New app can help oldies live better

A team of researchers has made technology meet the society by coming up with a new app that can help seniors live better.

The new technological solution developed by the University of Notre Dame researchers is aimed at enhancing the physical health, vitality and brain fitness of seniors residing in independent living communities.

One of the traditional challenges of these communities is how caretakers and nurses can provide support in an environment where they have many patients. Unlike many available apps for seniors that merely track data, this app, called eSeniorCare, creates a personalized socio-ecological construct around the senior.

It not only helps empower and engage the seniors, but also provides a continuity of care allowing health workers to proactively reach out to at-risk seniors when they need help, while still allowing them to maintain their independence. Seniors can connect with care providers by sending concerns and questions as text or voice recordings.

A physical health component of the app allows seniors to track a variety of health goals. The app also features medication scheduling and management, medication history, medication reminders and medication adherence. One of eSeniorCare's most popular features with seniors is brain games designed to enhance cognitive health and avoid impairment of mental function.

eSeniorCare empowers our residents to maintain their independence by providing a framework for medication, nutrition and pain management, Kimberly Green Reeves said.

The app is being pilot tested at senior independent living facilities in the South Bend area and is not yet available to the general public.