Modern technology has evolved and continues to make it easier for adults to remain physically and socially active in the senior years. Therefore, it’s essential that they learn how to operate these new gadgets and tools correctly. Here are some tips family carers can use to help seniors with technology.
Enhance Previous Knowledge
If your parent knows a little about modern technology, start from there and build up. Enhancing the skills he or she already possesses may make it easier to use technology. Try to relate technology to everyday life. For example, when teaching how to use text messages, explain that it involves typing the words just like a typical email and using a phone number to send the message instead of an email address.
Explain Important Benefits and Information
Detailing the importance of technology may make seniors more receptive to the digital age and encourage them to learn more. For example, when speaking about social media apps, explain how using the apps can make it easier to stay in touch with family and friends, regardless of where they are the world. You should also list some of the disadvantages and teach your loved one how to use the Internet safely to reduce the risk of scams targeting the elderly and other types of fraudulent activity.
High-tech communication and easy-to-use devices can be helpful for ageing adults, but seniors with serious health conditions may also need the assistance of a professional care worker. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Newcastle, NSW, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in care worker.
Repeat Key Factors
Teaching your parent to navigate technology may be less difficult when you take your time and explain critical concepts clearly. Repeating the facts about a specific device or program helps your parent learn how to navigate the tools and systems when you’re away. Before moving on with other technology lessons and instructions, go over what you’ve discussed to make sure your loved one remembers the most important concepts. When you take your time and reinforce key factors, you can prevent things from becoming overwhelming and confusing.
Practice Together
After you’ve explained the tools, apps, and various systems, make sure your parent practices using all of these things. Refrain from immediately stepping in when you see him or her having difficulty using the devices. Seniors need to remain active when learning technology, even when things are challenging in the beginning. Practicing can help older adults become more accustomed to the actions involved in using technology, such as pressing buttons, clicking on links, and typing in web addresses.
Professional care workers can also help seniors practice the tech skills they learn. Newcastle home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home care workers.
Sign Up for Tech Classes
Taking a tech course offers brain stimulation, socialisation, and knowledge. While attending a class, seniors can learn how to navigate certain devices and systems with the help of trained professionals. The tech-savvy teachers may know how to explain technology and usage tips better than you because they’ve studied the industry. Check with adult learning institutions and local government programs to find out the senior-friendly tech classes they offer.
For seniors with cognitive issues that make it challenging to remember instructions, professional care workers with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful asset. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Newcastle families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualised care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today at (02) 4089 3000 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your parent is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
