Keeping an Eye on Mom and Dad-’Being Parents to Our Parents’
Filed Under Elder Care
Recently a 75 year old customer called with a sad tale. He and his 95 year old mother live in a Florida Condo. She has dementia and probably should be in an assisted care facility but like so many Americans who have grown used to being independent she will not hear of it. He still works occasionally at a business he owns.
Bill has a nurse come on a regular basis for his mom and a housekeeper visits twice a week. Therein lies the problem. He suspects that they are ripping off his mom.
As more baby boomers hit the “retirement age” whatever that may be they must prepare for the next big responsibility in their life. I call it “being parents to your parents”. What does that mean?
For millions of Americans who can’t afford a nursing home or assisted care facility living with their adult children or by themselves with their kids nearby is becoming a reality. Many of my neighbors fall into that category for a variety of reasons.
One neighbor needs her kids to write out checks for her so she of necessity must have them nearby. Some can’t drive. It is just the idea of having loved ones nearby just in case.
Many of these stay at home adults have visiting health care professionals several times a week not to mention an occasional cleaning pro. These folks generally have the run of the house for hours at a time.
Oh I know there are other ways to do that chore. That was just an example. When you start talking online banking to an 80+ year old-forget it.
Here is a possible solution that admittedly will not work for everyone and not a foolproof answer. An internet based surveillance system so you can watch mom and dad while they are at home from any where in the world via the internet. And you can keep an eye on visiting caregivers and domestic help.
There are internet based surveillance systems/cameras that are not expensive which would allow you to view what is going on at your parents home from anywhere in the world.
The cameras, as many as 16 of them, can be strategically located throughout the home and/or outdoors can keep an eye on aging parents and anyone else in the home. One system even has motion detection email notification if that could help.
It may not be a perfect solution to all situations but it can offer a viable way to keep an eye on aging parents and others. It may be the way to keep peace in the family from your home, office or anywhere there is an internet connection.
Jack Krohn owns ‘Security Solutions’ and has written over 400 articles
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“http://www.secure-at.com/4channel-hardwired-system.htm” 4 Channel Surveillance System
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