How technology can be an ally to caregivers

Google’s Super Bowl commercial, “Loretta,” touched a nerve. I was very moved by the love story the commercial told, inspired by the grandfather of a Google employee. The ad shows how technology (in this case, Google Assistant) can be put to good use, allowing a man to fondly remember his late wife through images and sound. Many people felt the same way I did about the commercial, but a vocal minority expressed their reservations.

While I can understand people’s concerns about privacy rights and the automation of our lives, we can’t let our fears trump the benefits that technology can offer. For example, in this commercial from Google, a simple tool offered many benefits, especially to older generations and their caregivers.

• Digital photo album: While those of us of a certain age may treasure our physical photos, we have to understand that for younger generations, digital photographs are the norm. I love looking at old photos in physical form, but I also love having access to those same images online. It also makes sharing from afar so simple. In this day and age, when family members often don’t live near one another, this can be a major benefit.
• Using reminders to prompt memories: While critics found this feature creepy, those of us who have dealt with dementia in our families know how precious memories can be. I know of a family caregiver who writes out cards with explanations to the daily questions she receives from her mother who has dementia. The cards are a great source of comfort to her mother (and sanity-saving for the family!) A smart assistant could recite the recorded answers.
• Combatting loneliness: This point is controversial, as I read one commenter who interpreted the Google commercial to mean that we have permission to leave old lonely people on their own with a smart device as a substitute to visiting them. I don’t interpret the ad like that at all. But loneliness among the elder population, especially in rural areas, is a real concern. Anything we can do to alleviate that isolation can be beneficial both mentally and physically. My mother had a talking parrot toy she talked to when Dad moved to the memory care center. The need is there for such interactive devices.

I strongly feel it is in our best interest to embrace technology while holding companies accountable when they violate privacy rights and engage in other nefarious activities. Bottom line, technology is not going away. I prefer to educate myself and others on the benefits and be a responsible user versus burying my head in the doomsday bunker.