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7 Best Apps for Caregivers and Seniors-2023

7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors – 2023

Here are the 7 best apps for caregivers and seniors to help with managing medication, tracking doctor’s appointments, and staying connected with loved ones.


Smartphone ownership among seniors has nearly doubled in the past five years.


There are now a variety of apps available to help them manage their health and daily activities.


Most people think of technology as being designed for young people.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


There are actually a lot of great tech products out there on mobile phones that can make life easier for seniors and their caregivers.


The best part is that these apps have a basic version that is free for android users and seniors more familiar with an iphone app.


They offer more functions the user can access for an affordable monthly membership fee.


So if you or someone you know could benefit from some extra assistance, check out some of the best health apps for seniors.


App #1 – Walmart Wellness

 

Walmart Wellness is an app designed to support seniors in taking medication on time.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


It is a great tool for seniors to stay on top of their medication schedules, offers medication reminders.


It has the ability to store vital medical information in one  place.


Push notifications


The app can be set to provide reminders when it’s time to take a pill and helps seniors stay organized and on time.


This is a great tool for seniors who are managing multiple medications or struggle with medication organization.


This saves time and administrative hassle for the senior and makes them feel more confident about their medication regimen.


Personal health records


Seniors can make sure that they always have access to their medication information when and where they need it.


Users can also store personal health records such as allergies, diagnoses, current medications, and immunization history.


Security


The app is easy to use and user data uses password-protected login.


Personal data transfer is encrypted.


It does not share user data with third parties which protects you from online fraud scams.


Caregiver Telehealth Support Program


Walmart Wellness app now offers caregivers resources such as group coaching to support caregivers who may suffer from caregiver burnout.


It comes in response to 2020 figures showing over 41.8 million Americans are unpaid caregivers to a family member over 50 years old.


The Walmart Wellness App helps seniors manage their health better by providing convenient access to medications reminders, medical records, and telemedicine care.


Ratings


Apple app store rating:

4.5/5.0 5.3k reviews


Google app store rating: 4.5/5.0 17.4k reviews


App #2 – Mindmate Alzheimer’s app


Mindmate is a free app specifically designed to help engage seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s.


It uses brain training activities that help slow down the progression of cognitive decline.


This means delaying the memory loss associated with dementia by stimulating the user’s brain with tasks like puzzles, trivia questions and reading exercises.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


This apps lets the user personalize the tasks to their situation and level of functioning.


Mindmate offers users brain training via a wide variety of engaging activities and tools, eg memory games, problem solving tasks and quizzes.


It includes tips and guidance on how to make the most out of these activities to ensure maximum benefits.


Functions


Mindmate Alzheimer’s app has a reminder function for important tasks like taking medication, making appointments or following daily routines.


This helps seniors manage their day-to-day lives with ease and reduce stress levels by using their cell phones.


It has a library of movies and music to help Alzheimer sufferers reconnect with their families through shared memories.


The Mindmate Alzheimer’s app provides users access to the latest research on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.


It has support networks for caretakers so they can connect with one another for additional advice or resources.


Resources for caregivers


Mindmate has:


1) tracking tools for caregivers to monitor their loved one’s progress over time in order to detect any signs of decline or regression


2) work out videos to share with seniors focused on maintaining balance and strength


3) nutritional guide aimed at keeping seniors healthy


By using this comprehensive platform, seniors can keep their minds active by connecting with loved ones to maintain strength and vitality throughout their golden years.


Security and Privacy


All data is encrypted to prevent data theft.


Mindmate’s privacy policy states they may share your data with third party app developers but only on an aggregated basis.


The user can request all personal data be erased.


Ratings


Apple app store rating: 4.7/5.0 399 reviews


App #3 – Medisafe


Medisafe is an app specifically designed to help seniors stay on track with their medication regime.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


It is aimed at:

1) reducing the chance of seniors forgetting a dose


2) allows for easy tracking of when and how much medication was taken


3) providing prescription refill reminders ahead of time, so users never run out


4) staying up-to-date with prescriptions easy.


Functionality


It enables users to set up customized alerts that remind them when it’s time to take their medication or refill a prescription.


Medisafe sends friendly reminders for taking medication directly to their phone, making sure they don’t miss a dose.


The app also allows caregivers of seniors to access their information.


It lets them easily keep track of how well the user is adhering to their prescriptions.


Medisafe offers personalized support for users eg drug-specific guidance and health tips tailored just for them.


The basic version is free to download.


Upgrading to the banner ad free Medisafe premium version costs $4.99 monthly membership fee. 


This lets the user:


1) add as many Medifriend supporters and family and friend profiles they like on the account


2) have more choices of meditones voice reminders


3) install over 20 health measurements such as blood pressure monitoring


Security and Privacy


Medisafe users encryption technology for data transfer.


No data sharing with third parties.


The user can request their personal data be deleted.


Ratings

Apple app store rating: 4.7/5.0 5.4k reviews


Google app store rating: 4.6/5.0 228k reviews


App #4 – CaringBridge allows seniors to stay connected with their community


CaringBridge, an innovative app designed specifically for seniors to reduce isolation.


This encourage social connectedness and improves overall mental health and well-being among the elderly.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


This free app is designed specifically for those with mobility issues.


It allows seniors to create a virtual space where they can share updates about their health and receive messages of love and support from friends and family.


App functions


It provides a platform to share news and updates, connects people to participate in meaningful conversations worldwide.


Seniors now have the latest technology at their fingertips to stay connected and be part of something larger than themselves.


CaringBridge also offers valuable resources and personalized advice for assisted living or home care.


Seniors are able to access articles from medical professionals on how best to manage any chronic conditions they may have.


This provides peace of mind knowing that there are trained professionals available who can offer sound advice when needed.


Security and Privacy


It uses latest encryption technology to ensure that all user data is secure.


The platform also enables users to customize the look and feel of their page and personalize it.


It has a number of privacy settings that allows the user control about how much information they wish to share with other family members.


It has features that allows the user to delete their data.


Personal data is not shared with third parties.


Platform moderators


CaringBridge makes sure that all content shared on the platform is moderated.


This provides users a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere in which they can connect with others in similar circumstances.


It helps foster feelings of connectedness and belonging even when physical distance or other circumstances prevent them from being physically present.


Ratings


Apple app store rating: 4.9/5.0 13.7k reviews


Google app store rating: 4.9/5.0 3.45k reviews


App #5 – Snugsafe app for seniors living alone


Snugsafe is a fantastic app that check ins on seniors living alone.


This gives them an extra layer of comfort and security in uncertain times.


The app has helpful features such as GPS tracking, real-time notifications.


It also has daily reminders for important tasks eg taking medications or completing activities of daily living.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


It allows concerned friends or family to check in on elderly relatives remotely using GPS technology.


This innovative app helps make sure that your elderly family member or friend is safe and sound, even when you might not be able to visit in person.


Seniors can easily contact caregivers whenever they need help or just want to check in.


It has an intuitive user interface shown as a big green check mark that pops up on their phone for your senior to press to respond they are ok.


This is a great way for the senior to avoid confusion or worry about using complicated technology.


Snugsafe is designed to support patients of all ages with chronic illnesses or mobility challenges.


Flexibility


Settings can be customized to individual user’s needs. 


This includes options for:


1) tailored activity recommendations


2) video calling with family and friends


3) quick access to emergency services through the app’s one-touch contacts option


4) simplified medication reminder scheduling.


GPS Tracking


You can check their current location at any time, as well as receive alerts if they ever wander beyond a set geographic boundary.


It’s an easy way for individuals to keep independent, remain safe, and still have access to vital support services should it ever be needed.


Note-your phone battery will drain quicker if the GPS function is continuously running in the background.


The basic Snugsafe app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible no matter where you are located.


The basic plan that alerts your senior’s emergency contact when they do not check in at their regular time.


For $9.99 per month subscription, your senior can upgrade to a dispatch plan. 


This plan provides the extra service of a dispatcher calling your senior when they miss their scheduled check in.


This service goes a couple of steps further by:


1) organising a wellness check in using the GPS data from the last known location


2) providing 24/7 access to a dispatcher in case of an emergency


Ratings

Apple app store rating: 4.9/5.0 690 reviews


Google app store rating: 4.2/5.0 136 reviews


App #6 Magnifying Glass + Flashlight


Magnifying glass + Flashlight is a free app to help seniors read small text on a variety of devices, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones.


This is a handy tool that works like a magnifying glass to enlarge any image, text, or fine print prescriptions on medicine bottles.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


The app offers magnification from 1.0 x – 5.0 x.


It also comes equipped with a flashlight and high contrast function.


This provides users with not only the ability to make things appear bigger but also brighter and sharper.


The flashlight app mode (LED Torch Light) is particularly useful for seeing items in the dark or low-light settings.


This app also uses the mobile device’s camera to capture and save pictures.


Security and Privacy


The developer does not guarantee that personal data is transferred over a secure connection.


User data is not shared with third parties.


However, the developer does not provide a means for the user to request all personal data to be deleted.


Ratings


Apple app store rating: 4.6/5.0 4.0k reviews


Google app store rating: 4.7/5.0 90.3k reviews


App #7 – AARP app


The AARP app gives AARP members digital access to a their membership.


7 Best apps for caregivers and seniors - 2023


It provides smartphone owners with:


1) discounts on prescriptions and insurance


2) access to explore local events and news related to aging


3) information and services that cover everything from health and wellness topics to retirement planning


4) a medication tracker that allows users to store information about medications that they are taking


5) a symptom checker to help with understanding symptoms associated with aging-related conditions eg dementia or arthritis


5) advice on how to manage those symptoms and possible treatments or lifestyle changes that can be made


6) up-to-date information about Medicare and Medicaid coverage plans.


It lets users better understand their options when it comes to healthcare services for themselves


7) information about housing options, long-term care facilities, transportation services


Security and Privacy


Personal data transfer uses encryption technology.


Personal data is shared with third parties.


The user can request that their data is deleted.


Ratings


Apple app store rating: 4.7/5.0 3.8k reviews


Google app store rating: 4.7/5.0 30.8k reviews


What you need to get started


Internet connection


The most basic requirement is a stable internet connection with high-speed broadband.


This allows the mobile apps can provide up-to-date reminders and automatic refills whenever necessary.


This gives caregivers to access medical websites and help keep track of medication and automated prescriptions.


These health apps may also offer communication tools, such as video chat, audio calling or text messages function.


It lets caregivers contact the senior if needed.


This also ensures that seniors always have access to the information they need on their cell phone in order to stay healthy and safe while taking their medications properly.


Bluetooth printer


A blue tooth connected printer allows the senior to print out any additional information about their medications (eg dosage instructions).


Electronic devices


Basic equipment needed includes an Android smartphone or smartwatch; an Apple mobile device such as an iPhone or iPad, a laptop or apple watch.


For Android phones, caregivers and seniors will want to make sure their device:


1) includes an operating system of at least 4.4 (KitKat)


2) a screen size of at least four inches


3) 2GB RAM or higher


4) 1GB available storage


5) should also support GPS tracking for location-based services.


For Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads, the device must:


1) run on iOS 8 or later to use most medication reminder iphone apps


2) need Wi-Fi connectivity


3) have touch ID sensor if using certain features that require biometric authentication.


For Personal Computers (PC) users:


1) install compatible web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox


2) ensure that all personal computers have up-to-date anti-virus software installed to protect against malicious attacks.


For smartwatch users:


1) operating system of either the Android Wear OS platform from Google or the watchOS from Apple.


Both smartwatch platforms offer compatible apps with various features such as voice commands and prescription reminders that can be customized to user preferences.


Android versus Apple


An Android phone is recommended for caregivers of seniors as it offers an array of features and applications to help seniors stay organized and on track with their medications.


Android phones come with a variety of applications pre-installed that are designed specifically for seniors.


The free version, often offer voice commands, visual cues and easy-to-use interfaces that make managing medications easier than ever before.


The paid versions offer more functionality and are based on a monthly subscription plan or have senior discounts offered.


There are hundreds of third party applications that provide comprehensive services such as:


1) tracking health metrics over time


2) helping organize appointments with doctors


3) managing care plans.


The Google Play Store provides access to thousands of apps that are specifically designed to remind seniors when to take their medications.


It also provides automatic refills when needed.


An Apple phone is also a great option for caregivers of seniors who need help managing medications.


Apple phones feature many of the same features as Android phones but often include more streamlined design choices which may be beneficial for some seniors.


Apple Store offers additional features such as CareKit to help users keep track of their own personal health data eg blood pressure readings over time.


Apple’s Health app enables automatic downloads of prescription information from pharmacies for easy digital access when needed.


The Apple App Store on the iPhone has many medication reminder apps available.


These can be downloaded directly onto the device.


Many iPhone models have built-in reminders that can alert users when it’s time to take their medications.


Smart watches


Smart watches are also becoming increasingly popular among caregivers of older adults.


They provide regular reminders to take medication.


Smart watches have other useful features such as the ability to detect physical activity levels or count steps taken throughout the day.


Together with eating a healthy diet including this feature will ensure a healthy lifestyle for the senior.


This information can help identify potential issues or changes in routine in order to better manage one’s health over time.


Smart watches can also sync with both iPhones and Android devices so all data is shared across multiple platforms.


They offer even more convenience than smartphones when it comes to tracking medications and keeping seniors organized.


Smart watches connect easily with smartphones to manage medications.


It allows users to access all the same medication reminder apps that are available on those devices.


Most come with voice command technology so users can set push notifications to remind them about their medications without having to physically interact with their device.

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