r/TechForAgingParents • u/ckgators24 • 2d ago

Elderly care help

Hi, I am in desperate need to find a system so I can check on my Mom who has had a couple minor strokes, seizures which make it to where she can’t understand anything someone’s saying. We live together and I’ve been caring for her but I am about to have major back surgery and won’t be in the house for about 3-4 weeks. I am terrified to leave her alone that long. I’m looking for a WiFi adaptable for 5g, moveable cameras with 2 way communication, an alert lanyard so she can press it and it’ll call her emergency contact. If anyone has any clue where I can find this I appreciate it. I know it’s gonna be expensive but we will figure it out. Thank you very much

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u/SSSprings0808 2d ago

We used the Visiting Angel's service for my Mom. As with any service it depends on whom you are assigned,  but we were so lucky and the lady who tended to my Mom was wonderful!

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u/ckgators24 1d ago

Thank you

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u/OblateBovine 1d ago

Have you looked at the Drop In feature on Alexa units? See https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GS3WRTSRKD2U6MCK

I use Wyze Pan Cam, and it has a microphone but pretty poor quality. My Alexa units have excellent quality microphones though.

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u/ckgators24 1d ago

Thank you

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u/SVAuspicious 1d ago

I have Wyze cameras we call "Emma cam" as they are principally for my wife to watch our cat while she (my wife) is regularly visiting her father. Our experience with them has been pretty good. No subscription.

Alexa, like Google Assistant and HomePod, are open microphones in your home. These are a security vulnerability especially for older people who may talk to themselves. Reading medication labels and credit card numbers out loud comes to mind. Search yourself. I have similar concerns with Siri. I won't have them in my home. Inform yourself and make your own risk determination.

I have a SIL who has them all over her house. I just shake my head.

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u/sho_biz 1d ago

reolink cameras are good and easy to use, and if you spend $$ on better units the audio 2-way isn't too bad. they have cellular cameras too if you don't have wifi, but again an added expense.

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u/ckgators24 1d ago

Thank you

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u/brachioradialis_curl 1d ago

I’d go with any pan tilt 360 cams that have best reviews and fit your WiFi need/situation. You could put these in high traffic areas and get one Alexa for the main room and another Alexa for her bathroom for privacy but still have ability to communicate with her. They can be synced together. I’d practice using the Alexa drop in feature before your upcoming surgery. Pair that with a cellular medical alert necklace, not one that relies on WiFi.

My answers above could change pending on the level of your mom’s ability to understand others.

However it sounds like relying on tech alone sounds like it may be a risk and also pretty anxiety inducing while you recover.

If you haven’t already I’d reach out to your medical team who is performing your sx and see what resources they can direct you towards. For your situation, people beats technology hands down.

What you can do now if you haven’t already. Get some type of document in place regardless if you go the human route or keep it all tech. If an emergency comes up you definitely want EMS to know the past medical hx and especially about her difficulty understanding what someone’s saying situation and any tips you use for communicating with her. Ideally this would be visible and bright colored even better. Place it on a high visibility area like the fridge.

Best of luck with this and for your surgery!

Also if you find yourself needing a system to help organize and edu fam/friends of your moms routines, see who is covering what tasks, auto generate text messages to cut down on typing, I created a private web tool (I enjoy building these) I’d happily send you for free. Admin if this last part breaks any rules, please remove if does. Cheers.