Brookdale Senior Living Clients Embrace The iPad

Don't be surprised if you are on Face Book and you receive a friend request from.... your grandma on her new i-Pad! Yes, it's true. Senior citizens are embracing new technology like the IPad, Wii and personal computers. This surprising fact is acknowledged by Assisted Living staff of Brookdale Senior Living who are now proactively using technology as a way of keeping residents engaged. Ermerging Technology such as the I-Pad has become for many seniors citizens, an easy way to stay abreast of what's happening in the world plus keep in touch with family and friends. There is also an added bonus, learning something new,is a wonderful way to keep the mind sharp, active and healthy.

When Mrs. Appleton of Brookedale Senior, Devonshire Hoffman Estates received an IPad as a gift for Christmas the dedicated staff promptly taught her how to use it. Being focused on their clients needs, Brookedale Senior Living has adopted a proactive initiative called, Connected Living technology as a part of its Optimum Life^® program. This amazing, humanistic approach considers the needs of the individual as a whole and stresses that, "wellness is achieved through fulfillment in six key dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, purposeful, spiritual, social and intellectual." Emerging technology, such as the i -Pad, coupled with staff involvement appears to play an important role fulfilling all six dimensions.

Though there are many new gadgets on the market today, the Apple iPad seems to be a favorite for the elderly who account for a large number of the 500,000 which have been sold. Older customers appear to adapt very well to the dimensions of the i-Pads large, 10 inch screen. They state, its bigger size makes it a great tool for writing letters, reading a book or just surfing the Internet. They are also pleased with it's light weight, a mere 1.5 pounds which makes it very easy to carry in a purse or backpack. In addition to being ergonomically friendly, the i-Pad also possess the ability to adjust the font which is a huge advantage for the visually impaired. The biggest selling point for seniors, according to Anna Glielmi, from Connected Living, "... because you don't need a mouse, which is what they struggle with the most."

According to statistics seniors are flocking to the internet. It provides many the opportunity to perform functions online, that they may not be physically unable to do on their own; paying bills, shopping, sending mail and visiting with friends and loved ones in other cities. In a time when seniors are living longer embracing new technology like the i-Pad allows them to stay at home for longer periods of time or age in place . In an assisted living setting elderly clients who remain engaged socially are healthier physically and mentally. Learning a new skill would fill anyone with a sense of pride and accomplishment, the elderly are no different. Mrs. Appleton said it best, "I’m so happy that I was shown how to use my iPad so I can reconnect with friends and go online, I’m proud of myself that I know I can do this." I am proud of you to Mrs. Appleton, you rock!

It is vitally important that more Assisted Living facilities follow Brookdale Senior Living's lead and implement classes that give their clients the option to learn something new. If not the i-Pad, what about the personal computer? They would benefit greatly from learning to use e-mail, to search for information or how to use Face Book to reconnect with friends? What the Hoffman Estates staff discovered was, learning a new skill filled their clients with the pride of accomplishment. That feels good at any age.

Tips To Teaching Seniors To Use The Computer

• Be patient and speak slowly remember, this is a new skill that may be quite intimidating to many.
• Start with the basics; turning the computer on and off, the parts of the computer and what they do, then review the information.
• Teach them how to use the mouse and allow them to practice, since many find the use of a mouse difficult take extra time to ensure they are comfortable with.
• Teach them how to do something of use like typing in a name, sending an email or looking for simple facts, allowing them the opportunity to practice as much as they need to.
• Let them practice what they have learned and be patient when they require assistance and praise then for being brave enough to learn.
• Teach them to use a specific program and allow them to practice and have fun!

Technology will play an important part of seniors lives for many decades to come. It will allow us to remain vital for many more years, stay in contact over many miles and to bridge generations in the way no other tool has. It is a good thing that, "Granny's got Google." to quote my friend, Mr. Parks of Westlake. Thanks to lovely Mrs. Appleton, and the wonderful staff at Devonshire Hoffman Estates, many more grandparents will bravely follow.

References

Hoffman Estates Seniors Learn iPad www.brookdaleliving.com AARP www.aarp.org Senior Community Services www.srcommunityservices.com

Help End Elderly Abuse http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx