You live in California and your dad’s in New York. After his fall, you worry about him being alone. He likes his home, but you wish there were ways to monitor his comings and goings to ensure he hasn’t fallen again. It’s time to consider virtual caregiving. So, how does it work?

Your Dad Connects With a Caregiver Through Video Chat

As often as you’ve scheduled, a virtual caregiver calls your dad to check-in. During this video chat, the caregiver makes sure that your dad sounds well, has what he needs, and that all is going okay. The caregiver may remind him to take his medications, check his blood sugar, etc.

He may need to answer questions from a daily survey that asks about how he’s feeling, if he’s eaten a meal, taken a shower, etc. If there are any issues that the caregiver picks up on, the family caregivers in his Trusted Circle get a text message alert.

Your dad needs to have a laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone that’s capable of video chat. He needs to be able to click the button to connect with his virtual caregiver.

If the caregiver feels your dad isn’t doing well, such as his blood sugar levels are not remaining stable, the caregiver can add a doctor to the virtual call to ensure your dad’s doctor is aware of it and is working on prescription medicine or dietary changes to resolve the issue.

What if he finds he’s on his last over-the-counter pain reliever during a gout flare-up? His virtual caregiver can make sure some more medicine is delivered to his home. If he needs groceries or supplies like toilet paper, his caregiver makes sure he has the food items and household supplies he needs.

Wireless Monitors Can Track His Movements

In addition to video chats to check in with your dad, wireless sensors track your dad’s movements. The system gets to know his patterns. If he doesn’t get out of bed around his usual time, it will send an alert. If it detects a fall, an alert goes out.

These wireless sensors are easily installed. Place them in areas like the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom door, stairs, and living room. You may want to add others to his refrigerator, microwave, and washing machine to make sure he’s eating, drinking, and doing his laundry.

You can add sensors to his medicine cabinet to make sure he’s taken his medications that morning. If he goes outside for a walk and doesn’t return, it alerts those on the Trusted Circle list.

Consider the Best Frequency

How often does your dad need a virtual caregiver? Should he have someone calling two or three times a week or are daily calls better? Choose the right frequency and call an agency to learn more about the services and frequency of calls from a virtual caregiver

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Remote Patient Monitoring in Aventura, FL please contact the caring staff at Specialized Nursing Services today. (305) 652-2799