InteliCare articles
I work with the team at InteliCare and Plump Marketing to write regular articles for their website and social media channels. These articles are written to serve their consumer market and always integrate a SEO strategy.
Home Monitoring for Your Elderly Parent, Minus the Surveillance
One of the main concerns we have around new technology is privacy. Am I being watched? Is there some sort of Big Brother surveillance in my home (or in my phone)? It’s so common that we thought it was about time to discuss monitoring.
What does it really mean to monitor an environment or to monitor a person with technology? What about monitoring a health concern or, the one that sparks the most concern, to feel monitored?
There are certain times when we accept (or even expect) to be monitored, but other times when the word itself can feel intrusive.
If I have a health concern, certainly that should be monitored with vigilance. But, if I’m just going about my day in my home, no thanks. Here’s the thing – those two things can sometimes overlap, and well-being can be greatly improved with some monitoring.
The most important thing to say is that monitoring does not mean that cameras are involved. The technology we’re speaking about here is all based on smart, unintrusive sensors. Now that’s out of the way, let’s chat privacy.
How to Help Your Elderly Parent with Loneliness
It’s no surprise that elderly Australians are feeling the impact of loneliness and social isolation more so than others, with those over 75 more likely to be lonely than any other age group*.
It’s a common story we hear, particularly from those who are caring for their elderly parent and worried about them living alone – perhaps it’s that their partner has recently passed but they choose to stay home because of their local community and nearby friends. Then those relationships move on and their mobility out of the house somewhat deteriorates, so they stay home alone more often.
They’re now socially isolated and lonely, and it seems to have all happened so quickly. This is when family members look for a fix; a way to help an elderly parent with loneliness. And the first thought can often be a retirement village.
Caring for your elderly parents in their home
The pull towards helping your parents age safely in their own home can be strong. To see them live out their lives in their own environment; give them the comfort of familiar surrounds; and help maintain the relationships they’ve built over many years – sometimes even a lifetime. It’s why so many people want better ways of caring for their elderly parents at home.
Then comes the worry. It usually starts with the worst-case scenario and covers everything along the way. From falls to loneliness and emergency care, how can you help make their home a safe place as they age?
Nearly 90% of elderly people say they have a preference to age in their own home, but less than 50% have discussed their wishes with their family.