Technology Assists with Caregiving

On July 14, 2015,  a news article was posted in the USA Today newspaper, titled, “Whiz kids solve seniors’ problems with tech.” This article mentions that Millennials are helping the Baby Boomers through using current technology to assist in elderly caregiving. Below are some of the programs mentioned:

1. Program Name: True Link

True Link started in 2012 and serves to help prevent elderly fraud and abuse. In this program, the elderly are issued a new Visa card where their family members can monitor the usage of the Visa card. Family members have the ability to also block merchants or anyone displaying suspicious behavior to the Visa card usage.

Website: https://www.truelinkfinancial.com/

2. Program Name: PillPack

PillPack started in 2014 and serves to make administration of medicine stress-free to the elderly. The pills are placed into single-dose packages with the date/time of when to take the medicine. To further alleviate stress, the pharmacy automatically refills the medicine and also collaborates with the customer’s insurance company. An app was recently launched to send out reminders of when to take the medicine.

Website: https://www.pillpack.com/

3. Program Name: Home Hero

HomeHero started in 2013 and serves to assist the elderly by providing a platform where the elderly can afford high quality in-house caregivers. There are over 1,000 caregivers in HomeHero and some caregivers have a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) certification. HomeHero is different than other caregiving programs by providing affordable, low-cost prices; prices are on average $18/hr or $180/day.  

Website: https://www.homehero.org/

These programs have recently launched and may provide assistance in managing work and life responsibilities for people who are caring for family members at home.