Control the chaos and bridge the distance with these top-rated care management apps
How can you stay connected to your loved one when you can’t physically be with them? Wondering which doctor mom needs to be at next week? How is she going to get there? Are her current medications all up to date?
Now more than ever, because of technology, you can keep up to date with your loved one’s care–even when you can’t physically be together.
Whether it be meal delivery, scheduling appointments, or tracking medications, downloading a FREE(!) app like the ones recommended below can help keep you organized and reduce your overwhelm as a caregiver.
#1: CareBirds
CareBirds empowers family caregivers with the tools they need in order to stay in control of what needs to be done and who needs to make it happen.
How it works
After downloading the app, you will be prompted to join a “Nest,” which is your central place to manage the care of your loved one.
The Nest gives you (and other Nest members) access to all of your loved one’s important information. You will have the option to create a Nest or join an existing Nest.
You can also create files, which includes a calendar of your important events and doctor appointments, or to-do items which can be distributed among Nest members—fostering timely communication to get you the help you need.
Benefits
Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Calendar of events and doctor appointments
- Storage of documents and files
- To-do list with reminders and checklists
- User-friendly communication hub to keep everyone apprised of updates and any last-minute changes
Standout feature
Your Nest team has the option to come alongside to give you validation and affirmation to make sure you take care of yourself; you can send “hugs” or inspirational quotes.
#2: Caring Bridge
CaringBridge offers a secure place for patients and caregivers to provide health updates and for family and friends to respond with messages of emotion support and prayers.
How it works
Find a quick walkthrough of the app here.
After downloading the app, the sign-in is simple: You can choose to remember passwords, to keep users signed in, as well as a choice of email, FB, or Google to sign in. You will then create a “site” pertaining to your loved one.
When authoring a site: post a “journal update” right from your site’s homepage. You can add photos with view and sharing capabilities.
When searching for a site: Simply input the person’s name to quickly find their site. You can navigate to their site’s home page and see the latest updates.
Benefits
Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Communicate in a private, safe, ad-free space
- Share news and updates by easily controlling the settings and who has access
- Mobilize your supportive community and coordinate help
- Connect to GoFundMe for personal fundraising
- Capture and share photos with a redesigned photo gallery
Standout feature
CaringBridge offers “Ways to Help” and “Support tools” on one page which gives friends and family members direct ways to support their loved one.
#3: Lotsa Helping Hands
Lotsa Helping Hands offers one place to coordinate help, communicate updates, and receive emotional support.
How it works
After downloading the app, create a Lotsa Community. You can then invite family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to help with your community. You can add tasks to the feed and keep everyone updated through the personal blogs, photos, and well wishes.
Benefits
Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:
- New updated Group feature, where you organize helpers into groups
- Permissions settings – restrict content to specific groups
- Notes features – keeps vital information all in one place
- Export events directly to Google calendar
Standout feature
The Lotsa Helping Hands app understands the importance of communication. The Announcements feature makes it easy to keep the community in the loop. Send well wishes to loved ones, post prayers or notes of encouragement.
#4: CareZone
CareZone makes it simpler to take care of yourself, an aging parent, and other family members that need your help.
How it works
Easily download app from the App Store or by visiting the website.
You can begin to scan your medications and instantly get a list of your medications. You will receive reminders when to take your meds, which will also track additional important health vitals and information.
Benefits
Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Trackers – record health vitals such as blood glucose, sleep, weight, and more
- Journal – document symptoms and privately share updates
- Calendar – keep track of appointments and share with others
- Contacts – organize and share info for doctors, pharmacies, and insurance providers
- Notes – store important details such as insurance info
- To-dos – keep list of things that need completed
- Photos and files
- Community – connect with others like you and share personal experience
- Sharing – safely secured with access to share with others in case of emergency
Standout feature
The CareZone app offers Simplified Medication Management. After taking pictures of your medications, you will receive reminders when it’s time to take a medication as well as when to refill your prescription. The app will also track and record when doses are taken. You can easily access the ability to print your medication list for displaying on your refrigerator or to give to your health care provider.
#5: Caring Village
Caring Village offers an easy-to-use online dashboard and mobile app designed specifically for family caregivers to make caregiving easier, safer, and less stressful.
How it works
After downloading the app, you will begin by creating your online village and invite members to it. Your personalized village becomes a “command center” for all of your caregiving activities.
Find an easy walkthrough here.
Benefits
Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Personalized To-do lists: Share the care with others, no matter where they live.
- Customizable care plans: Create a daily or weekly schedule of care for your loved one.
- Centralized calendar: Coordinate schedules and avoid missed appointments.
- Medication list: Keep a list of current and past medications at your fingertips.
- Document storage: Upload important documents and access them anywhere.
- Wellness Journal: Keep your village updated or check in on the day-to-day status of your loved one.
- Secure messaging: Communicate quickly and effectively with village members.
- Preparedness Checklist: Prepare for the unexpected of tomorrow.
Standout feature
Caring Village empowers families to keep their personalized village informed about a loved one by putting tasks and communication into action right away, which allows to have full control and transparency over a loved one’s care and well-being.
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