He taught his mother how to send and receive email, use the Internet as well as perform a few rudimentary word processing tasks. Within a year, Takacs had to buy her a new PC because she was frustrated by the old computer's slow speed. My mother had no computer skills but now she loves it. She's found childhood friends via the Internet and she finds it more convenient than writing. Email and online resources are lifting a great deal of the burden of caregiving, leaving more time and energy for actual care.
High tech can help in other ways.
Plus, you can quickly switch from conventional phone use to Internet access. For people who don't want to use a computer, the phone permits contact with physicians, nursing homes and support groups. Large touch-screen icons and clear menus make the iPhone easy to use. But these systems have recently been refined. PERS are designed to allow someone to remain self-sufficient at home even though he or she require some oversight or aid.