Image from NTUC Health
In Singapore, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. We can’t always be there with our loved ones, and this led to the idea of a home monitoring system to safeguard our elderly parents.
While our starting intentions may be good, what if they feel like we are threatening their privacy and independence? Read on to find out more.
What do elderly monitoring systems do?
While systems from different providers are unique, they generally track the comfort, health, location, safety and wellness of the elderly. These monitoring systems can collect a range of data from movement and temperature to behavioural and sleep patterns and can send out an alert whenever an abnormality is detected. This will allow us to gain important insights into our parents’ health and daily life while having a greater peace of mind when we are away from home.
Some things to consider while picking a elderly monitoring system include:
Does the system monitor for fire or smoke?
Can other family members connect with the system?
Are there components that need to be charged daily?
Are there monthly fees or contracts associated with the service?
What is the range of sensors and their connectivity and sensitivity?
It is also important to take into consideration the comfort level of your parents to being monitored.
Recording or monitoring someone without their consent can be a severe violation of a person’s privacy.
What can you do to ensure your parents are comfortable with the idea of monitoring systems?
1. Open and Clear Communication
Have an open conversation with your parents to ensure that your intentions are clearly communicated across. Make sure they know the purpose of implementing this system is to ensure that their health and wellbeing are safeguarded.
2. Limit monitoring to certain areas
To make you parents more comfortable, it may be wise to suggest monitoring in certain areas only. For example, you can suggest implementing the system only in the living room and walkways and not in the bedroom to give them privacy. However, it is important to consider your purpose of wanting to implement this system and whether this limitation will defeat your initial purpose.
3. Consider other alternatives that does not involve camera
In this age of technology, there are many other monitoring options like motion sensors and temperature sensors that does not involve cameras. Take time to explore all options and find the one that fits you and your loved ones the best.
Conclusion
With so many products now available on the market, take a moment to look at your options and consider your circumstances and requirements before making any decision. Be sure to communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly to your loved ones and reach an agreement with your parents before proceeding onto anything!