Aging in place is a growing trend. The seniors in our lives want to preserve independence, stay close to friends, and hold onto social routines. But adult children spend so much time worrying when mom (or dad) is living alone. Is she safe from intruders and accidents in the home? How can we keep an eye on her while helping her remain independent? Eldercare monitoring systems allow us to make sure elderly loved ones are safe and secure. Smart home technology makes life easier and more comfortable. Move over nanny cams–granny cams are improving life for seniors and their families.
What Are Essential Components of Elder Care Monitoring?
Eldercare monitoring systems help us keep aging parents safe and secure. Using cameras, sensors, and alerts, they keep loved ones up to speed on mom’s well-being and activity inside and outside the house. Elements can include:
- Using cameras, we can keep an eye on mom and watch for falls or accidents in high-risk locations like stairways, kitchens, and entryways.
- Cameras can monitor hired caregivers to prevent abuse and neglect.
- Motion sensors track mom’s routines and activity patterns, including everything from medication to leaving the house unexpectedly.
- Family members get alerts when activity is out of the ordinary.
- Outdoor security cameras help us keep an eye on who’s coming and going and alert us to potential intruders.
How Can Smart Home Functions Help Seniors?
We want to make sure mom is safe and comfortable even when we can’t be with her in person. Setting up smart home functions as mom ages in place helps us control the indoor environment. Adult children can follow what’s going on around the house. Some of our favorite aspects include:
- Automated shades allow us to protect mom’s privacy and keep rooms from getting too hot or too cold.
- Smart lighting inside and outside boosts visibility and can help prevent falls.
- Smart thermostats help us make sure mom keeps warm in winter and cool in summer while keeping utility bills in check.
- Voice controls make day-to-day activities easier when mobility issues come into play.
- Smart appliances make preparing food easier and safer.
- Smart refrigerators help us track mom’s nutrition and eating habits.
Is It Ethical to Monitor Mom Remotely?
Unless you are your parent’s legal guardian because of cognitive issues, it’s crucial to make them a partner in the process. If mom is competent to make decisions, you must have her permission to set up cameras and other monitoring devices. Seniors may be resistant initially but become enthusiastic when they learn more about how technology can benefit them. Do your homework and share information in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
It’s also good practice to be upfront with caregivers about cameras to sustain trust and transparency. Outside caregivers are an essential part of your elder care team. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to make sure your team is giving mom the best possible care, we should do it respectfully. Monitoring caregivers with notice can make everyone more accountable and prevent problems before they happen. Be sure that caregivers understand you’re not presuming wrongdoing. Remember, monitoring can also protect caregivers from accusations when seniors with dementia and cognitive issues are involved.
How Can I Get Started With Elder Care Monitoring?
When it comes to seniors, safety and security are a top priority. As adult children, we want to make sure we have a comprehensive and high-quality system in place. Professional installation is the best way to make sure we have everything covered. Aegis Technologies is a regional leader in elder care monitoring. We focus on awareness, activity patterns, security, and automation, offering safety and comfort for mom and peace of mind for loved ones. As adult children, it allows us to stay connected without becoming intrusive. We can provide support behind the scenes while helping mom maintain independence.
