parents Archives - Ella Home Care

As you begin your holiday shopping, do you have older parents or family members on your list and are stumped at what you can get them that is both useful and unique? Turn to technology! Sure, the new pair of socks or a book is always welcome presents but don’t really stand out. If you’re hoping to really brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting impression with your gift, finding the right tech gadget or tool is a great way to go.

Keep reading for a helpful list of ideas and advice for how to shop for a tech gift, particularly for older adults who may have hesitations or limitations. Through your generosity and thoughtfulness, you may be able to introduce them to a piece of technology that makes their daily life easier and more enjoyable. Here are some ideas we hope to inspire!

Keep track of easy-to-lose items with the Tile Mate Tracker

Everyone loses their keys (and other things) once in a while, and it can become more common with age. The Tile Mate helps you keep track of them and offers daily peace of mind. What’s the value on that? Best of all, its app is easy to use, and the tile itself is small, with a practical design. Simply attach it to a keychain or anything else you’re prone to lose and now you have a simple and discrete way to find it with the push of a button. There’s also a find-your-phone function which is highly useful!

Pills are a chore no more with the MedMinder

If your loved one needs to take pills on a strict schedule, but sometimes forgets, it can be a daily concern that weighs on your mind. This gift will help bring peace to everyone! Seniors with medications to manage every day will appreciate MedMinder’s reminders of when to open a pill compartment. The device’s built-in cell service connects to a monitoring station, so no phone or wireless network is needed. You can also buy refill trays that can be swapped in and out as needed.

Easy entertainment is always a welcome gift and Fire HD 8 makes it accessible to anyone

If your older parents get frustrated or confused by the television and countless remotes, a tablet may be a more user-friendly option for them to enjoy all the same entertainment on demand and in a convenient, portable size. The FireHD8 is one of the easiest tablets to use, and one of the cheapest. It has speakers and a bright screen and includes integration with services such as Amazon Prime Video. One option also comes with a wireless charging dock.

Using tech in the winter got a whole lot warmer with the COOYOO Touchscreen Gloves

Especially for people who live in colder climates, touchscreen gloves can lend a helping hand when you want to stay warm but still use your tech device. These gloves are a great price plus have the right features like thumb and index finger functionality. A perfect stocking stuffer for under $20.

If they don’t already have one, it’s time to own a Ring Video Doorbell!

This gift offers safety and convenience in one, plus a bit of entertainment! With the Ring Video Doorbell, you can detect when someone approaches your door, and see who’s there without leaving your seat — even when not at home. The device is easy to install, and the app is user-friendly. Plus, you can store and save videos if you choose the subscription service.

Give the give of never losing a password again with LastPass

One big challenge for seniors, and the rest of us, honestly, is keeping track of passwords. With LastPass, there’s only one master password to remember. LastPass takes care of the rest: password generation as well as automatically logging in. LastPass is available for smartphones and tablets as well as PCs, for protection regardless of the device being used. There is a modest annual subscription, but well worth the investment for the peace of mind it delivers.

Think beyond the power cord!

With one final thought, we want to remind you to think beyond the power cord when you’re considering tech gifts, especially for older adults. Technology comes in all shapes and sizes and is not limited to something with a screen or needs to be charged. Tech can be anything that helps to make daily life easier! So check out Amazon’s great listing of fun gadgets that are designed to not only help, but also add a smile to someone’s day.

We hope this short list of holiday tech gadgets has provided some insight and inspiration that will lighten your holiday gift-giving load. If you have a question or another idea to share, we welcome comments below!

The bond of a family is one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever have I your life. But as families grow and change over the years, it can be challenging to keep a close bond with those you love. You may not see each other as often as you wish or schedules can get so full that there hardly seems time for quality visits.

However, growing a stronger family bond can happen at any time, no matter how much time has passed or the distance that may between family members. Take a look at several things you can do right now to grow a stronger family bond at any age!

Be intentional about visiting one another

Months and then years can fly by in between visits with family, especially if you don’t take care to schedule your visits. Some families take annual vacations together, some spend certain holidays together. Figure out what works for your family, then stick to it! The most important point about growing a stronger family bond is to stay connected. Be intentional about seeing one another on a regular basis. Schedule it like you would any other important commitment!

Use technology to your advantage

Thought technology is often seen to be a replacement for face-to-face connections, in situations where family is spread out across the globe, technology can actually help you to reconnect. Use apps like FaceTime or Skype to be able to see family members as you talk to them. Though it will never replace seeing each other in person, you feel more connected than if you were only communicating by email or phone. There are many other apps, like Marco Polo which allows you to easily send short video clips to family so they can hear your voice and see your face every day.

Remember the milestones

Remembering family members’ birthdays, anniversaries and other major milestones is another great way to strengthen your family bond by showing them you care. Mark these special dates on your calendar so you remember to send a card, small gift or text on these days. If you have a big family, it might be easier to keep these dates in a spreadsheet and then at the start of each new month spend an hour or so writing all the cards you wish to send so that they’re ready to go!

Create something together
One final idea to strengthen your family bond is to start a family “project.” Pick something that everyone can help with! Creating a family scrapbook is a great idea because it allows everyone incorporate their own unique memories and add things that someone else might forget. Near or far, you can collaborate on this project together, sharing pictures, captions and stories to include.

A similar idea is a “memory quilt” where family members each create their own square to be sewn together into a larger quilt. Everyone’s square will be different which will create a colorful and fun quilt! Best of all you can share the blanket, with one family member keeping it for a year before sending it on to another family member to enjoy.

Is your family bond as strong as you would like to be? What steps have you taken to strengthen this bond? Share your ideas by leaving a comment below!

The Hottest Holiday Gadgets for Senior Adults

How to Grow a Stronger Family Bond at Any Age

Our Promise To You

Download Our Brochure

Contact Us