It is important to stay in touch with our elderly loved ones, as this can have numerous benefits for their emotional well-being and for strengthening family bonds. However, it can be difficult to maintain regular communication with our elderly parents or grandparents, especially when they live far from us. In this article, we will examine the benefits of staying in touch with distant elderly relatives, the challenges we face in maintaining regular communication, the best apps to stay in touch with elderly parents, key features of communication apps for elderly people, apps suitable for elderly people who are not comfortable with technology, how to help our elderly loved ones use these apps, apps for families with members abroad, apps for caregivers to stay in touch with elderly parents, apps for elderly people with communication disorders, and precautions to take when using these apps.
The Benefits of Staying in Touch with Distant Elderly Relatives
Regular contact with elderly parents or grandparents, whether close or distant, offers many emotional and psychological benefits for both parties. This regular connection plays a crucial role in reducing social isolation, which is a common issue among seniors. It not only helps to strengthen family bonds but also creates a supportive and secure environment for our elderly loved ones.
1. Reduction of Isolation and Loneliness
Feelings of isolation are a major challenge for many seniors, especially those who live alone or are far from their family. Regular contact helps to combat loneliness by providing elderly people with opportunities to feel heard, supported, and connected to their loved ones. Regular calls, even from a distance, create a sense of presence and closeness, contributing to improving their emotional well-being.
2. Sense of Security and Well-Being
Knowing that they are loved, supported, and closely monitored by their family allows elderly parents to feel more secure and confident. This has a positive impact on their mental state, providing them with the peace of mind necessary to better cope with the challenges of aging. Emotional support is just as crucial as physical assistance for maintaining a good quality of life, and regular calls can be a lifeline in times of doubt or anxiety.
3. Strengthening Family Bonds
Maintaining regular contact not only supports our elderly loved ones but also strengthens the family bonds between different generations. By taking the time to discuss their memories, concerns, or wishes, we establish a stronger, enriching, and meaningful intergenerational relationship. This creates a lasting emotional bond and promotes the transfer of family values to younger generations.
4. Mutual Support and Emotional Reassurance
Children and grandchildren also benefit from this regular communication. Not only can they ensure the health and well-being of their elderly parents, but it also offers them a sense of comfort. Knowing that their loved ones are well surrounded and supported helps to alleviate their concerns related to physical distance. Moreover, these exchanges strengthen emotional relationships and provide precious moments of intergenerational sharing, creating family memories that last.
The Challenges of Maintaining Regular Communication with Elderly Parents
While regular communication with elderly parents is beneficial, it comes with several challenges that need to be overcome to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
1. Technological Barriers
One of the main obstacles to communication with elderly people often lies in the use of modern technologies. Many seniors are not familiar with digital devices or communication apps, making it difficult for them to use them for video calls or online exchanges. Navigation issues on platforms like Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp can also hinder the fluidity of communication, making the experience frustrating.
2. Physical Distance
Geographical distance remains one of the biggest challenges in maintaining regular communication with elderly parents. If they live in another city, another country, or even in rural areas poorly served by transport, it becomes more complicated to visit them frequently. This can also create emotional pressure on the family, who may feel guilty for not being able to be more physically present. Digital communication then becomes an essential means of maintaining a strong bond despite the distance.
3. Health Issues
Health issues such as hearing, visual, or cognitive disorders can complicate regular communication with elderly parents. For example, hearing difficulties make phone calls and videos more complicated. Additionally, cognitive disorders such as dementia can hinder understanding or active participation in regular conversations, requiring special adjustments in the way we communicate.
The Best Apps to Stay in Touch with Elderly Parents
Despite these challenges, many modern apps can greatly facilitate communication with seniors, even from a distance. Here are some of the best options for maintaining a regular and effective connection with our elderly parents:
1. Skype
Skype is one of the most popular apps for free video calls. It allows for face-to-face conversations, even if users are far apart. Skype is easy to use and accessible on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. With its user-friendliness, it is ideal for seniors, especially if they are already familiar with a computer or tablet.
2. FaceTime
For those who own Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad, FaceTime offers exceptional video quality and a simple interface. This app allows for free video or voice calls between Apple devices, making it ideal for maintaining visual connections with loved ones.
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is another must-have app that allows for sending text messages, making voice or video calls easily and quickly. It is available on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Windows) and requires only an internet connection to function. WhatsApp is particularly convenient for elderly parents who may not be comfortable with long video calls, as it also allows for instant messaging.
4. Zoom
Zoom is widely used for business meetings, but it is also ideal for family gatherings. It allows for high-quality video calls, with options to share screens, documents, and organize group sessions. Zoom is particularly useful for family meetings with multiple family members, allowing everyone to stay in touch with elderly parents at the same time.
Key Features of Communication Apps for Elderly People
When choosing a communication app for our elderly parents, it is important to consider certain key features that can help them use the app more easily. Apps with larger font sizes can be beneficial for people with vision problems. Additionally, simple and intuitive user interfaces are also important to facilitate navigation within the app. Voice commands can be helpful for those who have difficulty using a keyboard or touchscreen. Finally, closed captioning can be beneficial for people with hearing issues.
Apps Suitable for Elderly People Who Are Not Comfortable with Technology
For elderly people who are not comfortable with technology, there are apps specifically designed to facilitate communication. GrandPad is a simplified tablet that allows elderly people to stay in touch with their family through video calls and text messages. Jitterbug Smart2 is a simplified smartphone that also offers easy-to-use communication features. Consumer Cellular is a wireless service provider that offers phones and plans tailored to the needs of elderly people.
How to Help Our Elderly Loved Ones Use Communication Apps
When introducing our elderly parents to communication apps, it is important to provide them with step-by-step instructions to help them understand how to use the app. We can also offer technical support in case of problems or confusion. It is also important to encourage regular use of the app, as this can help them become familiar with its operation and make the most of it.
Communication Apps for Families with Members Abroad
If we have family members living abroad, there are also specific apps that can facilitate communication. Viber is an instant messaging app that allows for free calls and messages worldwide. WeChat is a popular app in China that offers similar features to Viber. Line is another instant messaging app that is popular in several Asian countries.
Apps for Caregivers to Stay in Touch with Elderly Parents
For caregivers who take care of elderly parents, there are also specific apps that can facilitate communication and care coordination. CareZone is an app that allows caregivers to manage medications, medical appointments, and important health information about their elderly loved ones. Lotsa Helping Hands is another app that allows caregivers to organize help and support from family and friends. CaringBridge is an online platform that allows caregivers to share updates on the health of their elderly loved ones with their relatives.
Apps for Elderly People with Communication Disorders
For elderly people with communication disorders, there are specific apps that can help them communicate more easily. LAMP Words for Life is an augmentative and alternative communication app that uses visual symbols to help people express themselves. Proloquo2Go is another augmentative and alternative communication app that uses images and symbols to facilitate communication. TouchChat is an augmentative and alternative communication app that allows users to create sentences by selecting words and images.
Precautions to Take When Using Communication Apps with Elderly Parents
When using communication apps with our elderly parents, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure their privacy and security. We must ensure that privacy settings are properly configured and that only authorized individuals can access shared information. It is also important to monitor our elderly parents’ use of the apps to detect any suspicious behavior or potentially dangerous activity. Finally, we must be aware of potential online scams and inform our elderly parents of the measures to take to protect themselves.
Staying in regular contact with our elderly parents can have many emotional benefits and strengthen family bonds. Communication apps can facilitate this connection, even from a distance. By choosing the right apps and providing technical and emotional support to our elderly parents, we can maintain regular and valuable communication with them. Let us not forget the importance of staying in touch with our elderly loved ones and using the technological tools at our disposal to facilitate this connection.
