Great Coffee Break today on the SDS Network with Chris Patterson from Night Owl (nossllc.com)about how to use technology to stay safe & independent in our homes. Specifically we talked about remote monitoring.

If you were on the Coffee Break today, what did you learn? If you weren't with us, what thoughts or questions do you have.

Here are a few things I learned today:

• Technology (sensors, cameras, etc.) can be installed in someone's home to communicate with a a monitor somewhere else. If something is not going right, the monitors can contact nearby family or staff to alert them.
• This technology is very personalized - to fit the individuals. We can use sensors on doors, windows, refrigerators, bathrooms, etc.
• Protection of privacy is always a priority.
• People pay for it in different ways - many through their long-term care programs (such as Family Care & IRIS). and it's cheaper than hiring a staff person to stay overnight every night.
• They can communicate two-way with the person who is receiving the services, if that's helpful.

Please add your comments and questions below.

updated by @incontrol-wisconsin: 02/23/16 03:06:01AM

something Chris talked about today that I had not thought of was the possibility of using skype or something similar if a family member could help through a situation that would bring support to a person that would be helpful. Although a member of the conversation had thought of it for a situation she could apply it to, Chris confirmed it could be done. Very cool and something I had not thought of before.