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I think everyone has said, at one time or another, I wish I could go back before cell phones. The constant pictures, videos, the expectation of immediate responses, and never being able to "unplug." I am Generation X and as much as I would love more documentation from my childhood and teenage years, I think we had a freedom that most kids do not have today. As a teenager -- YAY!! Later, as a parent of a Gen Z-er, I was thankful for cell phones and the ease of being able to talk to Sydney whenever needed. Apps, such as, Life 360, GPS Speedometer and Odometer that shows the route and speed of the car, and then the doorbell that records everything, coming and going. Can today's technology help with caregivers and family members of loved ones with memory loss?
I remember admitting several residents, to our memory care neighborhood, whose loved ones stated they had put locks at the top of the doors, to keep their loved ones from wandering outside. A family member was living in the house, but their loved one got out in the middle of the night, without them knowing, and was out in the winter months for several hours. The outcome was much better than it could have been. How can you take advantage of today's technology to help with safety and everyday boredom.
Safety tips: Installing a camera or doorbell that records and alerts any movement, could help caregivers keep an eye on their loved ones. The doorbells also have a feature that you can talk through the doorbell to whomever is there. A very attractive necklace has an air tag compatible with Apple to track movements. A cell phone that has GPS, listen in and talk to gain peace of mind. As always, you will need to assess your loved one and determine if these items can be used to help keep them safe. This depends on the stage of dementia they are in, and their ability to live independently, with some assistance, or if they require 24-hour care.
Boredom tips: Amazon Alexas or Echoes are great tools to have in the home. Songs, or tidbits of information, can be played aloud, at any time. Streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, can play old television shows or movies. Who doesn't love to watch a great movie from their childhood?? Goonies...Sixteen Candles...LOVE. Digital photo frames can now connect to WIFI and upload pictures from loved ones anywhere in the world. Tablets and cell phones can be used on the go to help with stressful situations. Recommendation- Get noise cancelling, blue tooth, headphones for the house or going out. This can help with focus and to alleviate any agitation that may come when too much stimuli is presented.
Take full advantage of tools that are on the market to help preserve the independence that your loved one may have left. Remember, the key is to allow your loved one to have great moments throughout the day!