Among health and mental issues, seniors today have a huge gap in knowledge surrounding technology. If you’re caregiving for a mother or father who wants their independence, they may want to connect with family and relatives who use computers and other devices. It can be difficult to teach a new learner or a senior with a failing memory how to do something new, but the potential for improving their lives with technology is worth it.
Seniors are Lonely
Does your parent ever complain about feeling alone in the world, or left out? It may be partly because of all the new and changing technology that everyone else seems to adapt to except them. The internet can be a great way to stay in touch with people you love, and there’s no reason why seniors shouldn’t have that opportunity, too. This is especially important for aging parents who are no longer mobile because they can access so much information at their fingertips and keep up with what’s happening on a global scale. In fact, computers and other devices can also provide outlets for creativity and find people who share their hobbies and interests, as well.
Use your patience when teaching your elderly loved one about smartphones or laptops. Younger people tend to shut out seniors when talking about these things, just assuming they won’t understand but they didn’t even try to get their older loved one involved. Take it slowly and letting your senior parent be included in these conversations as well as reach out to the rest of the world will do a lot for their confidence, independence, and stave off loneliness.
- You can have your parent take a class specifically geared to his or her age group for learning about computers. Look into your local college to find programs that can teach about texting, sending photos or videos, social media such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as computer basics.
- Let your elderly parent know how they can connect with their family. Set up Skype or other programs so they can see their grandchildren on video. Imagine how much easier communication will be for a senior who can become this interactive with the technology around them.
- If there are no official classes in your area, you could try checking online. Make up your own method of teaching by involving your senior parent in the daily technology you use and explaining it to them. By showing them and noting exactly what you do with it, you’ll help them remember. Keep them active with you as you use Facebook and other tools.
- Your loved one’s caregiver from senior care service can also help. Your parent may need something as simple as setting up the laptop and calling up an email program so they can start communicating with loved ones far away.
If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of senior care in The Woodlands, TX contact the caregivers at Synergy Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (281) 407-1200 for more information.