For seniors living by themselves, daily calls offer reassurance1. In case of a mishap, check-in calls may help reduce suffering while they wait to be discovered2. Side effects from some medications can increase the chances of a fall or other health complication in older adults. Medication adherence must also be taken seriously. Daily calls can help them be more mindful of their medications and other routines. With CareRinger3, their loved ones can now get an alert that the action – such as taking medication – may have been missed so that they can check in and find out if things are OK.
Contrary to the American traditional view of family dynamics, young adults living with their parents and other members of their extended family is becoming more acceptable. A record 57 million Americans now live in some sort of multigenerational configuration4. One contributing factor cited is the financial strain resulting from the recession of 2007-08, but cultural and other socio-economic factors also play a role. The situation may result in a positive experience, so much so that parting from each other later could be a difficult decision for them. As in the case of S. Carlos, “It was purely a financial decision at first” she said. “But I was surprised to find that my parents and I now have a friendly, adult relationship.”
Technologies like CareRinger now play an increasing role to help people like Carlos make the difficult transition when separation happens and their seniors choose to remain independent. According to Homewatch Caregivers, “A caregiver doesn’t have to be under the same roof to help a loved one remain independent in their beloved home so they can remain engaged in the life they are familiar with and enjoy.”5
1 https://www.seniorconcerns.org/daily-calls-can-offer-reassurance/, Daily calls can offer reassurance.
2 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199606273342606, New England Journal of Medicine, June 27, 1996. Special Article, PERSON FOUND IN THEIR HOMES HELPLESS OR DEAD.
3 https://careringer.com/, CareRinger – “Telephone Reassurance for All”.
4 https://www.newsweek.com/why-multiple-generations-families-choosing-live-together-324614, Newsweek, Why Multiple Generations of Families Choose to Live Together and Why It’s Not Such a Bad Idea By Carolina Buia, 4/25/2015
5 https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/care-community-blog/2018/may/tips-on-being-a-long-distance-caregiver/, Homewatch Caregivers June 2018 Newsletter, Tips on Being a Long-Distance Caregiver.
About the Author: Henry is a former-telecommunications professional, now attending to the needs of elderly people. He is a member of the Conejo Valley Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) Advisory Board. Since 2012, he has been teaching seniors about senior-friendly technologies in his local communities. He is an inventor and Founder of CareRinger and holds patents on methods that apply to his service. Contact: henry.chan@careringer.com.
