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