Finding the Perfect Side Gig for Senior Caregivers

As a caregiver, you’re already working hard to support your senior loved ones. But what if you
could supplement your income by giving a bit more of your time and energy? Along with
financial freedom, working a side gig can be an excellent opportunity for personal growth and
enrichment. Today, WytCote Technologies takes a close look at how senior caregivers can
benefit from taking on a side gig and provides some simple tips for success:

Why Work a Side Gig?

Working a side gig allows you to explore different interests and discover new skills while
improving your short- and long-term financial standing. If you enjoy the challenge of learning
something new, starting a project on the side can help you improve your resume and remain
marketable
should you ever decide to leave your current position as a caregiver.

Moreover, having extra money coming in can help cover unexpected expenses or help you save
up for larger purchases you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford!

Starting an E-Commerce Business

Launching an e-commerce business is one of the best ways to make extra money as a senior
caregiver. BDC notes that this type of business requires minimal start-up costs and offers
immense potential for earning an income from home.


If starting an online store appeals to you, it’s essential to research the industry and create a
business plan before diving in; this will help position your business for success from the very
beginning. Also, try setting yourself apart from other e-commerce stores by selling niche
products that are unique or hard to find. Just remember that it’s critical to meet or exceed your
customers’ expectations. The importance of a brand promise cannot be overstated!


Using a unified platform with commerce features appealing to potential customers can make
running an online business more accessible and efficient. With this kind of platform, you can
access a variety of functionalities, such as inventory management, payment processing, order
fulfillment, and more.


The right e-commerce platform can reduce the amount of manual work required to manage your
store and give your customers an elevated user experience. Ultimately, a unified e-commerce
platform can save you significant time and money in the long run.

Other Types of Side Gigs

Many people are finding success through e-commerce, but there are many other types of jobs
to consider for boosting your income and enriching your life. A few of them include:

The possibilities are virtually endless. If you don’t have much experience with technology or are
more comfortable with traditional work environments, know that there are plenty of part-time
gigs available as employees. You might flourish in retail sales, marketing, or customer service at
a local store or business.

How To DIY Market Your Business

If you choose to start your own company, you’ll quickly discover that marketing is key to running
your business. No matter how unique and high-quality your product or service is, you won’t be
successful if nobody knows about it!


It may seem intimidating at first, but marketing doesn’t need to drain your budget or consume all
your time. WordStream points out that there are a wealth of marketing tactics you can learn to
do yourself
, such as creating social media accounts, setting up a blog, building a website, etc.
Do some online research as you begin to develop your side gig business. You’ll find tons of
helpful tips and tricks to kickstart your DIY marketing adventure!

Summary

If you would like more financial freedom, to achieve personal growth, or to make your skill set
more marketable, taking on a side gig could be the ideal path. There are plenty of jobs available
depending on the type of work that interests you the most. Consider starting an e-commerce
business or exploring the other ideas above, and remember to learn as much as possible about
DIY marketing. The best part is that you don’t have to compromise your caregiving duties to
flourish in your other job!

Empty Nesters: Living a Fulfilling and Relaxing Life

Looking after children is a massive responsibility that takes up significant amounts of your attention, time, and energy. It requires sacrifices, and your personal goals and wishes often fall by the wayside. It’s no wonder so many parents breathe a sigh of relief when their children eventually grow up and leave home. Even though it’s sad and sometimes grief-inducing, it’s the first time in forever they have a moment – and life – to themselves.

If you’re in the same boat, it may be time for you to give yourself the care you gave your children and live the life you’ve always wanted. Here, WytCote gives you some tips and advice on making the most of your life as an empty nester parent: 

Adjust your attitude and focus on enjoying your life

You may be feeling sorrow, grief, or even experiencing symptoms of the Empty Nest syndrome. It’s understandable – your children are a big part of your lives. Having them be away from you isn’t easy. You must be kind to yourself, heal yourself, and focus on the bright side.  Change is unavoidable – but it doesn’t have to be bad. Nothing is stopping you from staying in touch with your kids. You can still be a part of your children’s lives – and also finally experience the life you’ve always wanted. Look at it as a blessing, and it will become one.   

Take better care of your health

You may not have focused on your health enough before. You could design a self-care routine to tune up your physical, mental, and emotional well-being – and make healthier choices in general. Meditate, walk, eat healthily, go out in nature, exercise, try art therapy, and generally, spend at least a few hours every week on healthful activities. It will make you happier and give you the energy you need to live life to the fullest.

Give yourself mental peace by creating a health plan for the future 

Regardless of how well you look after yourself, there may be a time you need professional healthcare. Having a health care plan in place will allow you to meet your various expenses without overextending yourself – and give you peace of mind besides. Essential components of a health plan include selecting insurance, creating an emergency fund, and choosing healthcare centers – like senior care communities and medical facilities – in advance. Picking a facility with WytCote’s SeniorSense Care Tabs will ensure you (or your partner) receive top-notch care, with features like fall detection protection, quality of care, location monitoring, and rollover alerts.  

De-clutter and renovate your home

Your home has a massive effect on your mood, energy, well-being, and quality of life in general. Ensuring your home is as neat and comfortable as possible will have a positive effect on the rest of your life. You can start by decluttering and deep cleaning – it will clear away stuck energy and give you extra space. For added effect, you could give your home a fresh coat of paint, get new furniture, change the curtains, put up decorations, and add new features or rooms (like an outdoor seating area).

Plant a garden

Based on a Psychology Today report, people who garden every day are known to live longer, happier lives. Gardening can bust stress, be good exercise, and give you your daily Vitamin D dose. Furthermore, if you plant fruits or vegetables, you can eat delicious organic food frequently and also save big on your grocery bills. Gardening doesn’t have to be time-consuming – you can do it just a few minutes a day. Growing food isn’t hard either.

Give back to your community

There’s little more fulfilling than making a difference in people’s lives – whether that’s by feeding them, teaching them, assisting them in finding jobs, or supporting whatever other cause that’s closest to your heart. It’s a great way to spend your time and puts you in touch with other kind, goodhearted people. 

Go back to school – and maybe change your job

You may have never had a chance to get a degree and always wanted one. Or maybe you just enjoy learning and want to study something new. You could go back to school to earn a degree. If you don’t quite have the time for full-time education, you could earn a degree online at your convenience – this may help. Needless to say, further education will open up new career options for you too. You could make the shift to a new, more fulfilling career or seek a promotion in your existing job. An online business degree, for instance, will furnish you with accounting, management, business, and communications skills.

Get your business dreams off the ground

If you’ve always wanted to start your own company, now is the perfect time to do so. It’s easier than you may think and doesn’t always require much funding. You need a solid business idea, funding, a business plan, and a base of operations to get started. You may want to start an LLC to reduce the risk. It offers limited liability protection to your personal assets. Furthermore, there are tax advantages, less paperwork, and more flexibility. You can file the paperwork yourself or use a professional formation service to avoid hefty lawyer formation fees. Before choosing a service, read reviews to determine the best option available. 

Spend more time with friends and family

Being with people who care about you is one of the best feelings in the world. It busts stress, makes you happy, and gives you support. You could start to spend more time with friends and family now, strengthening old relationships. Other suggestions are making new friends or joining a support group for empty nesters – nobody else can understand what you’re going through as well as another empty-nester parent.

Have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation

Being in a different place, with different people, is one of the best ways to push the reset button on your life. It’s a nice escape from your usual routine. You can have some fun and also revitalize yourself. Visiting Disney World, for instance, can be exciting and relaxing – and doesn’t require much energy. You can ask your kids to accompany you and maybe, recreate the good old days. If you’re heading to Disney World, you can consult online resources to have an excellent time without breaking the bank. Click here to learn more.

Follow a religious or spiritual practice

If your beliefs allow, you could pursue a religious or spiritual practice. As Sharecare can confirm, doing so can bring surprising health benefits like reduced stress, lowered risk of depression, lower blood pressure, and stronger social connections. It can also put you in touch with yourself, teach you how to focus on the things that matter, and assist you in living a more balanced, fulfilling life. 

Conclusion

Your children leaving home will clear away all your old routines and the usual way of doing things. This is your chance to do everything you’ve always wanted but never could. You could get a new hobby, go back to school, build a new business, or simply tick things off of your bucket list. Make the most of this opportunity to lead the fulfilling and relaxing life you’ve always wanted. Image via Unsplash

Helping Senior Loved Ones From Afar: Tips for Family and Friends

Aging isn’t easy — and it’s even more complicated when seniors live more than a few miles from their family and friends. Seniors tend to require more support from their loved ones while living independently and performing everyday tasks, which can pose a challenge for those without close friends or relatives nearby. There’s housework to be done, meals to prepare, lawns to maintain, and other responsibilities to attend to — and age-related health conditions and impairments can make these daily tasks much more of a challenge than they used to be. 

Fortunately, it’s still possible to lend a helping hand to the seniors in your life, even if you can’t physically be there to help your loved ones each day. Check out these tips from WytCote Technologies to learn how to help your senior loved ones from near or far. 

Compare Senior Services and Programs

When seniors live more than an hour away from their loved ones, they can’t always rely on their friends and relatives for help with errands and doctor’s visits. But thanks to home delivery, errand running, and senior transportation services, friends and family members can help their senior loved ones in other ways — even when they can’t physically drive them to appointments or drop off groceries each week. 

To help your senior loved ones from afar, take some time to compare local programs and services that offer meal or grocery delivery, errand running, companion care, or senior transportation services. Personal care services, housekeeping, and specialized home health care are also available. 
If your loved one needs help preparing meals, for instance, you might consider signing him up for a healthy meal delivery service through Snap Kitchen or Freshly. Or, if your loved one needs help getting to and from doctor’s appointments, you could explore senior-friendly transportation options such as GoGoGrandparent or Veyo. There are lots of ways to lend a helping hand to your loved one, regardless of how far away you may live.

Rely on Senior-Friendly Tech

Like the senior services highlighted above, different types of technology can help your loved ones to live independently at home. Ring Doorbells, for instance, can help your senior relatives to feel safer in their houses — and make it easier for them to answer their doors to strangers when home alone. You can even be added to your loved one’s account so you can keep an eye on your senior’s Ring camera and track who’s coming and going. 

Setting up smart home devices in your loved one’s home is another great way to help him or her from afar. The Amazon Echo, for instance, is a hands-free smart home device that can be used for everything from checking the weather to listening to the news. Your loved one can use it to make and receive phone calls, listen to music, set reminders and alarms, and get recipes and cooking tips. 
The Amazon Echo Show is another great option for seniors, as this device features a smart display and can be used to stream movies and videos, video chat with loved ones, and play classic games like Jeopardy! and 20 Questions. You can even give yourself access to your loved one’s device so you can share photos and videos with your senior at any time.

Keep Senior Stress to a Minimum

As we age, the negative effects of stress become much more profound. Chronic stress can increase our risk of developing heartburn, insomnia, and heart disease — and it can lead to a myriad of symptoms ranging from back pain and headaches to irritability and concentration issues. This is why it’s so important to help your senior loved ones to manage their stress: teach them to calm down when they’re feeling overwhelmed, encourage them to exercise regularly, and remind them to step outside each day for some fresh air and sunshine. 

Some other things seniors can do to relieve stress include:

Though you can’t be with your senior loved one each day, you can still help him or her to live a happy, stress-free life from afar. Regularly check in with your loved one via phone call or email, and video chat with your parent, relative, or friend if he or she uses technology. You could also check in with your loved one’s neighbors and care team to see if they have any concerns about your senior’s health and well-being.

Know When It’s Time for Senior Living

As much as you’d love to keep your senior loved one at home for the rest of his or her life, aging in place isn’t always possible. Your loved one may get to a point when he can’t perform his activities of daily living (ADLs), keep up with household tasks, or take his medications as directed. Your loved one may also live in a home that requires extensive modifications for aging in place, and perhaps transitioning into senior living would be a more cost-effective option. 
Whatever the case, it’s important to know when it’s time for your loved one to transition into senior housing. Maybe your loved one’s physical or mental health is declining rapidly, or your own health is suffering and you can no longer care for your loved one from afar. There are several different types of senior housing communities for you and your family to consider, including assisted living, senior condos, and skilled nursing home facilities.

Be There for Your Senior, Even When You’re Miles Away

Aging has its challenges, and it’s normal for seniors to rely on their younger relatives for more things as time goes on. But when seniors have few relatives living nearby, it can be difficult for them to find the help they need to live independently at home. 

This is where you come in. You can help your senior loved one no matter where you live by teaching her stress-reduction techniques, signing him up for meal or grocery delivery services, and teaching her to use smart devices like Ring Doorbells and the Amazon Echo Show. There are lots of different ways to help your senior relatives each day, even when you’re living many miles away!
WytCote Technologies offers software solutions for senior care facilities. Visit our website to learn more about our services!

Supporting a Loved One With Declining
Health: Tips for Family Caregivers

Are you a family caregiver? You’re not alone. According to Family Caregiver Alliance, there are over 43 million people in the U.S. who provide unpaid care to a family member. As a result, there are countless resources out there designed to support and assist family caregivers with common challenges. Don’t hesitate to leverage these resources when things get difficult. Caring for a loved one who is in decline is one of the most difficult things you can do. It can be incredibly draining, both on an emotional and physical level. In this article from WytCote, we’ll share some tips to help you cope during this challenging time and make effective care decisions for your loved one.

Consider Long-Term Care

If your loved one is in declining health, it’s possible that their care needs are beginning to exceed your capacity to provide support. This indicates that it may be time to consider long-term care. Moving a loved one into long-term care can be beneficial for everyone. In long-term care, your loved one will receive consistent, round-the-clock assistance aligned with their specific needs. And you’ll have more time to focus on your other obligations and your own needs.

Don’t wait until the last minute to look at your long-term care options. The best time to begin considering long-term care is before it becomes necessary. This will give you and your loved one plenty of time to evaluate different care facilities and work out the financial logistics of the move. Then, when you begin noticing signs that your loved one could use additional assistance, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to get them into a suitable long-term care facility. 

Watch out for signs that long-term care would be best for you and your loved one:

Make a Plan to Pay for Long-Term Care

Many seniors and their loved ones worry about long-term care costs. Because long-term care can be expensive, it’s important to plan for these costs well in advance. Genworth reports that the median monthly cost to stay in an assisted living facility is $4,500. That cost increases to $9,034 to stay in a private room in a nursing home facility. Start exploring your funding options now.

Many seniors decide to sell their homes to pay for assisted living. If this could be a good option for your loved one, help them calculate their home sale proceeds to determine how much money they can expect from a sale. You’ll have to consider important factors like your loved one’s outstanding mortgage balance, the estimated sale price for the home, and real estate agent commissions. Use an online home sale proceed calculator, so you don’t have to do the math yourself!

While you may be tempted to skip the real estate commission by selling the home on your own, this is not a good idea. Selling a home without an agent is time-consuming. What’s more, your inexperience could lead you to spend a lot of money upfront and see very little in return. Working with a real estate agent is well worth the cost of their commission, especially given that homes sold by agents tend to sell for more money.

Leverage Helpful Technology

Until your loved one moves into long-term care, consider using technology to make life easier for both of you. The right senior care tech tools can ensure your loved one is safe in their home and facilitate remote monitoring when you’re not around. Look for apps, assistive devices, and other handy tools to solve your biggest daily challenges. For example, if you’re constantly worried that your loved one is going to fall when they’re home alone, a fall monitor can provide some invaluable peace of mind.

To help your loved one regain some sense of independence, set them up with virtual assistants and smart home technology. A voice-controlled smart home setup will enable your loved one to adjust their environment, set reminders, call friends and family, check the weather, and stay up-to-date with the latest news regardless of their mobility or tech-savviness. 

Take Care of Yourself

Taking time to care for yourself and your own needs is essential when you’re facing a stressful caregiving experience. The physical and emotional demands of caring for a loved one in declining health can take their toll, and the last thing you want is to get burnt out. While it may feel a little selfish to care for yourself when your loved one needs your attention, nothing could be further from the truth. Taking time for your needs will enable you to provide the best quality care. 

Take steps for your well-being to protect your physical and mental health:

Nothing about being a family caregiver is easy. Remember, all the work you do to care for your loved one is having an enormous impact on their life. If caregiving is becoming too difficult, there’s nothing wrong with considering long-term care. Help your loved one find a facility that offers assistance and support to improve their quality of life and give you more time to take care of yourself. 

Is your loved one moving into long-term care? WytCote has created a solution offering monitored care for seniors in care facilities called SeniorSense. Check out our website to learn more!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: Pexels

Will Blockchain Survive the 2022 Cryptocurrency Crash?

Yes. Blockchain will not only survive the crypto market crash 2022, but it’s also about to surge in many different industries. The future may not be as bright for crypto just yet, no matter how much Elon Musk continues to throw his support behind Dogecoin.

Blockchain Is Not Cryptocurrency, And Crypto Is Not Blockchain

When it comes to worldwide mass excitement, be careful who you bring to the party. If things go bad, you might be found guilty by association. Blockchain and crypto exploded onto the general public’s consciousness at fundamentally the same time. It’s no wonder many people have trouble seeing the difference.

There was so much excitement and money surrounding both crypto and blockchain that investors and enthusiasts alike didn’t bother to investigate the details. Fast forward to the cold hard reality of the crypto winter. The price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have plummeted so fast, many people are too shocked and afraid to draw any distinctions.

personal-finance-bear-market-big-data-wall-street-crypto-crash-2022-financial-institutions

The Main Differences Between Blockchain And Crypto

In the simplest terms, blockchain is a way to store data on a digital file. It’s an open database that is duplicated among many, many computers. This open distribution makes it completely transparent so that the data contained therein can be verified by many users.

This widespread ability to be verified means no one central agent can change the data. This decentralized ability to verify makes the data contained in the blockchain extremely secure.

Blockchain was originally conceived as a technology to manage a cryptocurrency. If you think of blockchain as the tool and bitcoin as the product, it’s easy to see they are related but distinct. Here are some other differences:

Blockchain is an open form of big data – Cryptocurrency is a virtual form of money.

Cryptocurrency is based on anonymity -- Blockchain is all about as many people as possible having exactly the same information.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, USD Coin, and BNB are all forms of cryptocurrency that rely upon blockchain technology – Blockchain is a tool that is used in many different industries.

The blockchain solution is unaffected by stock market fluctuations – cryptocurrencies are susceptible to wild swings in value like a bear market on Wall Street.

Blockchain is intended to keep things like personal finances secure – Cryptocurrency is promoted by people who want to increase value.

Elon-Musk-Bitcoin-Cryptocurrency-Digital-currency-market-crash-2022-data-security-safety-industrial-applications

The Different Types Of Blockchains

There are four different types of blockchains and each one has both pluses and minuses:

Public Blockchains – This is the type of blockchain that is most closely associated with Bitcoin and other forms of digital currency. Public blockchains provide a ledger that is easily accessible to anyone who has registered as an authorized user or node. Everyone shares the same information.

PROS: Highly secure. As long as users employ the protocols sincerely, it is difficult for hackers to target.

Transparent. Everyone gets the same information, and the more people that have it, the more secure it is. Transactions of any kind are instantly available to everyone.

CONS: Slow rate of transactions. Transactions Per Second (TPS) are slower than other blockchains because there are so many nodes, and it’s time-consuming for every node to process the same transaction

Significant use of energy. Here again, so many nodes have to process/verify data, and this can mean millions of computers using up energy.

Private Blockchains – Private blockchains are a closed systems accessible only by authorized users. The entity that owns the private blockchain controls the security of the network. An example of a private blockchain would be an organization that enables only verified participants to interact with its own supply chain of products.

PROS: Lightning fast. Because of the limited number of nodes, each transaction is distributed to the network instantly. Private blockchains have an extremely high TPS.

Size doesn’t matter. The number of nodes can scale up or down as needed depending on what is called for by the owner of the blockchain.

CONS: Centralized control. One agent controls many factors. This central control runs counter to the decentralized inspiration of a blockchain; however, within the closed system, there are many benefits.

Security questions. Since all control is centralized, a private blockchain doesn’t benefit from the same dispersed transparency. By its very nature, a private blockchain is more susceptible to hackers. The owners of the private blockchain must take precautions.

Consortium Blockchains – More than one company, agrees to manage and operate the blockchain according to their joint needs. This type of blockchain is still a closed system, although it does answer many participants.

Hybrid Blockchains – Many consider this a closed system; however it benefits from the advantages of both private and public blockchains. Based on the protocols, some of the data is made public, and some of it remains private. Confidentiality stays high for certain private data, and security increases for public data because it’s so transparent to so many users.

proof-of-stake-smart-contracts-blockchain-solution-healthcare-senior-care-WytCote-Technologies

Smart Contracts And Proof Of Stake

Smart contracts and proof of stake are two popular topics when it comes to blockchain and cryptocurrency. Proof of stake is a way to achieve consensus to validate cryptocurrency transactions. Smart contracts are programs that are triggered to run if and when a set of agreed-to conditions are satisfied. In this way, all parties are notified immediately.

Banks And Financial Institutions Are Just the Tip Of the Blockchain Iceberg

To learn just how many industries are racing to adopt blockchain technology, click here.  

Healthcare is one of the industries that is gaining the most benefit from blockchain capabilities. 

Imagine having every single detail of your entire healthcare history accessible in seconds only to those of which you approve. As healthcare becomes more and more sophisticated, so too does the amount of data increase. Keeping all this data current, organized and secure is a big challenge. And yet, the rewards to the patient can be phenomenal.

Companies like Wytcote are revolutionizing the quality of healthcare for seniors so that they can lead safe and independent lives while staying connected to their loved ones.

Why People Choose to Place Their Loved Ones in a Nursing Home

Almost of us will be faced with this very difficult decision at some point in our lives. For some, it comes down to a matter of money. For many others, strong emotions, family members, a sense of responsibility, as well as other factors are involved. No two people are alike, and it’s not easy trying to predict how a loved one will react to being placed in a nursing home.

My wife’s grandmother hated everything about her nursing home at first and made sure everyone knew it. After a couple of weeks, she was as happy as a clam. Of course, it could have been the exact opposite.

Ultimately, this is the kind of decision that becomes easier when you take the time to ask others how they dealt with it. The more you learn about the entire process, the fewer surprises you can expect. Thankfully, it’s not often we have to decide on putting a parent in a nursing home. Today, we’re going to go over some of the key reasons why people choose to put an aging parent into a skilled nursing facility as opposed to choosing in-home care.

Common reasons for choosing to place a parent in a nursing home

senior-care-family-members-parent-in-a-nursing-health-conditions-why-people-choose-to-place-loved-one-in-nursing-home

Professional care vs. family caregiver

Taking care of a senior can be a challenge for even the most loving, the most patient, and the most understanding son or daughter. Many of us have very little practice with senior care.

If you’re determined and lucky, you might be able to study the subject of senior care. Even so, emotions and family ties can play a big role, and sound decisions are more difficult to make as a result. Doctors and surgeons often don’t treat family members for the very same reason. This is just one of the many reasons a family member may decide to place their loved ones in a nursing home.

Caregiver burnout is real

Sooner or later, even the most stalwart and determined family members will run into problems they can no longer handle. When this happens, feelings of guilt and regret can consume a devoting son or daughter. Often, the strain will affect everyone around the family caregiver.

The unpredictable nature of caring for an aging parent makes things difficult to mentally prepare. The constant question of “when is it time?” can become exhausting.

Healthy conditions can worsen quickly

The need for medical care can change from a monthly visit to the need for a care team very quickly with many seniors. If you’re planning to take care of your aging parent at home, changing health conditions can overwhelm even the most devoted son or daughter. Everything from a sudden illness to a significant drop in cognitive ability or even incontinence can happen unexpectedly.

In-home care can transition into assisted living and again to a long-term care facility

why-people-choose-to-place-their-loved-ones-in-a-nursing-home-caregiver-burnout-professional-care

Often there are different stages of care available to seniors who go from needing a little help here and there to requiring around-the-clock long-term care. Many people choose to evolve the level of care according to the advancing level of need. A gradual increase based on individual factors can ease everyone into a stepped environment of care.

In-home care can start with a family member that checks in daily with the senior. This can then progress to in-home professional care, whereby a trained senior care person spends time with the parent as needed.

Depending on the state of health and the level of independence, the parent can then be transitioned into an assisted living facility in which they will receive the needed attention as well as a moderate level of autonomy. At some point, the parent may need to be transitioned into a full care long-term facility.

How technology can improve the experience for your parent and for you

It’s a simple fact of aging. Many seniors enjoy being as independent as possible, while their sons and daughters feel increasingly anxious about how they are doing. The great news is that technology can help solve this paradox.

Aging parents can go about their day without the constant calls from their children checking up on them. And children can use technology to unobtrusively check-in without nagging their parents.

skilled-nursing-facility-care-team-medical-care-family-caregiver

When is it time to place your loved one in a nursing home?

Please review the indicators below to help guide your decision:

Some signs a family caregiver may be overwhelmed:

Technology That Helps Seniors Live Well in 2022

If you’re wondering how technology helps seniors live well, you’re in luck. Technology has advanced so much and is now so user-friendly, seniors are taking charge and living their best lives. In this article, we will review some of the latest developments older adults enjoy using to stay connected.

True high-tech is easy to use

There’s no longer any need to be apprehensive about becoming tech-savvy. The measure of the most cutting-edge technology is not how complex it is or how powerful it can be. The best technology is easy to use. That’s why it’s so many seniors are engaging technology to maintain and strengthen their bonds with family members.

Get back in the game

technology-that-helps-seniors-live-better-2022-videogames-voice-activated-tech-face-time-whats-app-virtual-assistant

If you can use a keyboard or if you can use your voice, you can get right back in the game with a rich, connected life. Whether you’re in a senior living facility or receiving senior care at home, all you need is an internet connection, and the world will come to you.

For a long time, technology has made it possible to play games, remind you of daily activities and even trigger an emergency response when necessary.

Today, simple-to-use devices can provide fall detection to family members and automatic alerts to the people you choose. Many of these devices are voice-activated and work in real-time as things are happening. The simplicity is a game-changer for everyone.

Face-to-face video chatting with friends and family

Absolutely nothing can replace being face to face with your family and friends. Well, now you can see their smiles up close even when their thousands of miles away. Face-to-face video chatting is easier now than it has ever been. Whether you have an Apple device or an Android device, you have a variety of ways to connect.

senior-tech-quality-of-life-saving-lives-video-chatting-stay-connected-voice-activated-older-adults

How to use WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Duo:

FaceTime for iPhone users: Go to settings on your iPhone or IPad and scroll to and tap”FaceTime.” There’s a slide-type switch next to it. Slide it over to activate it. Go back to your home screen and finger tap on the FaceTime symbol. Next, there’s a button in the top right-hand corner with a plus sign on it. Tap it. If this seems too difficult, text your contact and have them initiate a FaceTime call to you. That’s what I do.

Google Duo of Android users: So what, you don’t have an iPhone. You can use an Android tablet or phone to get the same thing. Simply use your browser to go to the Google Play Store. That’s where you can download Google Duo for free. Once you’re there, it couldn’t be more simple to use.

WhatsApp video calls for everyone: It’s the most used messaging application in the world. More than two billion people use it to message each other and video chat. Go to whatsapp.com and download the app for free. The rest is easy. That’s what makes it number one.

How to use a Ring Doorbell:

First things first, you can set up a Ring Doorbell anywhere. It doesn’t need to be at your front door. You can put it anywhere you want 2-way communication that features video and audio. When you use it at your front door, you can see who’s there, and you can tell them anything you like.

Buy one or more of the devices and create an account. If you have trouble with it, ask someone to help. Once you create an account, follow the instructions, and “presto,” you have a virtual butler to see who's at your door.

Hi, Echo, what is the weather forecast for today?

The Amazon Echo has been called a “gateway technology.” Once you use it, you’ll be hooked forever. Use it to set daily reminders, find out what the weather is going to be, or get a recap of the local news. It could not be easier to use.

Pretty soon, you’ll be asking it to tell you a joke or recite a recipe for you. Can you imagine? Just ask it anything. We can’t promise you’ll get the answer you want, but the fun you’ll have is guaranteed to make you smile.

technology-that-helps-seniors-virtual-assistant-Amazon-Alexa-stay-connected-older-adults-fall-detection

Tile: How to never lose anything again:

I don’t care what age you’re at; misplacing things is a pain. Keys, wallets, your passport, a scrap of paper with the combination to your giant safe – you can find anything with a Tile attached to it.

I have no idea how it works. Maybe it’s pure magic. What I can tell you is that it couldn’t be easier to locate whatever you’re looking for when you put a Tile on it and you search on a smartphone or tablet.

The easiest way to track your vitals:

The latest bracelet activity monitor can track your blood pressure. How about that? Of course, you can keep track of how many steps you take a day. It can measure your heart rate, and it can tell you what time it is.

There are quite a few of these products that are available today, so make sure you read the reviews before you buy.

How to get the technology you need

If you’re at a facility, the Executive Director will be more than glad to help. If you’re at home, try searching on Google. At Wytcote, our only goal is to help seniors live their best lives, and we’d be happy to help you find what you need, wherever you are.

How Technology Provides Peace of Mind to Seniors

Whether you are an in-home senior or and out-of-home senior, modern technology can help you make things easier for yourself. There aren’t any complicated new skills you need. Gone are the days that just getting the VCR to stop flashing 12:00 was a challenge for all but the geekiest tech savvy person.

High tech today is designed with normal people in mind. Intuitive and easy-to-understand technologies for seniors have been refined and simplified over time. This tech is giving peace of mind to seniors all across the world.

Stay connected

When we get older and wiser, we finally realize what’s truly important in life. And that is to stay connected to family members and friends.

Today’s advanced devices are designed to help you stay close to the people you love, and that love you. Many devices can be voice-activated. You can make calls and set reminders without having to type endlessly on or peck on a touch screen to accomplish what you want.

Video chatting can bring you face to face

peace-of-mind-for-seniors-video-chat-technology-tech-zoom-skype-facetime-WytCote-Wellness

If you cannot be in the same room with friends and family as often as you would like, video chatting is almost as good. You can’t get or give a hug over the internet, but you can look into the eyes of the person you’re talking to. It is so comforting to see the face of the people you love.

Safe and sound senior living

Have you heard the expression, “It takes a village?” Well, as an older adult, if you can’t go to the village, the virtual village can come to you.

Way, way back you could always count on a neighbor to lend a hand. People knew almost everyone else in the neighborhood, and someone to help or visit with was never too far away. Things are different now.

However, today you can be part of a virtual neighborhood made up of friends and family that might be in a different city or even a different country. And with today’s smart devices, you can connect with them almost as easily as you could when you lived across the street from a kind soul. It’s as close as you can get to them in real-time.

Senior care has been simplified

Senior living does not have to include having someone who is there 24/7. There are many seniors who prefer to be as independent as they can whether they are in or out of the home. This is where today’s advanced technology and care systems really shine.

There are wearable smart devices with fall detection sensors that will alert caregivers automatically. You don’t have to do a thing. The same goes for monitoring your blood pressure and your heart rate. Smartwatches and wearable blood pressure monitors are very convenient for seniors who prefer not to slow down to monitor their vitals.

An overview of how technology provides peace of mind

tech-savvy-senior-living-fall-detection-play-games-high-tech-video-chatting-stay-connected-family-members

Smartphone apps for older people

The Apple App Store is a great place to start if you have an iPhone or an iPad. If you prefer Android devices, Google has a vast number of apps for you to use for all sorts of things.

Ordering take-out is like ordering room service at a hotel

It’s not like it used to be. The pandemic accelerated the number of fast and easy-to-use delivery services that can deliver from your favorite restaurant.

Here are just a few of the delivery services you can use:

Uber Eats

DoorDash

Grubhub

Grocery delivery

For those seniors who like to cook for themselves, many grocery stores provide delivery service, and you can always opt for Amazon Fresh.

Prepared meals and semi-prepared meals

Sometimes cooking from scratch is a lot of work. These services can accommodate your needs:

Instacart

HelloFresh

Silver Cuisine

Blue Apron

Getting around town

Who needs a car when you can order an Uber or a Lyft any time you like? Your community may also have its own complimentary transportation services for seniors. In addition, there may be a regional transportation service meant for senior citizens that you can use. One of them is GoGoGrandparent.

Challenge someone to play games with you

Many smart devices are fun to play games with. You can track your own progress and then video chat with your friends to compare scores. Wordle is a great word game that offers a new word quiz every day. These are great for residents in memory care units.

An overview of smart devices

Smartphones are much easier to operate than they used to be. And a lot of them are powerfully little computers that can do amazing things for you.

voice-activated-smart-speaker-peace-of-mind-to-seniors-living-technology-WytCote-Technologies-assisted-living-virtual-assistant

Wearable fitness trackers

Some of them look like bracelets. At the same time, others look like a watch. All of them can perform a variety of functions that can help you stay healthy and let others know how you’re doing.

Tablets and E-Readers

Tablets and iPads are just like a laptop, only simpler to use. They can do just about anything a computer can, and they’re much easier to carry around. E-Readers may not be as versatile, but they can sure make reading a book an absolute pleasure no matter how large you want to make the type.

Medical Alert Systems & Devices

These have been around forever. Today, they come in many forms, and they have a variety of settings so you can determine who will be contacted should you have an accident. There’s also professional backup with a trained operator who can step in to help.

At home or away – these devices can be indispensable

Smart speakers like Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Amazon Alexa can give you reminders, make calls, play music, and give you up to the minute weather data.

Smart Sensors like Nest, Abode, and Aloe Care learn your daily activities and monitor what’s happening in your home. The sensors will send out an alert if anything out of the usual occurs.

Audio/Video Doorbells with TalkBack -- Blink, Arlo, Nest, and Ring are some of the most popular. You don’t even have to be home to see who is ringing your doorbell, and the best part is you can talk to whoever is there.

The Difference Between Blockchain Technology & Cryptocurrency

It seems like everywhere you look these days, someone is talking about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. But what do they actually mean? And are they the same thing?

This blog post will break down the differences between blockchain technology and cryptocurrency and explain why businesses should be paying attention to both. We’ll also give some examples of how businesses use both technologies to power their operations. So read on to learn more.

What is blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that records transactions in a digital public or private database in chronological order. “Blocks” of verified transaction data are added to the chain, creating an immutable record of all activity on the blockchain.

Blockchain technology can create both public and private blockchain networks. A public blockchain network is one where anyone can join and view the transaction history, while a private blockchain network is “permissioned,” meaning only authorized users can access it.

blockchain-technology-crypto-exchanges-private-blockchain-networks-security-in-cryptocurrency-healthcare-data-security-supply-chain-management

Blockchain is distributed across a network of computers, with each computer or “node” having a copy of the entire database. This makes it incredibly difficult for someone to hack or tamper with the data, as they would need to update the copy on every node in the network simultaneously. In addition, blockchain technology enables users to anonymously record and verify transactions without a third-party intermediary. This not only makes transactions more secure but also reduces transaction fees.

Blockchain technology came to the surface with Satoshi Nakamoto’s white paper in 2008. It has vast applications, including in cryptocurrencies supply chain management and voting.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Most cryptocurrencies are decentralized and not subject to control by the government or financial institutions. They’re often traded on decentralized exchanges and can be used to purchase goods and services. Some popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

The organic nature of cryptocurrency is its most defining feature. It is not issued by any central authority and is therefore immune to government manipulation or interference. Cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology.

Blockchain constantly grows as “completed” blocks are added with a new set of recordings. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Cryptocurrency nodes use the blockchain to differentiate legitimate crypto transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere. This can’t be possible with a credit card.

Essentially, blockchain provides the backbone for cryptocurrency transactions by allowing for a decentralized ledger of all crypto exchanges. Cryptocurrency is built on blockchain and allows for digital currency transactions without a third-party intermediary.

What Are The Key Differences Between Blockchain Technology And Cryptocurrency?

There are a few key differences between blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.

Nature of blockchain vs. cryptocurrency

Blockchain is a decentralized technology with no central authority that controls it. On the other hand, Cryptocurrency can be decentralized or centralized, depending on the currency. Bitcoin, for example, is a decentralized cryptocurrency, while Ripple is a centralized cryptocurrency.

Use

Blockchain is the underlying technology that powers cryptocurrency. It is a digital ledger of cryptocurrency transactions. Cryptocurrency is built on blockchain and is primarily used for digital financial transactions (storing wealth, making payments, or investments).

Blockchain has a wide range of other potential applications beyond powering cryptocurrency. It could be used to create a decentralized database of medical records or track the movement of goods through a supply chain.

Value

Blockchain doesn’t have monetary value and, therefore, cannot be used to measure wealth. On the other hand, cryptocurrency has monetary value and can be used to measure wealth.

 

Potential Security Risks Associated With Blockchain Technology Or Cryptocurrency

As with any new technology, there are always potential risks associated with implementing blockchain or cryptocurrency into business operations.

a.    One of the biggest concerns of security in cryptocurrency or blockchain is the possibility of hacking. Because blockchain is a decentralized system, it is less vulnerable to hacking than traditional systems. However, there have been cases where hackers have been able to access wallets and steal funds.

b.    Another risk to consider is the volatility of cryptocurrencies. The prices of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can fluctuate wildly, making them a risky investment for businesses.

c.    Finally, businesses should be aware of blockchain and cryptocurrency's regulatory environment. In some countries, such as China, ICOs are banned outright. In others, such as the United States, regulations are still being developed.

 

How Businesses Are Already Using Blockchain Technology Or Cryptocurrency To Power Their Operations  

healthcare-senior-care-data-security-privacy-protections-supply-chain-management-solutions-speed-WytCote-Tech-California-USA

While still in its early stages, blockchain technology is beginning to be adopted by businesses across various industries. Here are a few examples of how businesses are using blockchain to power their operations:

Get Blockchain Technology for Healthcare

Blockchain technology is something that is often misunderstood. However, it has the potential to revolutionize how data is shared in a secure way between different parties. If you are looking for a way to use blockchain technology in your business or industry, please contact us. We have experience implementing this cutting-edge technology and can help you get started on using it in your organization.

What Does My Staff Need to Know to Care for the Elderly?

Many elders prefer aging in place. In fact, most of them choose in-home care support rather than nursing homes or assisted living. But as their needs change, safety concerns, getting around, and other activities of daily living grow. So they turn to senior care services to improve their quality of life and not worry about safety issues, among other reasons. Staff training is crucial to their overall quality of care.

Unfortunately, if statistics are anything to go by, many senior adults suffer at the hands of caregivers and other senior home staff. They’re hurt, neglected, isolated, among other things. World Health Organization reports that 1 in 6 people 60+ years experienced some form of abuse in senior living in 2020.

As the owner or manager of a senior living community, you must ensure that these elders get the care services they deserve. Not just for the reputation of your facility, but for compliance reasons. Every state has its regulatory requirements for senior living homes, and all stakeholders must understand them. 

Staff training provides the easiest way to comply and meet the elder’s needs. It arms your staff with knowledge about:

 

staff-training-senior-living-community-mental-health-care-services-elderly-residents

Understanding the unique needs of older adults

Older adults are faced with a range of physical, psychological, and social challenges due to age-related issues. As such, they need support in activities related to daily living, self-care & mobility, social activities & relationships, and mental health.

These adults also desire to cope with their illness while still living independently. However, environmental factors like lack of information on services like care pathways, lack of professional advice on self-care strategies, and poor communication & coordination of services get in the way of these efforts.

 

How senior living staff can help

The senior living staff has to help to this end. They can ensure that adults lead comfortable lives in living homes. First, however, they’ll need the training to better care for these adults while complying with the law.

Assisted living facilities often have different staff types, as shown below:

The training may be specific to staff types or general. For example, support personnel may go through specific healthcare topics, but there are still common areas of training that all staff should be exposed to.

 

What your staff needs to know to care for the elderly

One of the greatest concerns in senior-living communities is the safety and well-being of its elderly residents. Regardless of their positions, your staff needs to be adequately trained on things like cognitive impairment, the aging process, infection control, fire and life safety, etc.

They should also learn about basic food safety, emergencies, and fall prevention. Training ensures that all members of staff react appropriately when necessary. It also ensures your facility complies with your state’s regulatory requirements.

 

Compliance aspects

All staff members should be trained on compliance aspects. They should know:

 

nursing-home-staff-training-WytCote-Wellness-Senior-Sense-technology-monitoring-residents-in-assisted-living

Infection control and prevention

With approximately 1 to 3 million serious infections happening every year in skilled nursing assisted living and nursing homes, the importance of infection control and prevention can’t be overstated. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to infections and communicable diseases like COVID-19. With this training, your staff should be able to:

 

Lifesaving skills

You can also train your staff some basic lifesaving skills. At a minimum, teach them to perform first aid and CPR. This can be lifesaving, especially if you have at-risk seniors in your facility.

 

Cognitive training

If your senior living facility has residents with cognitive conditions like dementia, you should have training sessions for your staff about health complications, hydration, wandering, aggressive behaviors, dignity and sexuality issues, and sundowning.

Wellness and lifestyle

A lifestyle approach helps seniors improve their physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and intellectual well-being. Your staff should also learn about therapeutic interventions, activities, and communication.

 

Other residential training

You should train employees to know:

 

Management training

Your management team should know the following.

Staff training is a great way to care for adults and stay compliant with the regulations. But unless you keep track of all the training your staff gets, you might never realize its full impact. Tracking staff training can give you a clear picture of where you stand. It also provides data to help make informed business decisions for a better future.

 

what-does-my-staff-need-to-know-to-care-for-the-elderly-staff-training-senior-living-communities-nursing-home-assisted-living

Track staff training

A lot of work and resources go into staff training. But unless you track your work, your efforts might go to waste. By tracking your staff training, you can:

  1. Analyze statistics (who took what course, how many people were trained, and the average score) ad monitor learners’ progress.
  2. Determine whether the training offers a good return on investment (ROI).
  3. Ensure that all staff members have received compulsory compliance training.
  4. Document everything that’s happening as you create a learning culture in the facility

There are different ways to track staff training. Here are a few examples.

Staff training is easier with the right business system, and with the suggestions above, you should have an easier time navigating the process. If you’re having a hard time implementing these systems in your senior living home, we can help. Get in touch with us today.