As loved ones age and experience declines in function, it is natural for us as care partners to want a way to monitor their whereabouts and activities when we aren’t home. Thanks to technology, there are many options available to use in the home.
1) Smart watches: There are several smart watches on the market that have fall detection and vital signs monitoring built in. If your loved one has a smart phone, you can pair the watch to it and use it as a monitoring device. It can also be voice activated to call for help also. Drawbacks about this is that many are water resistant but not waterproof and certain types of falls are not always detected.
2. Emergency alerting devices: Many know these as life alert systems that may have a console that is landline connected or cell connected with a pendant that can vary in size. Some pendants can be used in the community as they rely on a cell signal. These pendants are also waterproof can be worn 24 hours a day. Drawbacks include a larger pendant that is bulky or very hard to hear for the hearing impaired and it needs to be charged.
3) Motion detection Wi-Fi video camera: Much like the popular Ring camera devices, these camera are easily set up on Wi-Fi networks and come with a built in speaker. You can download an app to your phone and perform check-ins with your loved one during the day and can even set up motion alerts. Drawbacks include the feeling of no privacy and connectivity issues over the cell network can make the check-in slow at times.
5) Baby monitors: Some families opt to have baby monitors in bedrooms for night monitoring, especially if there is quite a bit of distance from the rooms. This is a cheap way to be able to hear what is going on and can almost be used as an intercom. Drawbacks include noise that can disturb the care partner’s sleep or not even hearing what may be happening.
These are just a few ideas that can help provide a sense of security for your loved one. Share your ideas on how you’ve kept your kupuna safe.
Creative Caring Works 