TECHNOLOGY AND CAREGIVING: DIGITAL TOOLS TO SUPPORT CANADIAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Caregiving comes with a multitude of responsibilities that can be challenging to manage. From medication to making dinners to appointments, there’s no shortage of events, places, or things on the agenda of a family caregiver in Canada. While it can be a lot to navigate, the world of digital technology can offer some helpful solutions to manage the everyday workload caregivers face. This article will explore the digital tools Canadian caregivers can utilize to help alleviate the immense mental load that comes with the role.

THE ROLE OF TECH IN CAREGIVING

For many, caregiving is complex. Beyond the daily physical demands, caregivers often find themselves juggling multiple schedules, tracking vital health information, coordinating with healthcare providers, and managing the emotional toll of supporting a loved one in distress.

Studies show that Canadian caregivers spend an average of almost 20 hours per week on caregiving tasks. Many report feeling overwhelmed, especially by the volume of information they must remember and organize. Constantly anticipating needs, remembering medication schedules, and coordinating care can lead to caregiver burnout, which affects both the caregiver’s well-being and their ability to provide quality support. This is where digital technology becomes essential, not just helpful. Digital tools can serve as an external brain, storing critical information, sending timely reminders, and facilitating communication between care team members.

These tools can transform overwhelming paper trails into searchable digital records, convert complex medication schedules into simple notifications, and connect isolated caregivers with supportive communities who understand their journey. While technology can’t replace the human touch that defines caregiving, it can lighten the administrative burden significantly, allowing caregivers to focus on being present and taking care of their own needs.

SMARTPHONE APPS

With a majority of Canadians having access to a smartphone, it’s one of the primary tools caregivers can use to help manage their responsibilities. Some helpful smartphone apps include:

Medisafe: This application is designed to help caregivers manage multiple medications, as well as set refill and dose reminders. The application also allows for a sharing option, sharing this information with others involved in caring for an individual.

CareRelay: This Canadian company is designed for caregivers first and foremost, providing an all-in-one app that helps manage appointments, medication, calendars, medical records, and stores documents for easy access. The app also features a built-in messaging system, providing an easy way to stay in touch with family members or others involved in care.

Headspace: Caregiving can be a lot for anyone to take on. Headspace is an app designed to help with guided meditation and stress reduction methods through the app. This can help caregivers facing burnout, mental, and emotional strain as a result of their responsibilities.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

The internet has a wealth of resources, but sometimes they can be difficult to find. Here are several initiatives and resource tools that have made a significant impact on Canadian caregivers:

CareZone: A digital forum dedicated to questions and answers provided by other caregivers across Canada and beyond. Caregiving can be an isolating journey, and connecting with people who have similar experiences can be helpful, especially for new caregivers or those seeking answers to specific questions. The forum has a range of conversations and questions to explore, from specific disease care to a digital book club.

CareMakers: The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation publishes research yearly on the experiences, challenges, and potential solutions for caregivers in Canada. Along with their blog, the foundation looks at the caregiving experience through the lens of different Canadians, such as marginalized caregivers and their experiences.

Compass for the Caregiver by Caregivers Alberta: This award-winning resource has been digitalized to provide comprehensive support for caregivers. The online platform offers structured guidance and practical tools to help caregivers navigate their journey.

C-CART (Canadian Caregivers Assessment Resource Tool) by Baycrest: This system navigation tool is specifically designed to help caregivers assess their needs and connect with appropriate resources. C-CART provides personalized recommendations based on individual circumstances, making it easier for caregivers to find the support they need.

Elizz: Elizz is a free resource database run by St. Elizabeth’s Health. As one of the largest resource networks for Canadian family caregivers, you can access all kinds of blogs, articles, and informational pieces related to virtually any topic in the field of caregiving, such as family, palliative care, legal and financial, and dementia care, to name a few.

Pallium Canada: One of the biggest issues for caregivers is a lack of resources and knowing where to find them. This website is a compilation of various online resources for caregivers, including toolkits, online courses, and webinars that can be accessed free of charge. Caregivers can access a variety of materials to help them manage the everyday realities of being a caregiver.

Still Here Podcast: This podcast for caregivers has gained such recognition that it will now be included in the provincial model of care. It offers stories, insights, and practical advice from other caregivers, creating a sense of community and shared experience.

TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES FOR CAREGIVERS

While digital tools offer tremendous support, it’s important to acknowledge that technology adoption isn’t without its challenges for caregivers:

Access: Not all caregivers have equal access to technology. Rural communities may face connectivity issues, while others may not have the financial resources to afford devices or reliable internet connections. This digital divide can prevent some caregivers from accessing valuable online resources and support systems that could ease their burden.

Usage: Senior caregivers, who make up a significant portion of the caregiving community, often struggle to use technology. The learning curve for new applications and platforms can be steep, and the rapidly changing nature of technology can be overwhelming. Many older caregivers may feel intimidated by smartphones, apps, and online platforms, preferring traditional methods they’re comfortable with, despite the potential benefits of digital tools.

PHARMACIES

Pharmacy apps can also be a useful tool for caregivers, especially those who aren’t comfortable with technology. There’s no doubt that these are great tools, but for some, navigating the interface or finding their way through the settings can be a challenge. Not only can pharmacy apps be useful for navigating appointments and finding locations, but the pharmacy team should also be able to help set up the app and locate the items you need.

GOING FORWARD

While the journey of caregiving will always have its challenges, Canadian caregivers don’t have to face them without help. Digital tools and resources can transform an overwhelming set of responsibilities into a manageable routine. By embracing these technologies, caregivers can reduce their mental load, connect with others who understand their experiences, and ultimately create more space for what truly matters. In a world where caregiving demands continue to grow, these digital solutions offer more than just convenience but a valuable support network to those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.