How tech helps Gen X
Those of us over 50 are often tasked with straddling multiple caregiver roles: supporting and guiding kids while also caring for aging family members. This can mean a daily grind of juggling schedules, appointments, calls, negotiations—and guilt when one of these balls inevitably drop. Caregiving also takes its toll physically, emotionally and financially. One 2024 landmark study from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence showed that caregivers provide an average of 30 hours of unpaid care a week. Not surprising, almost half (47%) reported feeling tired and 37% were overwhelmed because of their caregiving responsibilities.
Fortunately, more and more of us with dependents on both ends of the age spectrum are recognizing the potential of technology to keep organized, save time and help curb burnout.
Getting organized
If you’re a caregiver venturing into tech tools for the first time, experts advise starting by picking a digital calendar system that can house upcoming appointments, important contacts etc. that your parents and kids can access if needed. Free digital portals such as MyChart can aggregate medical information and allow for secure sharing with family members. The app Lotsa Helping Hands lets you invite family, friends and other care aides to join, and features an interactive calendar where you can manage everything from babysitters to upcoming medical appointments and family events. There is also a community member page where you can update contact information, birthdates and the best times for phone calls.
To ensure the safekeeping of important details and documents for your dependents, there are options like Prisidio for caregivers, a digital vault that securely houses everything in one place. You can use the app to track your loved ones’ physical valuables and receive notifications when others access the vault. You can also quickly share important documents (like a parent’s medical record) from anywhere—even on vacation.
Equipping the home with smart tools
As digital home devices keep evolving, they have become invaluable caregiving aids too, especially when it comes to caring for aging parents. Voice-activated assistants like Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa can be set up to require check-ins at certain parts of the day—and send emergency alerts when those check-ins are missed. They can also provide medication reminders or an alert the night before an important doctor’s appointment. Automated medication dispensers can also ensure medications are properly dosed when you’re not available to be there.
Voice-assistants can also be set up to read an audio book, or sync to a favorite radio station for times when you’re not able to be with a family member. While nothings beats real human interaction, digital assistance can help curb feelings of isolation from time to time.
Supporting yourself with online communities
In terms of feeling isolated, support for your own mental wellbeing as a caregiver is essential too. Digital podcasts, webinars, and support groups aimed at caregivers can alleviate loneliness and burnout. On her YouTube channel, caregiving advocate Rebecca D. Wilson provides sage advice on everything from legal matters around elder care to tips on how to curb anxiety as a caregiver.
A monthly podcast called “Daughterhood” where host Rosanne Corcoran interviews experts in the field on common caregiver questions and concerns is another good resource.
The reality is that being a caregiver is no easy feat, especially when sandwiched between multi-generational dependents. Equipped with the right digital tools, however, there is hope for caregivers to reclaim their time—and their peace of mind.
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