In an increasingly digital world, seniors are discovering new methods to communicate and interact with technology. Captioned technology, for example, has the potential to significantly improve their digital experience. Closed captioning on TV shows, subtitles on YouTube videos, and real-time captions in video calls all improve accessibility, particularly for seniors with hearing problems. However, many seniors may struggle to accept and become comfortable with this technology. The good news is that elder care providers and family members can work together to help seniors gain more confidence when it comes to captioned technology.
Understanding the Benefits of Captioning
Many seniors suffer from hearing loss, and captions can help bridge the gap by offering visual support alongside audio. Captioning also helps with comprehension, especially when the information is in a foreign language or the background noise makes it difficult to follow the speech. Seniors may be more willing to try captioning if it is presented as a tool to improve their viewing or communication experience, rather than something they need due to aging or a medical condition.
Begin With Familiar Platforms
To avoid overwhelming seniors with too many new features at once, start with platforms they are already familiar with. For example, if they watch television daily, turning on closed captioning on their favorite shows is a smart place to start. Captions can be readily enabled in the settings of services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Those who like social media or video platforms such as YouTube can enable subtitles with a simple click. As seniors begin to feel comfortable with captioning on familiar platforms, they might be willing to try other captioned content.
Offer Clear, Step-by-Step Instructions
Seniors may be cautious about adopting new technologies because they are concerned about making mistakes or not understanding the process. To address this, elder care can provide clear, step-by-step instructions for accessing captions. These instructions might include visuals whenever possible, such as screen screenshots or printed guides, which can make the instructions even easier to understand. Additionally, teaching them the processes in person can be especially beneficial, allowing for immediate questions if they’re confused. It’s also important to remind them that they can simply turn captions on and off, which gives them a sense of control.
Live Captioning Tools for Video Calls
Video conferencing has become an important way to stay connected to family and friends. Unfortunately, seniors with hearing issues may struggle to hear the conversations. This is where live captioning for video calls comes in, such as Zoom’s real-time captions or Google Meet’s captioning function, to make these conversations more pleasant and inclusive. Elder care can demonstrate how to use these tools and how captions work during video calls—and regular phone calls—as well as be there with seniors the first few times they try it. This will not only increase their comfort level but will also encourage them to participate more in the discussion.
Provide Continued Support
As seniors continue to get used to captioning, both elder care and loved ones need to provide continuing support and be ready to fix concerns. Knowing they have support will give seniors the confidence they need to keep trying new things and to ask for help when faced with challenges.
It is important to provide seniors with support and encouragement as they get used to closed captioning, particularly on platforms they’ve never used before. Elder care and family members can provide them with both, as well as offer praise when they make progress.
Sources: https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/accessibility-apps-and-technologies-for-communication/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in Sparta TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (931) 208-1019
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Cookeville, Algood, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Smithville, Livingston, Dodson Branch, Gainesboro, Putnam County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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