How to Use Google Apps for Elderly Parents
I use Google Docs daily and here are some applications I use to assist my elderly parents, assuming of course they have their own devices which are setup with their Gmail account and unlimited internet access.
1. GMAIL - I use Gmail as a central account for devices and web apps. Gmail is free, easy and secure. A single Gmail account will enable access to all other available Google apps aside from email.
2. Google Docs - Google docs allows users to use "excel spreadsheet" using the web. This setup is also available to use anywhere as long as there is wifi. I've setup a file called "Medications" and "Lab Results" for my parents to track their progress or health status over long periods of time.
Information on medications will help in determining drug interactions, allergies.
We're also now developing a file called "Family Medical History". This way, the younger generation would be aware of their predispositions.
3. Google Calendar - This is VERY important for bill reminders, doctor's schedules, taking medication, 'drink water' etc. You can also set your parents up to have repeated reminder notifications with "sounds" on their devices.
A few things to note:
1. Please do not use an easy password.
2. Setup your own Gmail account as the secondary user just in case you need reset the password in the future for your elderly parents.
3. Setup 2-factor authentication for Gmail.
4. Remind your parents not to use unsecure "free wifi" services when they are outside.
5. Remind your parents not to give their usernames and passwords to anyone. Service providers never ask for passwords.
6. Remind parents not to install anything on their devices especially from suspiscious websites.
7. Remind parents not to click on links from suspicious emails.
5. Remind your parents not to give their usernames and passwords to anyone. Service providers never ask for passwords.
6. Remind parents not to install anything on their devices especially from suspiscious websites.
7. Remind parents not to click on links from suspicious emails.
I will update this list as soon as I find out more and better ways to use Google Docs to assist elderly parents. You may refer to the Technology section of our blog to see more tips on how I am using technology to make it easier for my elderly parents to go about their daily activities.
