The world grinds to a standstill. Roads remain empty, transit systems echo, churches provide online services only. Stores which are still open display hand sanitizers at every corner and mask-wearing customers lurk and disappear. Our present reality. Confined to quarters, staying home, forcing this virus to die the death of having no host. Isolated, we wonder how to entertain ourselves at home.
The everyday reality for many elders.
A ‘digital divide” exists between younger and older generations. Seniors 65-75 often use technology at the same rate as their younger counterparts. However many over 75 currently don’t use computers or access the internet at all. This great resource holds many treasures for them.
We think of wheelchairs and walkers as assistive devices. But computers have been shown to improve an individual’s social skills and increase levels of self-determination. There’s nothing like the feeling of success on a device. Smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers can all make the connection, but portable is often helpful.
Computer technology connects seniors socially, provides a sense of safety and makes everyday tasks more convenient.
Social Connection
Imagine the look of wonder on an elder’s face as they connect with an out-of-town grandson via Skype.
Computer technology creates opportunities for elders to link with family and friends everywhere in the world. Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime allow for sharing text, video calling, photos and videos. A tablet with pictures of a great-grandchild’s first birthday replaces photo albums.
Safety At Home
Feeling safe and secure at home matters at any age but it is never more key than for elders. Technology can provide them with a sense of security. Light timers, voice-activated light systems in stairways, personal medical alarm systems and voice-activated phone dialling can all provide elders at home with a sense of safety.
Accessing the Community
Amazon, grocery delivery services and movie streaming like Netflix can make daily living more convenient and less isolated, bringing access to the global community. Grandma may order her groceries online, but when Great Grandma does, the younger generation is impressed. Having choice and the ability to select products from home can bring a sense of purpose and independence.
How Care Partners Can Help
None of this matters if elders can’t figure out how to use the devices. Care partners are essential to the process. Adjustment to suit individual needs and promote easier access is possible. Change the size of text and the colour contrast.
Simple, clear, easy-to-read instructions can be created by care partners to guide individuals who may be living with dementia and require cueing. Care partners can provide elders with verbal and written instructions and a demonstration to ensure the successful use of technology. In some cases, many times over!
Has this week given you a tiny taste of the isolation of social distancing? Take that information and add technology to an elder’s life.
Once we can all come outside again!
Leigh Coutu is the Resource Coordinator for the Courtyard at Christie Gardens. Thank you, Leigh, for this great information.