WebCams For Elderly
Posted by Patti on February 17th, 2006 / Print This Post
Now this is using modern technology in a positive manner for nursing home residents. Isn’t this a good idea??
Crimson Ridge Gardens in Greece is the only adult living center in Rochester to use web cams. It’s a quick dial up and easy connects.“What is your name?”
Frank Doherty and Olive Moore start warming up to new friends in Buffalo just to get the hang of it all.
“Kind of scary actually not sure where to look, what to say,” said Frank Doherty.
Peregrine Health Management Company plans to install computers and web cams in all five of its adult living centers in upstate New York.
“You don’t get to see your family as much as you’d like to. To get on the web cam and call them that would be wonderful,” said Olive Moore.
The new technology is fun and it allows residents to talk to family every day, but staff members say it shouldn’t be a substitute for regular visits in person.
But for Frank Doherty it’s a vital way to communicate. Frank Doherty has one brother in Greece, but his other relatives live in Florida and his home country Scotland.
“The last time I was home was about 20 years ago,” said Doherty.
But recent news of elderly abuse detected by web cameras at the Jennifer Matthew nursing home made the idea of using web cams even more important.
“Jennifer Matthew was a terrible tragedy, and we don’t want that to happen here,” said Sharon Weinel, Executive Director at Crimson Ridge Gardens.
But President of Peregrine Health Management says the new equipment isn’t meant to monitor patients, but to connect families.
“A disembodied voice on telephone can sometimes be confusing, actually see the person, see son, see sister, becomes more comforting,” said President of Peregrine Health Management Stephen Bowman
For residents like Moore and Doherty they’re more than excited about the idea.
“Hahahah. . .I talked to a lot of people. It’s fun talking to them and it’s nice to have something like that.”
The service is free for families. The center has already received 50 free web cams from a California based company called Logitech. Those cameras will be given to residents’ family members.