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Helpful tips for family caregivers

Digital assistants and older adults

Imagine if your aging loved one could make a call, get medication reminders, or check the weather without lifting a finger. Maybe even chat with a device that responds to them. Today’s digital assistant devices make all this possible, giving your family member more independence. But while these “smart” helpers can do a lot, they also bring their own set of challenges. For instance, the need for tech support, the learning curve, and the privacy issues. And, of course, your loved one’s willingness to embrace new ways of doing things.

You know the names: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. These systems can be preset for tasks and operated by voice command. They can be likened to having a companion and an extra set of hands in the house. Many families use them to support daily routines, track medications, and monitor safety.

Here are a few ways a digital assistant can help:

• Reminders and well-being. Announcements for medications, mealtimes, etc. Wearables, such as a smartwatch or ring, provide health and movement tracking.
• Safety and security. Connection to smart doorbells, thermostats, and alarms. And fall-detection wearables that call for help in real time and allow long-distance oversight. There are also wearables with GPS for wandering.
• Communication. Hands-free calling or sending messages through speakers or earbuds.
• Companionship and engagement. Word games, audiobooks, or music on command. Newer, AI-empowered devices can even chat with your relative about news or topics of interest.

Challenges to consider. Your family member must learn how to operate the systems as well as remember voice commands. They must also correctly hear and act on reminders and requests. In terms of privacy, these devices are always listening for their “wake word.” That means they are always on, and conversations are recorded. (You can manually delete stored conversations or turn the mic off.)

Before purchasing, honestly evaluate the potential usefulness of a digital device for your loved one. And whether you have the time to help them learn how to use it! It’s very possible that such a tool could give your relative a new sense of freedom and you fewer worries. Though at the end of the day, there is simply no match in the virtual world for personal check-ins and human connection.

Time to switch Part D plans?

During Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, October 15 to December 7, anyone with a Medicare drug plan, also known as “Part D,” can change their plan. That makes it a good time to double check your loved one’s coverage, even if they’ve been satisfied. Plans change every year. Medications may be dropped. Pharmacies shift in and out of networks. Out-of-pocket costs can go up or down.

For 2026, there are a few updates worthy of attention:

• The annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs is now indexed for inflation. In 2026, it goes up to $2,100.
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan spreads costs over the year. Those who enroll in 2026 will be automatically renewed in following years or must opt out.
• The monthly cost for insulin, in whatever form, is now capped at $35 (with no deductible).
• Medicare Part D enrollees are entitled to all vaccines on the federal approved list at no cost.

What to look for when comparing plans

• Medication coverage. Make sure every drug your loved one takes is still on the plan’s list (the “formulary”) and approved for their condition.
• Total costs. Look beyond the premium. Compare copays, deductibles, and pharmacy pricing. Also, depending on their income, they may qualify for the Extra Help program. Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp.
• Preferred pharmacy. Using an “in-network” pharmacy can significantly reduce costs. Confirm this before enrolling.
• Restrictions. Some plans require preapproval or ask members to try lower cost drugs before covering others.
• Bundled plans. On a Medicare Advantage plan, drug coverage may be tied to specific doctor or hospital networks. Changes to drug plans could affect other care.

As a final step, check how the plan is rated. Medicare assigns each plan a star rating based on service and satisfaction. Carefully consider any plan with fewer than four stars. For more help, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or connect with a local, free SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor at shiphelp.org.

Honoring a veteran's story with an audio memoir

Veterans Day parades come and go. A more lasting option for honoring the veteran in your life is to record an audio memoir of their life and service. Whether your loved one saw combat or served in peacetime, every veteran has a story to tell. Many would love to share their experiences. An audio memoir preserves their history and also the sound of their voice.

Make sure your loved one is open to talking about their military past. If not, let the idea go. If yes, make a date and plan a quiet environment for your conversation. Ideally, somewhere you can both feel relaxed. For recording, you can use your phone, a special app, or other recording device.

Prepare your questions beforehand. Invite your relative to bring along photographs or keepsakes to spark memories (you might bring some too). Ask them for basic details first, such as their dates of service, rank or role, where they served, and even why they joined. From there, use open-ended questions that allow your family member to tell the stories they are comfortable sharing. Ask about any friends they made and places they went. Maybe ask what life was like in the barracks and what it was like after their military service. Be encouraging and curious but avoid prying, keeping your opinions to yourself. Most important, be an active listener by asking questions and staying engaged. You may even want to have several recording sessions so your loved one has time to reflect.

Want to share your loved one’s audio memoir? With your relative’s permission, you might post it on social media or as a blog for friends and family to hear. You might also join a national project: The Library of Congress, The Veterans Writing Project, StoryCorps, and other organizations that collect veterans’ stories. Audio memoirs are a way to preserve and honor the service and sacrifices of veterans for current and future generations.