Social Media for Seniors and Their Carer’s

Research carried out at the University of Luxembourg has suggested that online communities and social media can improve clinical care for seniors. Researchers found that additional, valuable support can be offered to older people using online communities and social media, in terms of cases of illnesses and diseases

 
Older adults are now exposed to a wide range of helpful and informative resources due to the emergence of user friendly devices such as tablets and other web enabled devices, which allows them to access social media e.g. online social networks, discussion boards and online forums. Seniors can use social media to access health related information and engage in patient-to-patient or patient-doctor conversations.

 

Seniors who have online access have reported enhanced feelings of control and self-efficacy and care homes are being urged to make sure their residents have internet access to allow them to use this valuable resource. Social media can allow them to discuss experiences with other people who have had similar experiences or are going through the same issues; or just help to overcome loneliness through contact to family and friends and other people with similar interests.
As well as being beneficial to older adults themselves, social media can also provide some relief to those who are caring for loved ones. These online forums and communities can provide some much needed social support and a place where caregivers can exchange their thoughts and feelings.

 

The Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, recently launched an information portal to help people to choose, compare and comment on residential care homes and home care services; thought to be the most comprehensive source of information on care services. The purpose of the information provided is to help individuals make confident choices about registered care for themselves or family members. Over 8,000 care providers have added information about their service, with this figure expected to continue rising.

Online Resources for Seniors and Carers:

Below is a list of online communities and forums which could be beneficial to seniors and those caring for them:
Carers Direct – NHS care provider info
Way2Age – Senior online community
Seniority – Over 50’s website
Seniors Site – For senior citizens and their caregivers
50 Connect – Portal site for the over 50s
Senior Forums – Friendly community for seniors
Carers Chat – Carer discussion forum and support network
Carers UK – Forum for carers in the UK