Family connects through long-distance caregiving: Software helps relatives keep in touch

Alzheimer's Association

One of the smallest, ongoing studies reported at the Alzheimer's Association's 12th National Alzheimer's Desease [sic] Education Conference came from Ken Nixon of Caregiver Technologies in Norman, Okla. He showed that providing long-distance care over the Internet helps improve the quality of life for one individual with dementia—his mother.

Funded by National Institutes of Health, Nixon developed graphic software that keeps his mother posted on the day, date, time, family news and photos. Her sons and their extended families electronically "drop in" daily, including a toddler who enjoys introducing her to his newest toys, [sic]

"My housebound mother now has a relationship with her great-grandchildren that she wouldn't have without the Internet video connection. She sees them as real, not remote, people and can interact with them on a frequent basis," said Nixon, who is working on the system with the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology.

Nixon and his brothers are able to make the daily calls and send text messages. The system cost is their time and an initial investment of $1,000 to set up the hardware and software in their mother's home. The system is easy to operate, requires no operation or computer skills by his mother and costs far less than a professional caregiver.

"If this system keeps my mother at home for even one more month, it more than paid for itself," said Nixon.

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