Health apps for older adults
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We want to know our relatives are safe and well, yet even with an appropriate home care plan, there will undoubtedly be times when vulnerable relatives are left alone. For greater peace of mind as a carer, install news and games apps to entertain your loved one, some of the useful apps below to assist them as well as considering hiring a care worker with Cera to help care for your relatives when you can’t be there.
WebMD, Free on iTunes and Android: A medical condition, a recent fall, or a memory problem are all causes for concern. This is a useful app to check symptoms, get First Aid information, find the nearest hospital or even identify pills.
Reminders
It’s not uncommon for an older person to forget to take prescribed medication. That’s why you’ll find plenty of apps to help keep on top of their schedule:
MyPillBox, Free on Android: Set reminders for different pills and organise them by name, colour, or the condition they’re used to treat. The app tracks medicines that have been taken and one can back-up this data to show a doctor. You can also add notes for pills that must be taken with food or under the tongue etc.
Pillboxie, £1.99 on iTunes: You don’t need an internet connection for this app to send you reminders or to be actively using your phone, so this is helpful for those who aren’t heavy phone users.
MedCoach, Free on Android: Provides reminders and connects to the pharmacy so you can order your next batch of medication online.
Emergencies
Red Panic Button, Free on iTunes and Android: If your relative is in trouble, they can use this app to send you a text message. There’s no need for them to remember your number as it’s programmed into the app. They don’t even need to know where they are as the app automatically alerts you to their location using the phone’s GPS signal.
Fade Fall Detector, Free on Android: If the motion sensors inside a device detect a possible fall, an SMS and email are sent to your key contact. Alerts are triggered by sudden movement, so an alert can’t be considered 100% indicative of a fall.
Getting an older person online
For those who struggle to use mobile apps due to poor vision or coordination
Simple Senior Phone, Free on Android: Use this app to carry out basic tasks, like making calls or sending messages. It has large, colourful buttons that are simple to use.
Google Handwriting Input, Free on Android: Use this app to write or draw with your finger to share fun messages and pictures with others.
Dragon Dictation, Free on iTunes and Android (under Dragon Mobile Assistant): If your relative has unsteady hands, they can use their voice to send text messages and emails.
Magnifying Glass With Light, Free on iTunes (Magnifying Glass + Flashlight on Android): This makes printed text in books or newspapers larger and more visible.
