Dec 16 2024 47 mins 1
In this episode of Care Tech and Tips, Barry and Bobby dive into a tech-filled discussion designed to make caregiving easier and more efficient. From Bobby’s triumph with Assistive Access for his father-in-law to Barry’s game-changing use of FaceTime screen sharing, the hosts explore how technology can save time, reduce stress, and bring caregivers peace of mind. They also tackle practical challenges like setting up Wi-Fi networks for smart cameras and managing the quirks of old-school mechanical timers.
Barry wraps up the episode with a heartfelt segment on stress management, introducing a progressive muscle relaxation technique and promising a bonus guided exercise episode to help listeners reset and recharge. Packed with humor, real-life wins, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone juggling caregiving and technology.
Key Takeaways:
Assistive Access: Simplifies iPhone/iPad functionality for seniors, offering large buttons and easy navigation.
Screen Sharing via FaceTime: Saves time by allowing remote control and troubleshooting of loved ones’ devices.
Wi-Fi Upgrades: Moving to Wi-Fi 6 or 7 can ensure better performance for smart cameras and connected devices.
Camera Bandwidth Needs: Security cameras require robust bandwidth; plan accordingly when setting up multiple devices.
Stress Management: Progressive muscle relaxation can help caregivers reset and reduce anxiety.
Plan for Tech Updates: Anticipate changes like dark mode to avoid confusing older loved ones.
Soundbites:
“Assistive Access turned my father-in-law’s phone back into just a phone — and that’s all he needed.”
“Screen sharing saved me three hours of driving and a ton of frustration!”
“Wi-Fi upgrades are no longer optional if you’re running smart cameras.”
“Mechanical timers: simple in theory, maddening in practice.”
“Resetting your body’s normal after stress is the key to feeling human again.”
Resources Mentioned:
Camera Bandwidth Recommendations:
Brand
Resolution
Bandwidth Per Camera
Multi-Camera Setup
Notes
ADT Cameras
1080p
2 Mbps
5 Mbps for multiple cameras
ADT integrates with Google Nest; ideal for mixed smart home setups.
Google Nest
720p/1080p
1.2 Mbps (720p), 2 Mbps (1080p)
5 Mbps for 2 cameras, ~2 Mbps/additional camera
Robust integration with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Amazon Cloud Cam
1080p
2 Mbps
Varies by setup
Works well with Amazon Alexa devices.
Apple HomeKit Cameras
1080p
1.5-2 Mbps
Varies based on iCloud usage
High-quality video; additional bandwidth may be needed for iCloud storage.
Wi-Fi Comparison:
Feature
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Maximum Speed
Up to 9.6 Gbps
Up to 46 Gbps
Frequency Bands
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Channel Width
Up to 160 MHz
Up to 320 MHz
Multi-Link Operation
Not supported
Supported
Latency
Improved over Wi-Fi 5
Significantly reduced
Target Applications
Dense environments
High-demand scenarios
Backward Compatibility
Yes
Yes
Stress Relief Bonus: Barry shared insights on progressive muscle relaxation, a quick technique to help caregivers unwind. Look out for a bonus guided exercise episode to practice this at your own pace.
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Thanks for tuning in to Episode 8. See you in two weeks for more Care, Tech & Tips!
