by Watkins Kelly, Communications Specialist, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Caring for individuals with dementia is a challenging and emotionally taxing responsibility. In the age of technology, caregivers are increasingly turning to apps that offer invaluable support, guidance, and resources to navigate the complexities of dementia care.
These specialized apps address the diverse needs of caregivers, providing potential solutions for a range of issues. They empower caregivers with knowledge and tools to enhance quality of life for both the individuals with dementia and those caring for them. They are free (some with additional charges for premium features) and available for download through the Apple and/or Google Play app stores.
Caregiving Support
Apps designed for helping caregivers be more organized.
- Ianacare: Helps coordinate and manage the responsibilities of caregiving, by creating a supportive network that helps share tasks, updates, and important information amongst family, friends, and neighbors.
- CaringBridge: Provides a centralized and secure platform for caregivers to update family and friends on the older adult’s health condition, progress, and specific needs. Caregivers can create journal entries, share medical updates, and receive supportive messages from loved ones, fostering a sense of connection and support during the caregiving journey.
- Caring Village: Store important documents, track medications and prescriptions, and communicate with your support network from a single dashboard. A wellness journal allows you to post updates on your loved one’s health; shareable to-do lists make it easy to coordinate help; and a preparedness checklist ensures you’re ready for the unexpected.
- Alzheimer’s Daily Companion: Includes tips and practical solutions directly from memory care specialists. Contains training materials and information on how to deal with difficult dementia behaviors and situations. Offers 24-hour caregiving assistance via phone or email for any information that may not be covered in the app.
Health Monitoring
Apps designed for helping caregivers monitor their own health as well as the person they are caring for.
Disclaimer: Apps designed for health monitoring do not replace, and should always be discussed, with your primary healthcare provider.
- WebMD: Caregivers can search for information on a senior’s medications using the pill ID function and set medication reminders. There is also a symptom checker and a section where you can research different medical conditions.
- PainScale: Track and manage your loved one’s pain. Features a pain diary that allows you to enter pain triggers and intensity, medication dosages, activity levels, mood and sleep quality. All of this information can then be compiled to create either a general or detailed pain report that can easily be shared with medical professionals.
- Medisafe: Get medication and refill reminders, drug interaction warnings and in-depth information on your loved one’s health conditions. Track vital signs and other metrics and send medication reports to your loved one’s healthcare provider.
- RxSaver: Quickly compare prices and save on prescription medications by finding coupons at nearby pharmacies.
- Welltory Heart Rate Monitor: Stress and energy management, providing insights into well-being, heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels.
Well-being
Apps designed to improve the general well-being of a caregiver.
- Insight Timer: Options that support mind, body and spirit, including guided meditations, calming music, breathwork techniques, live yoga classes and inspirational quotes.
- Lumosity: Offers brain-training exercises and games to promote cognitive health and keep older adults mentally sharp.
- Happify: Provides science-backed activities and games that aim to reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being, making it a valuable tool for caregivers managing their own mental health.
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, caregivers may discover that applications and other tools can help reduce some of the burden of caregiving. These apps can be conveniently accessed anytime and anywhere through your smartphone or mobile device, and offer a variety of solutions for caregivers and the people they care for.
Sources:
Apps for Caregivers (Aging Care)
Dementia Apps for Seniors and Their Caregivers (A Place for Mom)
Caregiver Apps (Where You Live Matters) Apps for Family Caregivers (Seniorly
###
