Helpful Apps for Caregivers - Part 1

By Anna Hazard

The current technology boom is not only directly beneficial to seniors but also to those who may be taking care of them. Scheduling, tracking, researching info, and sharing updates both medical and personal has never been easier with these companion apps to our previous recommended smartphone apps for seniors.
 
Leaving out such apps as GreatCall Link, Comfort Zone Check-in, or Care.com Mobile which require a subscription service or the purchase of further equipment, this first set of apps are advertised as being specifically tailored for caregivers, especially for those involved in eldercare or seniorcare. The iOS platform (for iPhone or iPad) in particular has several popular apps dedicated to caring for those suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia.

Balance: For Alzheimer's Caregivers

• iOS - $0.99
• As stated within its name, this is an app explicitly for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. It allows you to coordinate info such as daily medication schedules, doctor's appointments, and news updates between different caregivers in real time as well as notifying doctors of any changes in symptoms. It also acts as a senior care guide and Alzheimer's disease reference.

Dementia Caregiver Solutions

• iOS - $2.99
• Provides an overview + professional advice regarding dementia & Alzheimer's  with text guides & solutions for dealing with patient's difficult behavior

Dementia Support

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Provides information & advice for caregivers dealing with dementia patients with tips for a practical approach to home care

Alzheimer's & Other Dementias Daily Companion

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Resource for tips and practical advice from experts and other members when it comes to dealing with difficult patient behavior. Includes access to other caregiving resources and training materials as well the ability to rate and upload your own advice.
  

Memory Box

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Memory aid and conversation starter for caregivers to use when dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia patients. Includes visual, musical, and text tips and supports for helpful interaction.
  

CareZone

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Share info & coordinate tasks between family members or designated "helpers" including a shared journal, medical news updates, pictures, important documents, and a scheduled calendar of appointments & prescription reminders. Includes secure access to all of the patient's medical information as well as the contact info for all included members. Branded versions by this app developer are also available such as AARP Caregiving (iOS | Android) and Senior Care Manager from Institute on Aging (iOS)
  

CaringBridge

• iOS | Android (Free)
• App for caregivers and family to collate various patient information such as updates on their condition, prescription, current schedule, pictures and medical info which can be viewable through a private website.
  

Lotsa Helping Hands

• iOS (Free)
• Create a community based around caring for a specific individual and coordinate managing appointments, scheduled tasks, notifying members of status updates through message board posts and pictures, as well as keeping track of member contact info.
  

PS Caregiver

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Allows your caregiver to provide private real time updates regarding patient's status to all designated friends & family members
  

Elderly Care

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Info, advice, and medical updated for daily caregiving of the elderly. Join the Elderly Care community to ask questions & further interact.
  

Elder 411

• iOS (Free)
• Database of text, audio, and video advice on various topics and tips regarding eldercare. Includes the ability to make personal notes on each guide.
  

Elder 911

• iOS (Free)
• Interactive step-by-step guide to dealing with eldercare emergencies.
  

CareCoach

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Guide to questions & info gathering during doctor's visits. A recording of the visits can be then uploaded to the CareCoach.com website to be privately shared amongst the patient's caregivers and other loved ones.