There are so many fantastic apps available for Android and Apple smartphones to keep the elderly connected.
Literally, there are millions of mobile apps available that are both free and paid including social media, music, recipes, movies, shopping, games and much more.
How to Download an App
To use any app, you first need to download it to your Android or Apple smartphone. Ensure that you are connected to the internet through your mobile network or preferably WiFi.
If you have an Apple iPhone, you’ll be able to access these apps through the App Store. Tap on the blue App Store icon on your phone and search your chosen category or name of the App you wish to download.
You will need an Apple ID to download and purchase apps on your iPhone.
Now, if you have a phone such as a Nokia, Sony, Samsung, Huawei, or LG then you have an Android phone which means you’ll need to download your apps from the Google Play Store.
Much like having an Apple ID, you will need to be signed in to your Google Account, choose your App and select Install to download from there.
Paid Apps
Whilst there are plenty of free apps to choose from regardless if you’ve got an Apple or Android smartphone, there are several that you have to pay for that offer more features.
Typically, you’ll receive a pop-up box asking for you to sign-in and verify your account before making a purchase.
It’s probably worth noting that most of the free apps are supported by advertising, so to use those Apps you will be interrupted by ads.
With all of this in mind, we’ve put together a list of ten handy and useful Apps – both paid and free.
Facebook and Instagram are free and fantastic apps to stay in touch with family & friends on a regular basis.
WhatsApp is a very popular app, as it’s simple to use, a great communication tool, and free. It also only uses a small amount of data to send and receive messages, and it’s a great option for keeping in touch with family and friends; especially if they’re overseas.
The VicEmergency app is free and the official Victorian Government app for all emergency warnings and information.
More recently, it was particularly useful during the 2019/2020 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to this, BOM Weather and Weather Zone are great – yes, you guessed it – weather apps and are free to download. Given how quickly the weather can change here in Victoria, these apps are incredibly handy to have.
Some of the apps that are exclusive to Android, and are particularly helpful for the elderly in-home care Melbourne services, are the BIG Phone for Seniors app where everything is bigger on the screen, assisting those who are vision impaired.
Another similar app is Senior Safety Phone, which costs $1.49 to download and transforms your phone into an intuitive, simple user-friendly interface.
And finally, a few fun apps to keep you entertained and your mind stimulated.
Train Your Brain is a great app to stimulate cognitive areas with games ideal for seniors, whilst Words with Friends, a free app, which is similar to Scrabble and allows you to compete against your family & friends.
And there you have it! Ten phone apps of the elderly that we think can really help. Is there any we have missed? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you would like to find out more about how our home care packages can support you, please click visit our Contact Us page to leave an enquiry or call us on (03) 8720 1338.