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Tag: Stay Connected

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General News and Events

Don’t Ditch the Smartphone: A Care Giver’s Guide to their Loved One’s Phone

Written by By Jerilyn Fleck M.S Ed, Special Education

As your loved one is aging, they can still use their smartphone for multiple things besides phone calls and text messaging. In this article, I’m going to focus on two essential tasks to enhance cognitive engagement and mental sharpness: staying connected and playing thinking games. I’ve used some of these tools in my experiences as a caregiver and I’ve learned of others in my graduate work in assistive technology at Southern Connecticut State University. 

Staying Connected

  1. Stay connected to loved ones through Skype, Facetime, Google Meets, or Zoom.Older adult using the Birdsong touch screen tablet This is a great way to visually connect with loved ones near and far. Setting up weekly family meetings helps maintain a sense of normalcy and belonging. Should your loved one has memory difficulties, it also helps reinforce and identify family members. For those that have difficulty hearing or understanding what is being spoken, closed captions can be enabled on most platforms. 
  2. Virtual visits – With the use of technology your loved ones can go anywhere in the world, explore museums, and national parks just to name a few. For example, Google Arts & Culture https://artsandculture.google.com/explore, lets you explore different art collections from a variety of artists, time periods, and mediums. The Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/free-virtual-tours/ website gives a short list of museums around the world and zoos in the United States that can be visited virtually. While visiting the virtual museums, you can take the opportunity to demonstrate how to navigate the site’s features (zoom, left-right keys, and maps). If they are an animal lover, many zoos have real-time cameras where you can watch particular animals. Air Pano https://www.airpano.com/ allows the viewer to have a 360͒ view of different destinations and locations all around the world. From Maui, Hawaii to the Taj Mahal, their virtual vacations are endless. Google Earth https://earth.google.com will allow your loved one to visit their childhood home, honeymoon, or other memory spots, simply by entering the specific location’s address. Introducing these possibilities in the virtual world can foster new shared experiences and trigger past memories. 
  3. Digital Picture Frames –  There are many manufacturers that offer digital picture frames. These frames can sometimes hold up to 400 pictures (depending on the manufacturer). For example, Frameo https://frameo.net gives each family member a unique passcode to add pictures. Once the app is downloaded and the passcode is entered, you are able to send pictures instantaneously to the recipient’s frame. Personally, I am able to send pictures of my children’s important moments instantaneously to my 82-year-old mom who has moved to Texas. Additionally, we are able to send other special moments like weddings, baby pictures, and long-distance family members. This picture-sharing avenue is another way to help your loved one stay connected.

Thinking Games

My final tip is to use technology to keep a loved one’s mind sharp. Motivating cognitive engagement is essential for mental sharpness through all stages of life. There are so many different options for them to explore, given their interest and abilities. Most can be easily downloaded to a tablet, laptop, or smartphone.

  1. GeoGuessr https://www.geoguessr.com/  takes you to different places around the world. It also requires the user to navigate and use their knowledge to guess the location displayed on the screen. This tool can reinforce descriptive questioning and language. This site does require you to set up a free account for them. 
  2. Lumosity Brain Training  https://www.lumosity.com. The app is a free subscription (however, it contains ads) or $11.99 (without ads) per month. This app targets memory, reasoning, flexibility, problem-solving, and attention. After you enter basic information, the user takes a “brain fit test”. Once complete, the user is ready to play. For example, one game requires the user to quickly remember the previous shape presented. Other games enhance math and language skills.
  3. When selecting apps for your loved one, options should revolve around their particular interest. There are apps for crossword puzzles, word searches, solitaire, bingo, hidden objects, or just fun matching games like Candy Crush. You name it, I am sure that there is an app.

Final Thoughts

Harnessing the opportunities within technology can enable your loved one to stay connected to family, travel the world, and/or exercise the brain. All of these things continue to support cognitive engagement and mental sharpness. As always, be sure to practice safe technology use when downloading and using some of these free tools. 

Additional links and resources: 

Bridging the Digital Divide for CT – https://cttechact.com/bridging-divide/

Joan Green http://www.innovativespeech.com/

AARP Technology Resources – https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/

Aging and Health Technology Watch – https://www.ageinplacetech.com/

Categories
AT Success Stories News and Events

Nancy’s Story

Older woman with laptop
Seniors – even those with no computer experience – have gained valuable skills through the Stay Connected program.

During the height of the COVID pandemic, Nancy, an older adult living independently in her own home, was beginning to feel socially isolated as she was unable to get together with her friends for their regular games of bridge. Through Cares Act funding, and the Stay Connected program, she was provided with a brand-new laptop. One big challenge? Nancy had never used a computer before.

She had to learn the very basics of using a computer: connecting to Wi-Fi, plugging it in so the laptop would have a charge, even where to find the space bar. After initial training and an introduction to the laptop was provided by phone, Nancy and her AT Consultant moved onto video conferencing where she learned how to access websites and use bookmarks. Finally, Nancy was able to join her friends for online Bridge Club. Now, not only is Nancy playing bridge several times a day with her friends, enjoying her ability to stay connected to them virtually; she is also using her laptop to purchase and read books online and much more. #ATAwarenessDay

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Announcement News and Events

Emergency Broadband Benefit becomes a Permanent Program!

Great news for households who need broadband access in their homes! In the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on Nov. 15, 2021, the Emergency Broadband Benefit became a permanent program – now called the Affordable Connectivity Program. Households who meet the 200% of poverty level may receive a $30.00 per month subsidy towards the cost of their broadband.

For full details, the following link provides a great explanation: How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will Make Broadband More Affordable | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

And the following will take you the FCC’s page that explains eligibility and the two step process to enroll into the program: Emergency Broadband Benefit | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov).

Please encourage anyone you know who may benefit from this program to apply.

Categories
AT Success Stories News and Events

Stay Connected Program: Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities During COVID-19

By Stacey Fulton, OTR/ATP, EASTCONN

As the CT Tech Act Project embraces new grant initiatives, the Stay Connected program has also been in full swing. Stay Connected is a statewide program operated out of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services in collaboration with the State Unit on Aging and the CT Tech Act Project. The mission of this project is to match AT resources and devices to individuals who are isolated or at risk of being isolated from family, friends, activities or healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persons are determined to be eligible for this program based on a social isolation scale completed by the Area Agencies on Aging or The Centers for Independent Living. Qualified individuals are referred to one of the project’s AT partners (EASTCONN, NEAT Center and UCP of Eastern CT), who reach out to discern each individual’s needs and match them to potential device solutions. Services that are provided include consultation, training and follow-up. As a result of this program, many individuals have received devices and training, and are once again able to connect to family, friends and healthcare providers.

An individual who benefited from this project was a woman in her late 70s, who received services from EASTCONN’s AT team. She lived alone and since the start of the pandemic, had been unable to see her family and friends, or participate in activities she used to enjoy at her local senior center. She also had no access to Wi-Fi at home. Funding was provided by both the Stay Connected program and the town where she lives to secure a device and a “hotspot” for Wi-Fi access. A laptop computer was determined to be the best option and training was provided to assist her in setting up her email and utilizing Zoom. She shared her appreciation by sending a follow-up e-mail to the EASTCONN provider: “Finally saw my nephew’s daughter in action … I’ve never seen her except in still pictures. At first, she was shy and kept turning her head … but then after a short while, she actually threw me a kiss and waved … Zoom is really great. So grateful to have this computer.”

This is just one of the many positive outcomes that have been shared by individuals who have participated in the Stay Connected program. Working together, this interagency collaboration has made a significant difference in the lives of seniors and persons with disabilities across Connecticut.

Categories
AT Devices News and Events

Most Requested Devices for Staying Connected in 2020

By Kristopher Thompson, BAS, CAPS, Smart Technology Specialist, New England Assistive Technology (NEAT)

Graph of Most Requested AT Devices for Staying Connected 2020

Social isolation is a serious public health problem, and something I have been focused on  during most of my time at NEAT. I have conducted many presentations that showcase how today’s smart technology can combat this problem, but 2020 opened my eyes to what it really takes to address it. One year ago, the lockdowns began, and the digital divide deepened for those who were most vulnerable. Various programs were formed to help those who were not able to connect with their loved ones during the pandemic. I have been heavily involved in a few of these programs and my expertise has served many who were socially isolated. But this experience has given me a few surprises as well.

The people I have worked with over the past year were a mixture of aging adults and young people of varying abilities, all of whom were eager to connect with family, friends, doctors, places of worship, or establish new connections. While most Americans were speeding into the digital age of texting, teleconferencing, email, telehealth, social media, etc., there were many who didn’t have access

to the devices that make it possible to access digital platforms and options.

The demand for computers is what surprised me most, as did their affordability. In cases where an iPad wasn’t the best fit, I could often find a brand-new Dell computer for around the same price. Computers also offered many of the same features, such as messaging, video chat, email, web surfing, social media and accessibility – all in a familiar and comfortable interface.

Overall, iPads were still the most requested devices during the pandemic, but laptop computers were a close second and desktop computers rounded out the top three. Other recommended devices were Android tablets, specialized tablets, Android phones and iPhones. Virtual speakers, such as the Amazon Echo, had tremendous potential, but a long way to go before they became a primary way to stay connected from home.

A person’s comfort level with technology is the number one consideration when I make a recommendation. Sure, an iPad is packed full of features, capabilities and accessibility features. And Amazon Echo smart speakers offer convenient and accessible ways to connect. But what if someone isn’t comfortable using one? If I recommend a technology solely on its potential, there’s a good chance it’s going to become a “smart paperweight.” If a person is willing to embrace new technology, that’s fantastic! The bottom line is, matching technology to an individual’s needs, which minimizes the learning curve, is the key to success.

 

 

Categories
AT Success Stories News and Events

Samsung Galaxy Has an Instant and Powerful Impact for Stay Connected Program

by Kristopher Thompson, NEAT, Smart Technology Specialist

A few weeks ago, Independence Northwest reached out to me with an urgent referral for the “Stay Connected” program. The referral was for a woman who, like many facing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, lived alone and had mobility challenges that prevented her from getting out to see her doctors. She had some very important medical appointments coming up and she needed access to telehealth.

I immediately reached out to her for a remote consultation to determine the best technology to get her better connected. Due to her severe hand tremors, she also needed a hands-free solution. Fortunately, the “Stay Connected” program had a lending library that we could use. The library contained the perfect Samsung Galaxy tablet and case, which also doubled as a stand. I shipped the items and she received them by the end of the week. We reconnected by phone and I walked her through the set-up process to ensure she had the apps necessary to provide the connectivity she needed.

This impact was instant and powerful, and she now regularly video chats with her doctors and loved ones, hands-free! Due to the generous funding from “Stay Connected,” we will be able to replace the tablet and case in our lending library and continue to have a great impact as a result of this program.

Categories
AT Success Stories News and Events

Amazon Echo Show Brings Caregiver Peace of Mind for Stay Connected Program

by Amy Norton, EASTCONN Assistive Technology Specialist

One of the best parts of working with consumers as part of “Stay Connected” is finding ways to help make life easier for people, especially during these trying times.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a very lovely woman in CT, who is the primary caregiver for her husband. She limits her time away from home due to concern for his well-being. When we discussed using technology to help her check-in on him, whether she is in another room, running errands or meeting a friend for a quick lunch, she loved the idea. Knowing that he is okay, and that she can check on him remotely, gives her peace of mind and the ability to relax and take care of other things, including her own needs.

In addition to providing remote access to her husband, the Amazon Echo Show (funded by the “Stay Connected” program) allows him to play games, listen to music and communicate with family and friends. He can also ask Alexa to take a note so he can take phone messages for his wife when she’s out. It’s a great outcome for both of them!

Categories
AT Success Stories News and Events

Remote Training Allows Consumer to Stay Connected

 by Jen Lortie, UCP Assistive Technology Specialist

In mid-September, assistive technology specialists at UCP of Eastern CT worked with Connecticut resident Nancy Robertson through the “Stay Connected” program to provide her with computer training, so she could connect with her friends and community during COVID-19.

One big challenge? Ms. Robertson had never used a computer before. Thanks to the “Stay Connected” program, Ms. Robertson was provided with a new computer. Next, we connected with her by phone to provide in-depth training on how to use it.

Training began with the basics, explaining that laptop computers have batteries and must be plugged in every so often to charge the battery. This was followed by training on the keyboard layout. During this training, Ms. Robertson asked, “Where is the space bar? I do not see anything labeled S-P-A-C-E!”

Next, we got her logged into her Wi-Fi. We reviewed internet basics, such as how to search for websites and save bookmarks. Ms. Robertson was interested in joining her friends in an online Bridge Club, so we located the correct Bridge website and bookmarked it.

During a recent follow-up and wellness call with Ms. Robertson, she informed us that she is now playing Bridge with her friends online, twice a day. She also told us that she had purchased a book online!

Ms. Robertson said she “really enjoys using her computer to stay connected with friends and participate in virtual activities.” She’s grateful for the Stay Connected program during the long days of COVID-19.

Who We Are

The Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP) operates out of the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services. We help people with disabilities, family members, employers, educators and other professionals with access to Assistive Technology devices and services.

© CT Tech Act Project 2023. All rights reserved.

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