4 Apps For Families To Stay In Touch With Residents

At Continyou Care, we have seen first-hand how hard recent times have been on residents. During this current COVID-19 pandemic, residents have not only been extremely vulnerable to the virus itself physically but have suffered mentally from increased levels of isolation due to the necessary social distancing that has taken place. In this article, we look at some of the best apps that can be used to stay in touch with residents during these difficult times!

Here are some of our favourites:

1. Claris Companion
   

   Claris Companion is a simple dashboard for families to stay connected at all times. This software can be used for residents to video chat, play games, stay up to date with the news and even get medication reminders.
   Learn more here – https://www.clariscompanion.com/features/

2. Zoom

   Although it has gained popularity during the pandemic as a work solution and as great video conferencing software, Zoom can be used by anyone to connect to their loved ones. Zoom is a fantastic option, one that we pushed down to our Continyou Care iPads that are currently being used as part of our solution to ensure all residents had a way of contacting their loved ones.
   Here is a step-by-step guide for Seniors to learn how to use Zoom:  https://www.seniorsguide.com/technology/a-step-by-step-guide-to-a-zoom-meeting/

3. GrandPad
   

   GrandPad is a simple and safe way to connect residents with their loved ones. Pictures, videos, music, emails, apps, and other content shows up on the GrandPad tablet automatically, 24 hours a day.
   For more information: https://www.grandpad.net/

4. WhatsApp

   Not every interaction has to be a full-blown conversation or a video call though. WhatsApp is a great app for sending quick messages and tends to be more casual than using text messages. It is also great for sending clips and pictures to residents. For example, many residents may have not seen their grandchildren for almost a year now! There is no doubt that in this situation they would appreciate lots of updates and pictures. This makes residents feel included, and therefore, less lonely!
   Learn how to set up Whatsapp here: https://www.agespace.org/tech/whatsapp-set-up-guide

At the end of the day, residents want to hear the voices of their family members or just know that they are thinking of them.  If residents do not want to embrace new technology and are quite content with a phone call or even a letter, family members should be encouraged to do this to make them happy.  We’re confident that any of these gestures will make their day!