Technology is ever changing. These 5 apps greatly improve the lives of those with dementia, hearing loss, or diabetes. Of course there is a catch, often new technology is too overwhelming for older adults to try. To the brave souls willing to embrace technology here are some fantastic apps that fill a need:
1. Communication Tool - FREE
By Social Care Alba.
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Communication Tool is designed to help people suffering from dementia, aphasia, stroke, brain damage, and other health problems communicate more easily. It has over 500 pictures, plus you can download your own personal ones. In also helps with memory prompts and memory exercises. Social Care Alba designed this app with “the hope that the frustration and isolation experienced by people with communication difficulties are replaced by experiences of inclusion, dignity and choice.”
Find out what's happening in Exeterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. ALZTrack™ - FREE
By Handhold Adaptive, LLC
ALZTrack™ is a journaling tool to help caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease discover what treatments work for them. It tracks interventions, behaviors and symptoms. Checkboxes allow daily recording of any therapy, medicine or supplement. Simple “sliders” allow rating of any behavior or symptom (e.g., anxiety, confusion, and sleeplessness). It allows you to email the daily logs and trend reports.
3. Alzheimer's Story Starters - FREE
By Paul Skiera
This app is designed to start a story between the caregiver and the elder with dementia. It’s goal is to provide distractions from confusion and frustration. You start telling a story and see where the conversation leads.
4. Tap Tap - $2.99
by David Vondracek
Tap Tap allows those with hearing loss to react to sounds, this is crucial when warning sounds are going off. When it detects noise, the app will vibrate and flash to alert the user. If the door knocks, or someone is speaking or shouting, the user will know. If the smoke alarm goes off, Tap Tap will vibrate and flash. The sensitivity can be adjusted and the app can run in the background. This is a must-have app for anyone with significant hearing loss.
5. Glucose Buddy – Free
By Azumio Inc.
Glucose Buddy is a data storage center for people with diabetes. It is a Diabetes logbook manager with syncing, blood pressure, and weight tracking. If you have diabetes keeping track of blood sugar levels is vital. Glucose Buddy allows you to manually enter glucose numbers, carbohydrate consumption, insulin dosages, and activities. Then, you can view all of your data on your free glucosebuddy.com online account.
Karen Campbell, CMC is a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Innovative Aging, LLC. To learn more please visit www.innovativeagingllc.com.
