At 88, Malibu Bob, one of my best friends in life is healthier than just about anyone ever imagined he’d be.
It looked a lot different 5 years ago when Bob didn’t answer my calls prompting me to pay him a visit which later brought us to the emergency department.
Living alone, Bob’s health was slipping away. One issue he hoped would resolve cascaded instead into more serious ones. Gradually what he thought would get better was about to take him and no one would know it.
What happened next was a tech awakening no one ever expected.
Podcast #12: Best Senior Medical Tech And Caring Tools
Best Senior Tech podcast
03:01 What works and making a plan
03:16 Hiring the right caregivers
04:21 The tech needed and owning the experience
04:45 Getting started caring for a senior
05:20 First tech to get for your senior's home
07:30 The medical devices that make a difference
08:10 Accuracy and speed of data is important
09:04 Why Apple Heath is the leader
09:20 What app does your medical center or hospital use
10:25 Medical grade EKG at home with no drama
13:00 'Alexa, call 911'
13:20 The Jitterbug phone is all grown up.. and smart
14:45 Uber for Seniors.. no app needed
15:18 How to order an Uber car without an app
16:00 Med pill dispensers
18:30 How much all this costs and why insurance companies should pay for it
18:55 Why Apple is ahead of most with Health, Care and Research
19:40 What doctors say is most important with using tech
20:00 How to navigate tech glitches and challenges
21:00 Preventing falls
22:00 Fall Prevention app
24:00 Check with your doctor
Bob’s disdain for new technology over the years is always apparent and amusing in our friendship. More recently, his shift to an embrace of technology as he gets older is helping him stay independent and strong.
I’m a witness to its success.
Taking a step-by-step approach to senior technology is where to start.
1/ Make a Plan
Begin by deciding to own the process. Set goals, define how progress will be measured, invite support from other loved ones, understand meds and make a list of when and why they are being taken, research online to see if any of them are contrary, never miss a doctor’s appointment, setup a calendar on your device named after your loved one.
There you will put all appointments and reminders and share it with supporting friends and family members. This advice is solid and will make for an easier time managing what it is to care for another senior loved one.
Listen to my podcast for in-depth ways to create the right plan and introduce affordable technology that works for seniors too.
And remember that everyone is unique with completely different needs. When you are tuned into those needs you can then decide with the advice of doctors which technology is right for you and your loved one.
Only trust medical advice from a doctor — not a relative, friend or Dr. Google who all think they are doctors.
Read more: Step 2: Getting Started at Home
