How should I introduce Elderella to the person I'm caring for?
Bringing a new tool into caregiving can be a sensitive step, especially when technology, privacy, or change is involved.
The goal isn't to convince the person you're caring for to use Elderella. It's to help them understand what it is, why you're using it, and how it helps everyone feel more supported.
At its heart, Elderella is a family caregiving partner and coordination tool, not a replacement for care or connection. It's designed to make life a little simpler for everyone, including the person receiving care.
Some people you care for may want to use Elderella themselves, others may prefer that you use it and simply keep them informed. Either way is okay, as long as they understand how it will be used and feel comfortable giving their consent.
A note for elders
If you're the one receiving care, welcome.
Your family is exploring Elderella to help keep track of events, tasks, medications, and updates so they can support you more easily. Elderella is here to help you both, not to replace your voice or your choices.
You are always in control of what is shared and who can see it. You can:
- Decide what information feels comfortable to include
- Ask to see what is in Elderella about your care
- Choose whether you use Elderella yourself or have family use it for you
- Change your mind at any time
Your information is kept private and secure, and only shared with the people you and your family choose.
If you ever feel unsure, talk it through together: ask questions, share concerns, and decide what feels right for you. Elderella should feel like support, not something happening to you.
Conversation starters you can use
"Help me stay organized"
If the person you're caring for is independent but you're managing a lot behind the scenes.
"I found something that can help me keep track of everything we've got on the go — your appointments, medications, and other details. It's called Elderella, and it helps me stay organized so I don't miss anything important."
This reassures them that the tool supports you, not controls them. It shifts the focus from "technology for them" to "peace of mind for both of you."
If they're interested in using it too, you might add:
"If you'd like, we can look at it together sometimes so you can see what's coming up and add anything that's important to you."
"We're in this together"
If caregiving feels like a shared effort among family members.
"Everyone's been helping in different ways, and it can be hard to keep track. Elderella gives us one place to see what's happening so we can stay connected and avoid missing things."
This emphasizes teamwork and communication rather than surveillance or record-keeping.
Optional add (for elder involvement):
"You'll be able to see what's coming up and what we've agreed on, and you can tell us if anything needs to change."
"Simplify and reassure"
If the person you're caring for gets easily overwhelmed by details or dislikes "apps."
"It's really simple — Elderella helps keep our notes, appointments, and tasks in one spot. It'll make organizing a bit easier and give me more time to spend with you."
Focusing on simplicity and time together helps position Elderella as something that brings calm, not complication.
If they don't want to use tech at all, you can reassure them:
"You don't have to learn it if you don't want to. I'll manage Elderella and keep you updated."
"Your privacy matters"
If the person you're caring for worries about data, privacy, or technology.
"Elderella is private and secure. Only the people you choose — like me, or other family members — can see what's added. Everything is designed to meet strict privacy laws in both Canada and the United States, similar to how your doctor's records are protected."
Offer to show them our Privacy Policy and Elderella Security. Transparency builds trust.
You might also say:
"We can decide together what to include and what to leave out. If you ever change your mind about something, we can update or remove it."
"Try it together"
If the person you're caring for is curious or likes to be involved.
"Want to take a look with me? We can add your next appointment together and see how it works."
Doing a simple task side-by-side, like adding a task or note, makes the experience feel approachable and shared.
If they're able and interested in using Elderella themselves:
"If you like it, we can set it up so you can check things or add notes too, and we'll make sure it feels comfortable for you."
Inviting the person you care for to be part of the care team
Some elders want to be active in planning and tracking their care. If that sounds like them, you can:
- Show how information is organized in Elderella
- Ask what they'd like to see or help with (for example, reviewing appointments, sharing how they're feeling, or confirming plans)
- Decide together how often you'll look at Elderella side by side
Reassure them that they can change their level of involvement at any time.
Building comfort and consent
Be transparent.
Explain what you'll add (events, tasks, medications, notes) and why. If they'll be using Elderella too, show what they'll be able to see and do.
Start small.
Begin with one or two things that clearly help them, like tracking medications or doctor visits, or checking upcoming appointments together.
Let them set boundaries.
Ask what they're comfortable including and who can see it. Consent is ongoing, not one-time, whether you're using Elderella for them or alongside them.
Show value quickly.
When Elderella helps avoid confusion or a missed appointment, point it out: "See how that helped?" This builds trust in Elderella and in the decision to use it.
Emphasize control.
Reassure them Elderella supports their independence by keeping everyone coordinated and informed, not by making decisions for them. If they use Elderella directly, remind them they can always ask questions, change settings, or adjust what's included.
A final thought
Introducing Elderella is about strengthening communication, not piling on more technology. Approach the conversation with empathy, patience, and curiosity. Listen to their concerns, and notice the small wins when Elderella makes something easier — whether that's for you as a caregiver, for them, or both of you together.