The Spanish-speaking population in the United States continues to grow at a rapid rate. For caregivers whose senior clients might not speak English as their first language, learning some of their language may help them feel better connected with you. It also may help you communicate better with them. The Breaking the Barrier app offers caregivers the ability to learn how to speak Spanish.
When users first open the app, they will see that it starts with the very basics. The first module takes users through learning how to say the numbers 1 – 20. They are presented flashcard style, with the English word on one side and the Spanish word on the other. An audio button allows users to hear the pronunciation of the word, and then the app asks users to repeat it using the microphone on their device.
Once a user correctly repeats a word to the satisfaction of the app, it will fly up to their learned words list. Users can revisit this list at any time using the arrow button in the top right corner of the app. The microphone in the app took a minute to figure out because it’s unclear whether your audio is registering if you don’t say the word exactly right the first time. Make sure the button at the top has moving bars as you speak and keep trying. Once it registers the first time, users will realize how it works.
Other beginning categories within the app include: Days, months and seasons; In class and at home; Colors; Weather; Greetings; and Family. These categories provide vocabulary useful for caregivers who wish to engage in light conversation with their Spanish-speaking senior clients. The app has different levels, ranging from Beginner to Advanced, so caregivers can grow in their abilities with the app.
Caregivers can also ask their senior clients if they’d like to help with learning words around the house and in conversation. If they’re not fluent in English, you can have fun with helping one another learn by having conversations dedicated to comparing words for different objects, and even put post it notes with the Spanish and English translations for different words around the house on various objects.
The Breaking the Barrier: Essential Spanish Vocabulary Flashcards app is available for Apple platforms.
Senior caregivers, let us know your feedback on this app and keep us posted if you discovers additional apps that assist with caregiving duties and help relieve caregiver stress. You may also refer-a-friend to a senior caregiving job and win prizes weekly and monthly on Caregiverlist®️.
