Don't fear high-tech living: embrace it!
Technology can often seem baffling but, once mastered, the benefits certainly outweigh any initial hurdles. Our suggestion is don’t fear technology, embrace it!
Many Aura Holdings’ residents have successfully adopted technology to make their lives a little simpler or just for their own entertainment or to support their interests.
The services provided by two technology providers, Veda and Eevi, are available to you as an Aura resident.
Aura’s partnership with technology provider Veda provides residents with value for money for fast and reliable broadband internet, Foxtel services and your home telephone.
Veda’s technology is easy to use and senior friendly, with tech support on hand. It offers a range of home phone and internet plans to suit your requirements and budget. The internet connection will allow you to link your smart TV to free-to-air programs or to other subscription services such as Netflix.
Veda offers two Foxtel packages to residents – Foxtel Premium with more than 90 channels and Foxtel Standard with more than 25 channels. To access Foxtel in your apartment you will need a Veda set-top box. An installation fee applies if you are not a current Foxtel customer. Veda will support you in the set up and use of your connection.
Eevi is a leading provider of discreet medical alarms and emergency call technology. Every Aura apartment has an emergency response system, the Eevi Gateway, with 24-hour support if ever needed. As soon as the alarm is activated, an Eevi care member, with your medical information at their fingertips, will answer and get help.
Eevi’s unobtrusive monitoring aids include a pendant or the new Eevi Smart Watch. The watch looks like a regular smart watch but has advanced features including an inbuilt GPS (global positioning system) location tracker with the ability of emergency two-way communication at the touch of a button.
If you have a Google Nest device (previously called Google Home) in your apartment, Eevi’s Voice Assistant becomes a voice-activated alarm and check-in system if you need urgent support at home.
Five Good Friends
Aura Holdings partners with in-home support provider Five Good Friends to offer a range of services you might need to remain living independently. An app on your smart phone allows access to Five Good Friends’ technology to track your goals, schedule, budget and health outcomes.
The Lookout app can match you with your perfect Five Good Friends’ Helper, keeps track of your appointments, your accounts and, if you wish, it can let family members know when your FGF Helper is with you. Every time a FGF Helper visits, they can add a note to the app to keep track of your general health condition.
Five Give Good Friends’ CEO Simon Lockyer says “our members and their families love our technology’’.
“The feature-rich app contains vital information that our Helpers have at their fingertips. Family members can add tasks and reminders for staff,’’ Simon says.
“The Five Good Friends’ app helps make the magic happen in the home to keep people living independently.’’
At-home technology
Many of our residents enjoy using technology including computers, laptops and tablets for communicating with loved ones, accessing banking services or ordering grocery and other deliveries. Our residents also use technology for writing books, researching family history, studying online, learning new languages or playing Sudoku or doing crosswords.
Social media can keep you in touch with family and friends wherever they are. Video chat applications became popular during Covid lockdowns but continue to allow face-to-face contact with loved ones, particularly with precious grandchildren.
WhatsApp is similar to Facebook Messenger and designed for mobile devices. You don’t need a Facebook account, just download the app to your phone and set up a group. It is perfect for establishing a social group amongst your friends in the village for instant messaging such as “I’m heading down to the billiards room with a bottle of wine, anyone joining me?’’
Google Nest is a popular voice-activated digital companion that sits on your kitchen bench or coffee table with the ability to control devices around your apartment, play music, make phone calls, answer simple questions when you say ‘‘OK Google’’ or just entertain you. Google Nest can also automate many things inside your home.
The Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland is a partnership between the State Government and the State Library providing opportunities to develop skills and confidence using technology. Participants in the program include libraries within the Brisbane City Council and Toowoomba Regional Council area. The University of the Third Age also runs computer skill classes.
Technology doesn’t have to be a struggle. It should service us, liberate us and enhance our lives. If you have never downloaded an app before, it might seem a little daunting, but have a go - you might just surprise yourself!
For more information about Veda services call 1300 041 470 or visit the website vedanetworks.life; for Eevi call 1300 802 738 or visit the website eevi.life. Or contact your village manager who will put you in touch with your Five Good Friends’ village concierge.