Use tech to monitor aging parents

By Kim Komando

January 2011

Thanks to new technology, you can have peace of mind without curtailing your parents' autonomy or privacy.

Monitoring your parents

You want to keep watch over your parents. There are several options for this. You can set up your own system using webcams or security cameras. webcams start around $50 and connect to a PC. Get two webcams so you can communicate with your parents using a free program like Skypefor video chats.

Security cameras start around $100 and connect directly to a wired or wireless network. You can monitor your parents' home from any Web browser. Point the cameras at high-traffic areas like the kitchen. You can get e-mail or text alerts when motion is detected. Choose cameras with a two-way intercom for communicating.

You'll want immediate notification if your parent falls. Wellcore's personal emergency response system ($200 plus $50 monthly) clips to a belt or clothing. It is about the size of a cellphone. It detects when the wearer falls. A specialist contacts the wearer. The specialist sends help and notifies family, or the wearer can press a button to request help.

You may prefer a complete monitoring service. Sonamba ($550 plus $40 monthly) monitors sounds and movements. It sends periodic messages to caregivers. Sensors connect wirelessly to a small box that looks like a digital photo frame. The box reminds parents of appointments and to take medication. A portable panic button summons caregivers or emergency services.

Other services to consider are Healthsense, SimplyHome and QuietCare.

Your parents should have a cellphone. You can check in periodically or contact them with reminders. It also helps in an emergency. The Just5 cellphone ($90) is ideal for seniors, thanks to large buttons and simple features. An SOS button dials five pre-programmed numbers until the call is answered. Unlimited calling and text runs $40 for 30 days.

Monitoring your parents' health

Microsoft's HealthVault can help monitor your parents' health. It downloads logs from a variety of manufacturers' gadgets. For example, it works with some Omron blood pressure monitors (starting around $65), Bayer blood glucose monitors (starting around $30) and Tanita scales (starting around $210). View the logs yourself or share them with doctors.

Another option is HoneywellHomMed's Sentry Telehealth Monitor. It guides users on measuring vital statistics and transmits the data to a health care professional. Speak to your parents' doctors before investing in a system. Not all doctors will monitor the data.

Help with medications

It's easy to forget to take medications. If your parent takes multiple medications, things become more confusing.

The TabSafe smart pillbox provides visual and auditory reminders to take medication. Press a button to dispense the correct pills. It sends text messages to confirm pills have been dispensed. TabSafe calls your parent and two others if a scheduled dose is missed.

TabSafe connects via landline to a website where prescription data can be tracked. It also helps with refills. TabSafe can also keep a log of vital stats like weight, blood sugar and blood pressure. TabSafe isn't cheap; it is $1,100 to buy or $50 to $100 monthly to rent.

Vitality's GlowCaps attach to standard pill bottles and connect to a cellular network. When it's time to take medication, they flash and play a sound. They also connect to wireless reminder light plugs and can call a phone. Additionally, they order refills when necessary. Finally, they send a weekly report to the user and their doctor.

A GlowCaps starter kit runs $100. This includes one pill cap, a night light and a six-month subscription. Subscriptions are $15 monthly thereafter.

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet. To get the podcast or find the station nearest you, visit www.komando.com/listen. To subscribe to Kim's free e-mail newsletters, sign up at www.komando.com/newsletters. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .