By Rosanne Rogé, CSA. RFG, CFP®
Managing Director
Although caregiving is a complicated and stressful responsibility, help for caregivers has come a long way in the last few years. With an influx of resources and major advances in technology, we envision a bright future for the aging process and for the mission of providing top care to the elderly population.
To help caregivers find the best information and most modern technology available, we’ve compiled the list below, complete with links to each resources website, a quick description of the site or product, and an in-depth review.
A Place for Mom
AT A GLANCE: A Place for Mom was founded 15 years ago to help families navigate the maze of senior housing options.
IN DEPTH: A Place for Mom is now the largest senior living referral service in the U.S. and Canada. Although the company name focuses on “mom,” they help dad too! As well as anyone who is faced with finding the best senior living options for their loved ones. Their Web site offers resources on senior housing, assisted living, memory care, senior living advisors, elder law attorneys, and more.
The Brilliant Software That’s Turning Grandma’s TV Into a Caregiving Tool
AT A GLANCE: Receive messages and alerts directly through TVs, using a simplified remote.
IN DEPTH: Independa is a TV-based platform that combines elements of digital communication into a system that can be controlled by a single remote. The software-based solution allows caregivers and family members to use a web portal or mobile app to video chat, send Facebook messages and photos, set up appointments and medication reminders and play games with their older loved ones. It can also interface with blood-pressure monitoring devices, scales and glucometers, and can serve as a door sensor and emergency-alert system. On the other end, the elderly users are able to access all content without logins, passwords or the internet; they receive messages and alerts directly through their TVs, using a simplified remote. Independa teamed up with LG TV’s and now the software system – called Angela – is in use at hospitals and senior-living facilities.
Tech support for long-distance caregivers
AT A GLANCE: There are 7 million long-distance caregivers in the U.S. – according to the National Institute on Aging, and technology is helping to bridge the gap.
IN DEPTH: This resource discusses examples of technology that might be helpful for long-distance caregivers, including things like: Health Monitors, Wearable Monitors, Sleep Monitors, Personal Safety Devices, Social Communication, Monitoring Sensors, Video Monitoring, Financial Monitoring, and more.
Caregiving in the U.S.
AT A GLANCE: Using a study based on data collected in late 2014, this resource presents a portrait of unpaid family caregivers today.
IN DEPTH: In 1997, a study called Caregiving in the U.S. was conducted. Related studies were performed in 2004 and 2009. While this study builds on those prior efforts, it was conducted against the backdrop of a societal shift in technology. Among many other topics, the study offers demographics of caregivers and care recipients, public policy and caregiver support, medical tasks and care, and how caregiving affects stress and health.
American Society on Aging
AT A GLANCE: Excellent resource for caregivers filled with a ton of information and links.
IN DEPTH: An essential resource to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen skills of those who work with, and on behalf of, older adults.
Stress Busting Program for Caregivers
AT A GLANCE: An evidence-based program that provides support for family caregivers.
IN DEPTH: Two programs are available: 1. Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s disease or Other Related Dementia. 2. Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers of People with Chronic Disease or Illness. Both programs help to improve the quality of life of family caregivers and help caregivers to manage their stress and cope better with their lives.
Grandpad
AT A GLANCE: The simplest way for seniors to connect to the digital world; essentially an iPad for Grandma.
IN DEPTH: grandPad is a simple and secure tablet computer that digitally connects your senior to their family and friends. They can easily view family photos and videos, play games, check weather, listen to music, send voice e-mails, make phone calls, video chat, and more. Pricing is an all-inclusive $60/month.
Time – Secrets of Living Longer
AT A GLANCE: A great resource filled with articles related to your body, mind and life.
IN DEPTH: This booklet offers articles about the science of aging well; foods that keep you fit; and 23 surprising ways to stay young. It offers long life secrets from wise elders who have defied the odds, as well as articles like “How to Live to be 100,” “The Best Places for Aging Well,” and “Paying for a Long Life.”
Aging 2.0
AT A GLANCE: Aging 2.0 is a global innovation platform for aging and senior care. It is on a mission to accelerate innovation to improve the lives of older adults around the world.
IN DEPTH: Aging 2.0 connects, educates and supports innovators through regular events, programs and newsletters. It cultivates a robust ecosystem of innovators including entrepreneurs, technologists, designers, investors, long-term care providers and seniors themselves.
The future of aging and caregiving is yet to be determined, but with so many advances in technology and helpful resources, it can only improve with time.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding your financial future at info@rwroge.com or at 631.218.0077.
