They’re called “Apps,” short for “application,” and more and more they are being accessed from the Internet on computers, smart phones and other electronic devices by providers of in home care for seniors.

On April 21, 2013, an Associated Press article ran in dozens of papers across the country, including The Seattle Times. “Beleaguered Caregivers Getting Help From Appsclearly struck a chord with newspaper editors, some of whom must have their own elderly home care stories! The article reads, From GPS devices and computer programs that help relatives track a wandering Alzheimer’s patient to iPad apps that help an autistic child communicate, a growing number of tools for the smartphone, the tablet and the laptop are catering to beleaguered caregivers.” As time passes, more and more baby boomers will require in home health care for the elderly and it is expected that the market for such technology will only increase.”

The article was based on findings from a 2011 study by The National Alliance for Caregiving and United Healthcare. The study followed 1000 providers of senior home care and examined how technological advances can help meet the day to day challenges they face as providers of home care for seniors.

According to a summary of the study found on HCPLive.com, a website that provides information about elderly home care products, in home elderly care costs as well as up-to-date news and resources, “Out of the 12 types of technologies surveyed in the study, the three that were found to be most beneficial to caregivers included those that helped them deliver, monitor, track, or coordinate health care services. The top three were:

  • Personal Health Record Tracking
  • Caregiving Coordination System
  • Medication Support System

Many apps are free while others have one-time or monthly fees, such as apps that help track a wandering dementia patient. Listed below are several apps that can help those who provide care for seniors:

Elder 911 (Free): For emergency situations. Determines the stage of crisis and critical next steps.
Elder 411(Free): General caregiving information
WebMD Mobile (Free): Information on medications, symptoms and various medical conditions.
iBiomed (Free): Keeps a detailed log of a senior’s medical information.
Pain Care (Free): Helps track and manage pain.
iPharmacy Pro (Free): A comprehensive guide to prescription medications.
iTriage (Free): Helps answer the question: “What could be wrong?” Allows you to check symptoms, look up conditions and research medications.
Med Minder (Free): Pill and medicine scheduler and medication reminder.
Pocket First Aid & CPR ($1.99) Produced by the American Heart Association. Can help save a life by providing quick and clear first aid and CPR instructions.  

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