Caregiving in a Digital Age
According to AARP, nearly 44 million Americans are care
givers for a relative or friend over age 50. That’s nearly 1 in 5 adults nationwide. According to Caregiving in the U.S. 2015, released jointly by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, caregivers as a whole are becoming as diverse as the American population. Caregiving cuts across all ages, genders, race/ethnicities, and relationship types. Regardless of who you are, it’s one of the most important roles you’ll ever have.
If you’re just getting started, here are a few suggestions to help you manage your new responsibilities.
- Assemble your team
Providing care is often too big of a task for any one person, and it’s ok to reach out for help! The more you’re able to rely on family and friends, the more sustainable your care will be.
Once you’ve decided on teammates, you’ll need a system to help all of you communicate and collaborate. A generation ago, it was commonplace to store important financial and personal information in a safe-deposit box. But, as with most relics of the past, there are now digital alternatives.
- Get digital
Start by taking stock of your loved one’s information – including everything from wills, health insurance cards and policy numbers, financial investments, and even online account login information. You’ll then need an easy, convenient way to store that information in a secure digital vault. LifeSite Vault can make this process easier with key features like pre-organized categories and a built-in mobile scanner, so information can be captured with a simple “point-and-click” of your smartphone.
- Pick and choose
Storing your loved one’s information is just the first step. Think carefully about what information you want to share with each member of your caregiving team. With the permission-based sharing for each category of LifeSite Vault, you control the access to your loved one’s information at all times.
- Communicate securely
With hacks and breaches so prevalent these days, email puts the security your loved one’s personal information at risk. However, you can quickly, conveniently, and securely communicate amongst yourselves. LifeSite’s messaging system is completely encrypted and protected by multi-layered security architecture.
Digital records are more than just your “in case of emergency” information. They can include important memories and wishes you’d like to pass along to future generations. As a caregiver, you can help your loved one leave a life legacy, providing peace of mind for them today and their loved ones tomorrow.
The Longevity Economy is reshaping the landscape of America; the 50-plus cohort is expected to grow by 45 percent between 2015 and 2050, while the under-50 population expands by just 13 percent. Fortunately, innovative new technologies can help improve the lives of people of all ages, and those who care for them.
Chris Wong is CEO of LifeSite, and is proud to inspire caregivers by connecting their head and their heart. The ultra-secure LifeSite Vault helps families organize and access the most important information in their life; and is the 2017 Consumers’ Choice winner at AARP Innovation @50+ LivePitch. Accessible through web browser or mobile device (iOS, Android, and soon via Amazon Echo), LifeSite Vault’s simple interface allows users to easily store and access information anytime and anywhere, and facilitates remote collaboration with family members, ensuring information stays up-to-date and accessible. www.lifesite.co
Category: Blog
