welcoming , with each window and door clearly marked with distinct categories such as Activities , Entertainment , Services , Connection , Learning , Healthcare , and Support . Behind the windows are sub-menus introducing various options for each category . The easy-to-navigate house has a back arrow to enable the user to go back one screen and a little house icon to bring the user right back to the opening page .
The app was tested locally , and over the course of the last year , its reach has expanded from coast to coast with the content having a pan-Canadian flavour . While many apps are simply downloaded from the various app stores , this app is accessed via its own website , stayhome-living . com , in the form of a progressive web app . This new generation of apps enables the developers to make modifications , such as adding and updating content , in real time . stay connected
stay active
stay entertained
Feedback has been positive , with users leaving reviews such as the following :
“ This looks like a wonderful resource for seniors . I appreciate your ingenuity in developing this app .” T . H ., Red Deer , AB
“ I think you are doing an incredible thing for our seniors … Congratulations .” M . T ., Surrey , BC
The app began as a passion project as we wanted to do all we could to help seniors during this troubling time , but it has become increasingly apparent that the way seniors want to use and enjoy technology is here to stay . We think this is a great resource for seniors who are very new to technology , giving these tech novices an opportunity to explore and gain confidence . But there are enough links and content to satisfy the experienced user as well , as it helps to keep so many of the most useful resources in one easy-to-navigate place .
The Stayhome-Living app helps to bring some of the comfort of being “ home ” to seniors while helping users stay entertained and engaged . It guides them on a digital literacy journey that will help us all stay connected and hopefully happier .
Barry Jones ’ career has been in the financial industry while Carolyn Glazier has enjoyed a career spanning technology and real estate . For both , the move into developing a technology to support seniors and to help them maintain their independence was sparked by thinking of their own parents ’ needs . news & views WINTER 2021 | 43