Technological developments have given parents and their adult children new options to support living at home longer in a safer environment. Devices and Internet-based solutions are available to keep an unobtrusive, high-tech eye on family members.
Services
- Electronic Home Monitoring Systems
- Appliance Alert Systems
- Stove and oven have automatic shutoffs
- Reports if normal routine e.g. coffee maker is not followed
- Personal Emergency Response Systems
- Portable telephone / cell phone
- Display phones for reading the callers conversation
- Touch-screen home monitoring systems
- Alarm systems bedside, in bathrooms, or throughout entire homes
- Medical alert
- Alert of a fall reminder for medications
Specialization
Look for individual vendors to have won specific safety awards for the design of their product.
Preparation
- Describe the situation at home with the loved one and major concerns:
- Daily routine
- Diagnosis of illnesses
- Medications
- Needs on a daily/weekly basis
- Describe the home itself and access to appliances; phone; television
Evaluation
Know the length of time company has been in business.
Review outstanding complaints with the BBB.
Understand requirements of the contract for the technology:
- What is the term
- How can I get out of the contract upon dysfunctionality or death
- What happens in case of flood or fire
- Have penalty fees defined
- Who owns the equipment?
Request your exact desire of technology for possibility of being referred to something better than what your calling about.
Home Monitoring Radio Show Segments
- Fall Prevention: Checking In, with Tracy Marcom
During Fall Prevention month, be a watchdog for your senior loved one. Tracy Marcom at Cascade In-Home Care asks: What is a family’s role to check in with their loved ones? Some are hands-off, and may not realize how their love ones are declining. If Mom or Dad don’t live nearby, they can put on a good front because they don’t want to burden their children. Have a service that can come in, even in the beginning, as an in-home care agency before you really need it, is a peace of mind both to your loved one and your family.
- Fall Prevention: Being a Watch Dog with Tracy Marcom
During Fall Prevention month, Regional Business Development Manager Tracy Marcom at Cascade In-Home Care suggests acting as a watchdog for your senior loved one. Some of the things we notice in the house are throw rugs on top of carpet, which is a huge tripping risk. Also, a rug in the bathroom should have a rubber bottom so it doesn’t lift up and cause a hazard. In-Home Care agencies are able to do non-medical in-home care, but we have a home health license, and we can do fall-and-risk assessments, wheelchair certification and have a nurse on duty. We can provide that fourth or fifth day of would care, but we wouldn’t do occupational therapy or physical therapy.
- Fall Prevention with Beth Deems
Beth Deems at Mission Health Care discusses fall prevention, one of the best things we as caregivers can do for our senior parents. And while it may not be possible to prevent all falls, mitigating that risk is so important. One in five falls results in a serious injury, such as broken bone or head injury, according to the Center for Disease Control.
