| Providing long distance elder care has always been | | | | to put this type of long distance elder care in |
| a challenge for adult children who are scattered | | | | place when the senior is healthy and has no |
| across the globe, but now there is help. A cottage | | | | medical issues. It is easier to get an elderly person |
| industry of elderly monitoring services is hoping to | | | | on board with the technology when they have no |
| cash in on an explosive need: to provide peace of | | | | health issues and are able to carry out all activities |
| mind to elder people's children and extend | | | | of daily living. A child could say to his/her parent, |
| autonomy/independent living to their aging | | | | "Hey Dad, we're so glad you are doing well on |
| parent(s). | | | | your own at home; let's talk about how we can |
| This challenge is being addressed by placing | | | | make sure you continue to stay safe." Talking |
| sensors in an elderly person's home, allowing the | | | | about this need for monitoring long before it is |
| senior citizen to live independently while providing | | | | needed will allow the senior citizen to process the |
| loved ones who live far away access to data | | | | information and get used to the idea. |
| gathered by the sensors. Data collection involves | | | | This health monitoring solution for the elderly is |
| tracking when and where the elderly person has | | | | not cheap; it can cost many thousands of dollars |
| been in the house and even what parts of the | | | | to install the monitoring equipment, and then there |
| rooms have been accessed, such as the | | | | is usually a monthly monitoring fee. However, |
| refrigerator, medicine cabinet, and kitchen | | | | when one considers the cost of nursing home |
| cabinets. General health information, such as | | | | care, assisted-living care, and in-home health aide |
| weight and blood pressure, can also be monitored. | | | | costs, it is a solution that, although not perfect, |
| Although this is a well-intended solution, there can | | | | can be a compromise that all parties can live with. |
| be some problems due to the reversal of roles | | | | Long distance elder care will continue to challenge |
| between parent and child as well as the aging | | | | thousands of families across the United States as |
| parent's perception of his/her privacy being | | | | the Graying of America continues to push |
| invaded. There is a delicate balance, a trade-off; | | | | numbers of seniors to unprecedented heights. |
| giving up some privacy in exchange for being able | | | | Thanks to technology, many elderly people will be |
| to stay and live at home. Some elders resist, | | | | able to stay in their homes longer and live happier, |
| thinking that this is too intrusive. | | | | more productive lives, and their children will have |
| Broaching this subject in a sensitive and | | | | the peace of mind that Mom and/or Dad are |
| compassionate way is key. Additionally, it is wise | | | | doing fine. |