Best New Mobile Apps for Senior Caregivers
As older people – and caregivers – become more technologically savvy and comfortable using online platforms, apps for older people and those who love and care for them continue. to be developed and introduced to smartphone and computer users around the world.
In fact, a recent AARP survey found that among people age 50 and older, smartphone use increased dramatically when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and 40% of seniors used their phones to health care, an increase from 28% before the pandemic. The most common reasons for using a healthcare app were telehealth visits, prescription drug orders, and health and fitness information.
The most common reasons for using a healthcare app were telehealth visits, prescription drug orders, and health and fitness information.
The question for many is, which apps are worth the investment in learning time and, in some cases, money to use? Below are some of the favorites to save you the hassle of testing and trying before committing to an app that you may or may not like. All of these apps are available for Apple and Android smartphones.
Aloe Health Care
Unlike common medical alert systems used by many seniors, Aloe Care Health has a tiered program to provide increasing attention and response as you move up the system. The basic package at $29.99 per month is already much more than a button you press on a device you wear around your neck that calls 911. Some of the system’s features include:
- Voice-activated help
- 24/7 call and response center
- Home travel monitoring
- Collaboration with caregivers
- Amplified sound for hearing impaired users
The higher care tiers (at $39.99 and $49.99) have additional features that might be worth it for some.
calm
There is perhaps no more useful app available for anyone suffering from stress and sleep issues than Calm. If you’re a caregiver, chances are you face both of these challenges, and your eldest probably does too. The Calm app is much more than a meditation platform (that’s how it started in 2012). Once founder Michael Acton Smith discovered that usage increased between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., he recognized the need for soothing sounds to fall asleep and added music to the app.
The Calm app costs $69.99 per year, but once you try the meditations, lessons, and most importantly the calming music, you won’t regret spending the money. A seven-day free trial is available, so you can check it out first.
Care team
The rate of cancer among those aged 65 and over is 10 times higher than the rest of the population, with more than 2,000 diagnoses per 100,000 people (compared to 208 per 100,000 in younger age groups). Care Crew is an app designed for cancer patients: caregivers and seniors can work together to create a group to stay in communication with and request and receive help with everyday tasks or more important needs. You can also keep a running wish list of items the patient wants or services that would be appreciated. Care Crew also allows those battling cancer to have a virtual group for constant support. The basic package is free, with additional charges for additional services.
Predict care
A wearable bracelet called Tempo 3 with a highly sophisticated sensor system is the basis of the Care Predict plan. According to Care Predict, sensors can tell when your senior is eating, brushing teeth, sleeping and performing other activities of daily living (ADL). The plan offers a two-way communication button and you can find your eldest if they wander off with a tracking system. Plus, the Tempo can be programmed to open and close doors without a key, eliminating the need for your loved one to carry keys.
Several retirement homes are already using the Care Predict program for their residents.
The cost of the Tempo 3 is $499.99, and there’s a $69.99 monthly fee for the service after a 30-day free trial.
CariLoop
Available only through employers, CariLoop is unique because it offers coaching to caregivers. The idea behind CariLoop is that by providing coaching and support services, employees can get the help they need to care for loved ones. You can ask any question about caregiving, legal issues, medical topics and more without having to leave work. Although CariLoop benefits employees, it also benefits employers by relieving stress and anxiety among their staff. If you balance care and work and find it difficult to stay focused or need support, ask your employer about CariLoop.
Ray Care
With a focus on health insurance, Radius Care is truly an app for seniors. The app accesses your Medicare data and uses the information to recommend the best doctors, treatment plans, and other medical care for your senior. Radius Care’s goal is to eliminate unnecessary treatments and medications for seniors by taking a holistic view of their care. It is fully HIPAA compliant and it is free to use this app.
Comfortable safe
Like a best friend to seniors, Snug Safe checks in daily that they’re doing well, then sends uplifting and motivating words to help them start their day on the right foot. If your loved one doesn’t respond, Snug Safe will notify emergency contacts or, on the paid plan ($9.99/month or $99/year), it will call your senior. If they don’t answer, Snug Safe will call emergency contacts directly until there is an answer.
