When it comes to elderly care monitoring devices, you probably haven’t thought about using a baby monitor, have you? A baby monitor is a device that parents use to listen and keep an eye on their babies while they’re sleeping or in another room. Can you use a baby monitor for elderly care too? The answer is yes, but there are some things to consider before you start utilizing a baby monitor for this purpose. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of using a baby monitor for elderly care, as well as how to monitor elderly parents.

The Pros of Using a Baby Monitor for Elderly Care

Baby monitors can serve as an invaluable tool for caregivers of elderly relatives. In addition to providing peace of mind, baby monitors can help to ensure the safety of seniors who live alone. Many baby monitors come equipped with features that can be particularly beneficial for seniors, such as: Two-way communication: Some baby monitors come with two-way communication, which means you can talk to your loved one through the monitor. This can be helpful if you live far away and can’t visit as often as you’d like. Temperature monitoring: Some advanced baby monitors can even monitor the temperature of the room where your loved one is located. This can be helpful in making sure the room is comfortable and not too hot or cold. Motion detection: This feature can alert you if your loved one gets out of bed or leaves the house. Automatic fall detection: Some baby monitors even come with fall detection, which can alert you if your loved one falls.

The Cons of Using a Baby Monitor for Elderly Care

While there are many advantages to using a baby monitor for elderly care, there are also some disadvantages that you should consider before making the decision to use one.

Privacy

Using a baby monitor can invade your loved one’s privacy. If they know that you’re monitoring their every move, it can make them feel like they’re not trusted or that their independence is being taken away.

Limitations

Baby monitors are intended to monitor babies, so although they can provide a number of helpful features for elderly care, you may find that their scope is limited. For example, a number of seniors choose to utilize a Medical Alert System. With a Medical Alert System, a senior presses a button when they need help. This triggers a call to a specific number (usually 911) so that the senior can receive medical help. This sort of system can come in handy in a matter of life or death. Unfortunately, a baby monitor won't have this sort of capability.

Complications

There is also the potential for complications to arise if you are using a baby monitor. For example, if your loved one has dementia, they may become confused and agitated by the sound of the monitor, or the sound of any alerts. Or, if the monitor is not working properly, it could give you false information about your loved one’s well-being. A baby monitor is not meant to replace an actual caregiver. If a senior needs greater attention or more "hands on" care, then it's important to make sure that they're getting live-in care, or at least are in a situation that provides them with the high-level attention they need. While a baby monitor is a great tool for keeping watch on your loved one, it's never meant to replace a physical caregiver or proper medical care.

Who Should Consider Using a Baby Monitor for their Loved One?

“Senior care” is an umbrella term that varies greatly. Depending on their age and their conditions, some seniors only need light monitoring while other seniors need daily care and attention. If you are considering using a baby monitor for your loved one, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the age of your loved one. If they’re younger, they may only need occasional check-ins. However, if they’re older or have underlying medical conditions, they may need more frequent monitoring. Second, think about the level of care your loved one needs. If they’re relatively independent, a baby monitor can provide peace of mind. However, if they require more hands-on care, a professional caregiver may be a better option. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a baby monitor for your loved one is a personal one.

How to Monitor Elderly Parents

If you have decided that using a baby monitor is the right choice for you, there are a few things you need to do to get started.

1. First, be sure to talk to your loved one about it beforehand. They should be aware that you will be monitoring their activities and that it’s for their safety.
2. Choose the right baby monitor. There are a lot of different types and brands of baby monitors on the market. You need to do your research to find the right one for your needs. Consider the features that are important to you and find a monitor that fits your needs.
3. Place the monitor in the right location. You need to place the monitor in a location where your loved one spends a lot of time. This could be their bedroom, living room, or kitchen.
4. Check in regularly. Don’t just set up the monitor and forget about it. Check in regularly to see how your loved one is doing. This will give you peace of mind and help you notice if anything changes.

 Ultimately, depending on the type of monitoring your loved one needs, a baby monitor could be a useful tool in keeping a close eye on your loved one. Remember that a baby monitor is never meant to replace an actual caregiver. But, if you’re only looking to check in on your loved one and make sure they’re ok, a baby monitor could be a great solution for you!