eCare – Technology and its Evolving Role in Caregiving

 

Whether you want a new pair of flip-flops, to order some take-out, or are just curious about tomorrow’s weather, you will most likely access an app or website on your phone to get what you need.

MyPowerPak_Discover_ContentAssets_TechnologyInCaregiving_Image01_2021-02-23.jpg

In fact, even though it’s been scarcely a generation since the internet+cell phone combo became a viable marketplace for the masses, tech has become so embedded in day-to-day living that it’s difficult to remember what it was like before this age of digital conveniences. Face it, most of us would be lost (both literally and emotionally) without interactive maps and the self-care apps we have on our phones. But that’s what today’s technology does, it helps us navigate  through both the physical world and life’s unexpected events and uncharted journeys. 

One event that often falls into the “unexpected” category is caregiving. And while being a caregiver can be rewarding, it also comes with a myriad of challenges and stressors. The good news is experts have identified technology as a resource that can significantly aid caregivers, just as it provides better solutions in our everyday lives. But just what does that mean? While “technology” can mean many different things, for our purposes technology refers to digital resources that help consolidate and automate tasks in order to provide better solutions. This article will describe a few core digital offerings and how they can remove some of the unexpected responsibilities and points of friction that can arise while providing care for a loved one.

Constantly Evolving and Consistently Improving

According to AARP’s 2020 Caregiving Report, technology used by caregivers can be broken down into two core categories: software/monitoring solutions and online solutions.

Software and Monitoring Solutions:

For caregivers, adding the needs of the person/people they are providing care for to their own list of responsibilities can create a complex, stressful juggling act. Fortunately, there are numerous tech-based solutions that caregivers can add to their arsenals to help ensure things don’t fall through the cracks.

Based on the report, 53% of caregivers have used technology to assist with at least one of the following:

  • 35% have tracked care recipient’s finances

  • 30% have tracked care recipient’s personal health records

  • 17% have employed assistive devices

  • 14% have created electronic lists/spreadsheets to track their personal caregiving activities

  • 13% have checked on a care recipient using an app or other remote monitoring solutions

While some of these benefits focus on what might be considered logistics or bookkeeping, any streamlining of the caregiving experience—such as simply having accurate information close at hand—can be invaluable, especially when new and unexpected developments arise. 

Online Solutions:

The expression “just Google it” also applies to the caregiver journey as, in addition to new software solutions, online spaces and applications have become reliable safe havens where caregivers can explore new resources, discover new insights, and receive support. Every day, caregivers are unearthing new tools to help them in their daily tasks.

Based on the report, 60% of caregivers used or pursued one of the following:

  • 32% searched online for support

  • 26% managed recipient’s prescription refills on an app/website

  • 22% placed an order for groceries or household supplies for the care recipient

  • 19% watched videos on how to perform various caregiving tasks 

  • 11% created a shared calendar to organize schedules and activities

  • 10% used a transportation service for the care recipient

  • 4% had a virtual visit with a health care provider

There’s nothing new about online search tools, but apps, content and offerings that actually focus on caregiving as a unique category are growing in number, relevance and quality.

Technology Fuels Flexibility

You’re probably asking yourself, what kind of technology is right for me? When it comes to choosing tech solutions, each caregiver has their own unique set of needs and requirements. Happily, now more than ever, digital offerings can provide better ways to solve everyday tasks and relieve stress for both caregivers and care receivers.

As you read this there are already many websites, social media pages, applications, and video resources that can be helpful. However, with more becoming available regularly, simply trying to research all the options—never mind assessing all the different features and situational relevance—can be overwhelming. That’s where My PowerPakTM comes in.

While no single solution can solve every caregiving challenge, My PowerPak provides a diverse collection of services and resources for informal caregivers to help them provide better care for the people in their lives that matter most. Our platform tackles the fragmented digital care experience by providing a holistic solution that has all the tools and resources that you need to connect, contribute, and care together in one simple, centralized, and private place.