Senior Care Tips: Adopting a “Tech Support” Approach to Encourage Independence

Senior Care in Wellesley, MA

In this world of technology, computers, smart phones, and everything seeming to be more complicated by the day, the concept of tech support is something that virtually everyone is not only familiar with, but has used on a regular basis to help them figure out how to use their devices effectively and overcome issues if they arise. This type of support enables consumers to take control of their devices and use them in the way that they want to while also handling challenges confidently. If you are on a senior care journey with your aging loved ones, you can take this same approach to giving them the support that they need while also encouraging independence.

Just like tech support is designed to let you manage your technology largely on your own, your “tech support” approach to your parents’ care should be about encouraging as much independence and autonomy as possible while making sure that they have the tools and skills necessary to stay healthy, safe, and comfortable throughout their later years.

Use these tips to adopt a “tech support” approach to encouraging independence in your seniors:

• FAQs. One of the first things that tech support customers usually encounter is a set of frequently asked questions. These FAQs are just what they sound like, answers to the most common questions and concerns about a particular piece of technology. Take some time to create a set of these FAQs for your parents regarding their care. These can be where you put certain household items, the contact information for their doctors, how to do a load of laundry, or how to work their new coffee maker. Whatever they might ask you frequently, include in in their list, type it up, and put the list in an easily accessible place so that they can reference them whenever they need it.
• Provide communication methods. Make sure that your elderly loved ones have more than one way of getting in touch with you. Give them your phone number so that they can call and text message you, set up an email address just for them and be sure to check it regularly, or teach them how to use social media so that they can get in touch with you when they need it.
• Help, do not do. Encouraging independence in your aging loved ones supports their mental and emotional health, boosts their well-being, and ensures that they can live the highest quality of life possible throughout their later years. Take a cue from tech support and give your parents help, but do not do everything for them. When they encounter a problem, offer support, guidance, and instruction, but let them figure it out as much as possible.
• Bring in the experts. Sometimes there are challenges that your aging parents cannot overcome completely on their own. If they need extra help around the house, contact Griswold Home Care of Metrowest Boston to find out about hiring a non-medical in-home caregiver who can give your parents to direct assistance that they need while continuing to support as much independence as possible.