Technology to Manage Caregiver Stress
Disclaimer: Boston Senior Home Care is not affiliated with any of the products, applications, or companies mentioned in this article and does not receive any financial compensation or commission from the links provided. These recommendations are shared for informational purposes only.
With each day comes new technology that can help caregivers manage the many responsibilities of caring for a loved one. But with so many options, it can be hard to cut through the noise and find the best tech tools to support your caregiving journey. To help you out, here are five apps and tech tools available for caregivers.
1) Mindfulness Apps
Caregiving can be stressful, so it’s important to pause and recharge. Mindfulness apps are a simple way to remind yourself to take a break, breathe, and stay present. Many offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, and gentle stretches to help ease stress and boost emotional balance.
One free option is Mindfulness Coach, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It includes audio sessions, a learning library, and helpful tools to build a mindfulness routine at your own pace.
2) Medication Scheduling Apps
On busy days, it’s easy to lose track of when to take or give medications. While a simple alarm can help, sometimes a more detailed system is needed to stay organized.
Apps like Medisafe offer a clear overview of your medication schedule, send reminders when it’s time to take or refill a prescription, and help you plan ahead. It’s a great way to take the guesswork out of managing multiple medications for both you and your loved one.
3) Meditation and Exercise Apps
Meditation and light exercise are great ways to boost your mood and stay healthy. MindMate is an all-on-one app that includes mental exercises, workout routines, and healthy recipes to help users be mindful of their physical health. Having all of your important health metrics centralized into one app makes it easy to remember and track, which can also help people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias be more consistent with daily exercise and wellness checks.
4) Home Cameras
Caregivers who provide round-the-clock support may worry about stepping away, even for a quick errand. But constant stress can lead to burnout. Home monitoring cameras like Ring or Blink can offer peace of mind by letting you check in on your loved one remotely, anytime.
Placing cameras near key areas like the bedroom or kitchen can help you notice important routines, like how often a loved one is eating or moving around. For those at risk of wandering, an outdoor camera can also be a helpful tool, offering crucial clues in case of an emergency.
5) Online Meeting Technology
In other cases, caregivers may find it difficult to make time for appointments at far-away doctor’s offices, or to go to in-person events. Online meeting technology such as Zoom or Google Meet allow caregivers to participate in these events from the comfort and convenience of their own home, cutting down on travel time and stress while allowing for more regular check-ins.
An example of a helpful virtual resource is Boston Senior Home Care’s online caregiver support groups. At these support groups, caregivers can connect with a community of other caregivers, share valuable information and practical solutions, and learn healthy skills to reduce caregiver stress. To learn more or sign up, email [email protected].