Tele Caregiving: Video Caregiving Service

Here's another question from our mailbag.
Q. Two thousand miles separate us from my parents. We want to be a part of their lives and make them feel they're not alone, and we need a smart way to connect with them on a daily basis to make sure they're safe and stay healthy. How does your 24-7 video communication work? Do you provide a daily summary of their activities? How does the monitoring system work in an emergency?

A. We have a large population of graying people, and a shrinking population of caregivers. Boomers whose parents have beginning stages of Alzheimer's or dementia and other health issues need help now. Being proactive is smart. Don't let distance prevent you from being there for them. Stop feeling guilty.

Telecaregiving is an effective way to prevent trouble down the road, and it’s even a way to help with mundane daily activities like preparing breakfast and reminding parents to take their medication. “Wired” homes keep tabs on Mom and Dad, and it’s a sensible approach to making them feel like they're not alone. Telecaregiving lets them feel someone is always around: whether it's you or a friendly face and voice of the telecaregiver who's monitoring daily activities.

Interactive video communication is common in an era of Skype. People are used to staying in touch with far-flung relatives and friends. Say Mom or Dad is in poor health and you're not able to be there in person. Strategically positioned cameras (you don't notice them, yet they are always scanning and tilting) are mounted in the ceilings and a telecaregiver monitors every move throughout the home. In the kitchen. In hallways. Always keeping track of a person's daily activities. If Mom or Dad has been in the bathroom too long, a relative or friend is notified immediately. The telecaregiver is a constant companion, often joining Mom or Dad at mealtime and engaging them in conversation or reminding them about taking their medications. They become good friends.

Family is central to the service. Loved ones are connected daily. At dinner, baby boomers join their parents at the dining room table to share a meal and catch up on things. Detailed activity information is provided for use by loved ones on a private web site. The service helps provide relief to a spouse whose better half requires constant care. At their age, being the full-time caregiver can be exhausting; a burden that is mitigated thanks to cameras that allow them to leave the house to mingle with friends or attend to personal needs. It takes the pressure off.

Concerns over privacy are quickly allayed when one stops to ponder what would happen in the event Mom/Dad breaks a leg, ankle, arm or worse has a heart attack or stroke. Boomers and their parents who would otherwise be overwhelmed with the duties associated with getting parents back to health quickly learn to appreciate the service.

Ask your wellness questions on aging. Our panel of experts will answer all questions, from the government's role in taking care of seniors to family and sources to help make the transition. Please send your question to info@seniorwellnessspecialists.com