Ask Gaytha

Dear Gaytha,

I think my parents would benefit from the GrandCare system but they are very independent and will surely think that we are spying on them. How can I approach them with the idea?

Signed,
Worried daughter
First talk about yourself. You care about their well-being and safety, and you're looking for your own peace of mind. We always put children in carseats, even though we don't expect to be in an accident. You expect your parents to be well, but as a precaution, you like the constant security of a GrandCare system that watches over their house. You also want an easy way to send pictures and messages to their TV.
Dear Gaytha,

My husband recently died and my children, who live in California, think I need more supervision. I have lived in my home for over 30 years and would miss my friends and neighbors if I had to move. I'm generally healthy, but I had a fall last month and was stuck on the garage floor for about 12 hours. No pun intended, but now I don't have a leg to stand on. My daughters are very worried about me all the time and want me to move to an assisted living facility. How can GrandCare help me to stay in my home?

Signed,
Still capable in Oklahoma City
You are very lucky to have such loving daughters. I'm sure they care not only about your safety but also your happiness. With GrandCare, your daughters can log into your home to make sure you have not fallen and can't get back up again. They can choose to receive emails or phone calls if something seems amiss. Plus the bonus is that they can send communications to your TV to make sure that you're always in the loop and that you can see all the latest pictures.
Dear Gaytha,

My father lives alone and has mild Parkinson's disease. He is fine as long as he can remember to take medication four times a day, which would difficult for anyone. I try to call and remind him but I forget too, and sometimes I'm busy at work and can't make the call. Is there anything that GrandCare can do to help him?

Signed,
Want to help Dad
Medication non-compliance is one of the most common reasons that people are not able to continue living without supervision. Usually, we are all willing to comply if we can just remember. One of the features of GrandCare is a little medication treasure chest that sends notifications when it has not been accessed at the right times. Alerts come in the form of a message on your dad's TV or as phone calls or emails to you or your dad.
Dear Gaytha,

I am a long term care provider with a long waiting list for my services. Unfortunately, I am having trouble finding qualified staff so that I can accept more clients. My turnover is low, but each turnover costs me big time. How could I use the GrandCare system in my business?

Signed,
Homecare operator
GrandCare will never replace a good staff member, but it will make her job easier and allow her to reach more clients. GrandCare will record vitals such as blood pressure and weight; and staff can use GrandCare to enter care-notes for sharing with each other and with family members. GrandCare also protects staff by confirming that ordered services were performed as requested and in a timely manner.
Dear Gaytha,

My mother still drives, plays bridge, quilts, and reads novels. I have no reason to suspect that she needs supervision, but I don't want to be naive and then be unhappily surprised that the next door neighbor finds something wrong. What is the least invasive way for me to watch after her?

Signed,
Pragmatic daughter
You and your mother are not alone. No one wants to take extreme measures before there is a real problem, but we don't want to be caught off guard either. GrandCare has the simple solution of hiding its little black box in the residence along with a few tiny activity sensors. At any time you can log into the house to check activity levels, but you can also wait for the system to notify you by email or telephone if she doesn't move around like she should. Later you can add wellness sensors such as a blood pressure monitor. And you can always use the communication feature for the fun of it. Sending pictures and messages to her TV can help delay cognitive decline and other common aging symptoms.