Building Confidence with Technology at Brookridge
Technology plays a role in almost every part of daily life, from staying in touch with family to managing appointments and accessing information. But for many older adults, new devices and constant updates can feel overwhelming. At Brookridge, we believe technology should support independence and connection, not create frustration. That belief came to life again today during a recent Candoo Tech training session on campus.
As part of ThriveMore’s partnership with Candoo Tech, Brookridge residents were invited to attend a virtual group training focused on the basics of using an iPhone. Residents gathered together to watch the session through Zoom as a Candoo Tech team member walked through foundational skills and answered questions along the way.
The session was designed to meet residents where they are, emphasizing patience, clarity and practical use. For many attendees, it was about building confidence as much as learning specific features.
“Hopefully it’ll help because I don’t do much on my phone because I don’t know how to use it,” said Brookridge resident Bobbie Garcia. She attended the training to get a better understanding of her iPhone and plans to schedule a one‑on‑one session with a Candoo Tech Tech Concierge once she has a clearer sense of the questions she wants personalized help with.
Another resident, Dolores Parker, joined the training hoping to pick up tips she could apply to her own phone use. She said she was hoping people would ask good questions that she could learn from. Dolores also attended the in‑person introduction session with Candoo Tech team members that took place at Brookridge last month, part of the initial rollout of the partnership across ThriveMore communities.
"I'm delighted that we have this option," she said of the new resource.
A combination of group learning and personalized support is a key part of what makes the Candoo Tech partnership so valuable at Brookridge and ThriveMore's other independent living communities across the state. Residents can attend live group lessons, watch recorded sessions at their own pace and schedule one‑on‑one support tailored to their specific devices and goals. Whether someone is brand new to a smartphone or looking to better understand features they already use, help is available in a respectful, easy‑to‑follow way.
Technology skills can open doors to connection and convenience, from video chatting with loved ones to organizing photos, using apps or staying informed. But just as important, learning in a supportive environment helps remove the anxiety that often comes with trying something new.
At Brookridge, today’s training reflected something we see often in our community: residents showing curiosity, encouraging one another and taking steps to stay engaged in an ever‑changing world. Learning together, asking questions and knowing help is available makes all the difference.
As ThriveMore continues to grow its partnership with Candoo Tech, Brookridge residents will have ongoing opportunities to build skills and make technology work for them. For residents interested in future trainings or one‑on‑one support, information about upcoming Candoo Tech sessions and registration is available on campus.