Minding Our Elders’ Mid-Year Caregiver and Elder-Friendly Technology Roundup
Dear Readers: It’s mid-year already, and that means it’s time for my semi-annual column featuring caregiver and elder-friendly products, services, and technology. These lists are meant to provide ideas, not to sell. I use product websites when I can, but sometimes Amazon is the most accessible option. A reminder, as well, that I’m simply passing on information, not endorsing products or services unless I state otherwise. Let’s take a look:
Adaptive
- Parkinson’s pen: Parkinson’s and handwriting: ARK Z-Vibe® Tran-Quill® Vibrating Pen
(https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-tran-quill-vibrating-pen-kit).
Activities
- Visual connections game: OuiSi Original Visual Connections (https://shop.ouisi.co/products/connecting-photo-cards). A “this looks like that” family game based on similar shapes, colors, and patterns for various ages. Works for people living with dementia.
- TV for dementia: Zinnia TV (https://www.zinniatv.com/ ) streams videos made by caregivers for caregivers and people experiencing dementia. Free trial available.
Caregiver resources
- Benefits: Find earned benefits on the Benefits Finder Tool (https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder ).
- Caregivers Toolkit: See the National Institute on Aging Caregiving for information( https://www.nia.nih.gov/toolkit/caregiving ).
Communication/Caregiving
- Good Company voice assistant: Good Company (https://getgoodcompany.ai/) is a daily voice assistant for older adults that handles reminders, answers repeated questions patiently, and keeps minds active through regular conversation. Caregivers configure it remotely and stay informed along the way. (I’ve talked with the developer and played with the app; this looks promising)…
More Helpful Tools:
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.“I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose…I don’t want it to end.” …Craig William Dayton, Film Composer
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
