thought possible. Telling their grandchild a bedtime story or seeing their daughter’s kitchen remodel in real time could strengthen a senior’s familial bond and eliminate loneliness.
AARP Caregiving Resource Center — For relevant blogs, senior housing, assessment checklists, and endless advice, AARP is an exceptional caregiving tool. This site is a go-to for family and patient planning and covers all the bases—from insurance to grief and loss counseling. See how it can make a difference in your caregiving plan by checking it out here.
Have you used any of these tools or resources during your time as a caregiver? Do you have any advice to share about your personal caregiving experiences? We want to hear about it!
