1. < Caregivers: Dementia

Limiting internet use for sister with dementia

Posted by ml318 @ml318, Mar 5, 2024

Hello eneryone,
This is my first post and I thank you in advance for any advise you can give me now and in the future.
My sister has the beginnings of dementia and is in assisted living. I am her POA and control all her affairs. She currently has an ipad and cell phone. She is starting to call people and send texts at all hours of the night. Also, she has some memory loss and as a result sends multiple or inappropriate emails to others. I want her to be able to enjoy her phone and Ipad, but don't want these interfering behaviors to continue. So in lieu of taking them both away, here are my questions:

1. Is there a way for me to turn her phone off at 9:30 pm and turn back on at 8 am? Or an app where I can remotely do this?
2. Is there a way for all her outgoing emails to automatically come to me first to review or delete, before going out?
Thank you!
ML 318

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Mar 11 1:42am
In reply to @centre "I wouldn’t worry about it. The people she is writing to and calling can choose to..." + (show)
@centre

I wouldn’t worry about it. The people she is writing to and calling can choose to not answer the call, put their phones on nighttime “do not disturb”, or block her number, then call her themselves at their convenience to chat. They can delete the e-mails without reading them.
The people who know her know that she is in assistive living, I’m sure the recipients have figured out there are cognitive issues too. Most people will be kind and ignore any inappropriateness. Those who don’t can be politely cued in. Those who won’t leave it alone can be ignored.
The facility will handle any really inappropriate calls (like 911).

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@centre If it’s possible to employ parental controls so they don’t receive the inappropriate communications in the 1st place, surely that’s a better solution?

I’m just thinking what I’d prefer if I was a recipient. Yes I’d understand if there wasn’t a solution but if there is I would prefer it was used.

I’m not tech savvy enough to know the answer!

Luckily my father with dementia has a total aversion to modern technology like iPhones etc!

REPLY
bayviewgal | @bayviewgal | Mar 15 10:50pm

I would start with parental controls...not only what they receive but also what is being sent. ..if that's possible. Not only for inappropriate content but for limiting on clicking on certain links that might compromise her computer. I wish you luck!
Strength, hugs and peace

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 18 9:10pm
In reply to @cweis "On an iphone, you can use Assistive Access under Accessibility. You can just look up iphone..." + (show)
@cweis

On an iphone, you can use Assistive Access under Accessibility. You can just look up iphone Assistive Access - I just did this yesterday for my father in law and it is working great. You can also set up focus times on the iphone, so that the apps you don't want to work during that focus time, are sort of grayed out. It can be over-ridden by the user, though. I haven't looked at the ipad for that same function, as he doesn't have one, but I'm here trying to find out how to limit his computer usage - he keeps getting into his financials and making a mess!

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Good tip, @cweis, regarding Assistive Access.

You mention having issues with your father-in-law making unwanted financial transactions on the computer. You might find some of the stories and tips shared in the related discussions helpful:
- Spouse with cognitive problems and finances https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spouse-with-cognitive-problems-and-finances/
- How do you protect from phishing emails, hoaxes and other scams?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/iphones-ipads-and-other-scams/
- Early Signs …. Money management https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/early-signs-money-management/

Does you father-in-law still live independently? Are you the main caregiver?

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