Digital healthcare services - the enabler for aging in place

For many seniors, one of their biggest fears is having to give up their home. It’s not difficult to understand why. These homes have sentimental attachments; it’s where they’ve raised their families, possibly with a now-departed spouse. Reminiscing on bygone years helps them stay positive.  However, holding onto these happy memories can sometimes cloud their better judgment. It may prevent them from downsizing to more suitable property or moving into sheltered accommodation to improve their quality of life. Digital healthcare services may be the answer.

Seniors may suffer from a diminished self-confidence

Many worry about losing their independence or having to openly admit that they’re not able to cope with the responsibility of running a home as well as they once might have. This diminishing self-confidence can be triggered by a whole host of reasons. For example, slower than expected recovery from a long-term illness or mobility issues such as no longer being able or allowed to drive. Short-term memory is not as sharp as it once was, coming to terms with a bereavement. These are just some examples. 

The effect of Covid-19 on seniors

Covid-19 is causing further anxiety. Seniors are deemed the most vulnerable age group. Those that were living in care homes at the outbreak of the pandemic went from having regular visitors to no real-world visitors at all. As a result, their perception toward care homes and other residential facilities has changed. Many seniors are nervous about moving into such a facility for fear of being cut off from their friends and family. When you consider the full impact Covid-19 has had and is continuing to have across all echelons of society, it is little wonder that seniors want to stay put.

Younger family members, on the other hand, constantly worry about their elderly relatives’ ability to cope should they decide to remain in place. Moreover, there is the worry about the impact the decision to stay at home will have on them as caregivers. Is the house suitable for senior living? How will they manage the stairs, the garden, purchase groceries, visit their GP? Then there are accidents or illnesses to consider. Who will they call? And what about their mental and physical well-being? Learn more about how to help your senior loved one move in with you or age in place. 

Digital healthcare services are taking some of the pressure off and have come a long way

Fortunately, thanks to the up-and-coming digital healthcare services, aging in place is no longer as foreboding as it once was. Apps like Cairloop have made life a whole lot easier and overcome many of the physical and emotional barriers associated with independent living. Most seniors are reasonably tech-savvy and own a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They’re competent users of video conferencing platforms, are proficient online shoppers, and regularly partake in online recreational activities. Attending virtual medical consultations is becoming increasingly normal in a “new normal” world. 

Grappling with technology can be overwhelming

Technological advances and sophisticated gadgets go a long way toward facilitating independent living. However, circumnavigating the huge array of health and wellbeing services and apps can be overwhelming. Learning and remembering the multiple steps needed to participate on a Zoom call can be a burden. Older adults need help choosing services best suited to their needs. They need assistance with downloading and configuration of apps. Security and data protection are also a cause for concern because cybercriminals often target seniors because of their perceived technical naivety. Getting healthcare services to work properly is no mean feat. There are browser issues and settings menus to contend with and seamless experiences are not always that seamless because users are obliged to juggle between services and platforms, depending on what they’re trying to do. 

New players are more empathetic to seniors’ needs

Newer players are taking the time to better understand what is needed from both a senior and caregiver perspective to provide digital healthcare services. The result is the ease of use is becoming increasingly important to new applications that are coming online. Thriving.ai is one such application. 

Based directly on personal caregiving experiences, Thriving.ai has developed a senior-friendly app that supports both iOS and Android mobile devices - phones & tablets. The app serves as the central hub for all communication within a senior’s circle of care. Instead of scrolling through contacts, searching for apps, sending Zoom links, and typing in phone numbers, all seniors have to do is click on the relevant avatar and they will get in touch - via text, voice or video call straight away. All communication is HIPAA-compliant, offering further assurance and peace of mind. Why not get your elderly relative to give it a try?  It’s free for 60 days! Plus, we’d value your feedback. 

For many seniors, one of their biggest fears is having to give up their home. It’s not difficult to understand why. These homes have sentimental attachments; it’s where they’ve raised their families, possibly with a now-departed spouse. Reminiscing on bygone years helps them stay positive.  However, holding onto these happy memories can sometimes cloud their better judgment. It may prevent them from downsizing to more suitable property or moving into sheltered accommodation to improve their quality of life. Digital healthcare services may be the answer.