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Guides for using technology

If you arent sure how to use the technology products we have featured, you can find guidance listed under the relevant product categories below.

Please note not all the technology products we have featured are listed below as they may not have any supporting guides at the moment.

 

Activity Monitoring and Care Alarm products

Activity Monitoring products are made up of sensors that monitor your activity in your home and the Care Alarm products are made up of a pendant worn around the neck or on the wrist and a base unit that is connected to an Alarm Centre via your telephone connection.  

Guides on how to use these featured products are available under each of the product names below. 

For more information about these products please see the Activity Monitoring and Care Alarms page.

Just Checking

Just Checking logo

Description
Activity monitoring services that help people stay at home.

Video Instruction Guide

 

 

Communication products

Communication products can help you keep in touch with your friends, family and community. These tend to be video communication apps such as Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.

Guides on how to use these featured products are available under each of the product names below. 

For more information about these products please see the Communication Products page.

FaceTime

Description
FaceTime is a free communication app for Apple equipment.  It requires an Internet connection (or Wi-Fi) to work, however it will let you message and call friends and family. 

Written Instruction Guide
A step by step guide on how to use FaceTime;

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger

Description
Facebook Messenger is a free communication app for smart devices and PCs.  It requires an Internet connection (or Wi-Fi) to work, however it will let you message and call friends and family. 

Written Instruction Guide
A step by step guide on how to use Facebook Messenger;

Skype

Description
Skype is a popular communication app which allows you to call other people via video and voice using PCs, laptops, tablets and smart devices. It is often installed on computers by default making it easier to set up.

Video Instruction Guide

Written Instruction Guide
There are a number of step by step guides available on how to use Skype;

WhatsApp

Description
WhatsApp Messenger is a free communication app for smartphones.  It uses your phone's internet connection or Wi-Fi to let you message and call friends and family. 

Instruction guide
There are a number of step by step guides available on how to use WhatsApp;

Health and Wellbeing products

Health and Wellbeing products can be used to give you more control about how you manage your health and wellbeing.  Products range from medication reminders and dispensers that are alarmed and automatically release your tablets at set times, to calendar clocks that display a simple date and time view. 

Guides on how to use these featured products are available under each of the product names below. 

For more information about these products please see the Health and Wellbeing page.

MemRabel 2

MemRabel 2

Description
MemRabel 2.1 allows a family member or health visitor to set daily time reminders with voice and picture or video reminders.

Video Instruction Guide 

Pivotell Pill Dispenser

Pivotell logo

Description
The Pivotell Advance dispenser is a medication dispenser. When the alarm sounds, the internal tray will rotate one position and the correct dosage will come into view in the lid opening.

Video Instruction Guide

unforgettable 2-in-1 Calendar and day clock

unforgettable logo

Description
This clock is really adaptable. It could help someone through the whole dementia journey, but it’s also very useful if you have mild memory loss or vision problems.

Video Instruction Guide

Your Minder Talking Medication and Reminder Clock

Description
This talking reminder clock is brilliant for those wanting to know the time of day but who may struggle to understand or use other devices. Helping to avoid any impact on daily routines such as taking medication or cause a loved one to feel isolated due to missing pre-arranged outings or appointments.

Video Instruction Guide

GPS Trackers and Personal Alarms

GPS (Global Positioning System) trackers are products that can be used to locate you or the person you care for, for approximately 10 metres from the home. 

Guides on how to use these featured products are available under each of the product names below. 

For more information about these products please see the GPS Trackers and Personal Alarms page.

GPS Smart Sole

GPS Smart Sole logo

Description
GPS SmartSole® is a smartphone hidden and sealed in a trim-able shoe insole. It uses GPS and cellular technology, is charged about every day, and requires service plan – all just like your phone. And, just like your phone, it works nationwide in areas with cellular coverage.

Video Instruction Guide

Yepzon One

yepzon logo

Description
This is a GPS locator which has been designed to keep especially pets, small children, the elderly, and valuables safe.

 

Video Instruction Guide

Self Care and Carer Apps products

App store logos

Self Care and Carer Apps can give you more control over your health and wellbeing at your own convenience.

They can be used to monitor health conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as medication reminders and support for carers, as well as enabling you to make online GP bookings and order repeat prescriptions.

How do I download an App?
If you need support and instructions on how to download an app on your mobile device, details can be found on the Google Play Store website or the Apple App Store website.

Further details about how to use Apps, how they work and how they can benefit you can be found on the TechSilver website.

Guides on how to use these featured products are available under each of the product names below. 

For more information about these products please see the Self Care and Carer Apps page.

brain in hand

braininhand logo

Description
If you experience anxiety, finding the right solution quickly can be the difference between keeping your day on track and having a meltdown. If you have autism, a mental health condition, learning difficulty or brain injury and only receive a few hours of support each week or none at all, Brain in Hand can help.


Video Instruction Guide

 

Life360

Life360 logo

Description
Life360 is the world's leading real time, location-sharing app. Life360 runs on your mobile device to allow you to view your family members on a map, communicate with them, and receive automatic alerts when family members arrive at home, school or work.


Video Instruction Guide
There are a number of specific tutuorial videos for the different elements of Life360 that can all be accessed by clicking on the Life360 support link.

Smart Home products

Smart Home products are designed to make your home life convenient.  The voice activated smart speakers can be used to control your lighting, heating, security systems and much more, all with the intention of using automation to make life easier and maintain a level of independence.

Guides on how to use these featured products are available under each of the product names below. 

For more information about these products please see the Smart Home Products page.

Amazon Echo

Amazon echo logo

Description
Amazon Echo is a hands-free, voice-controlled speaker that houses a personal assistant called Alexa. Users can talk to the device by using the wake word “Alexa” followed by an instruction or question.


Video Instruction Guide

Further details on how to access Alexa help can be found on the Amazon Support website.


Written Instruction Guides
Setup your Amazon Echo
Support for Amazon Echo
Support for Alexa

Google Home

Google Home logo

Description
Google Home is a hands-free, voice-controlled speaker containing Google’s personal assistant. Users can talk to the device by using the wake words “OK Google”  or “Hey Google” followed by an instruction or question.

Video Instruction Guide

 

Written Instruction Guides

Set up your Google Home device
Google Home: Quick Start Guide
Explore Google Home features

Hive

Hive logo

Nest

nest logo

Ring Video Doorbell

Ring logo

Description
With Ring, you can monitor your home from your smartphone, tablet or PC. Every Ring device features a wide-angle lens and a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can see, hear and speak to anyone on your property from anywhere.

Samsung SmartThings

Samsung SmartThings logo

How to stay safe online

It is important to remain vigilant and safe whilst online but it is also important to know how to protect yourself, your family and mobile devices.

Please click on the link Get Safe Online to access free practical advice on how to stay safe online.

 

Disclaimer

We always recommend that you seek the advice of a health or social care professional if you are thinking about using assistive technology and self care apps of any kind. 

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