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A ’baby monitor’ - a great gadget

Started by Mara

22 Jul 2004, 4:26 AM

Our daughter arrived the other day with a very 'odd' gift for us ... yup, a 'baby monitor'.

She was concerned because I rarely leave my beloved husband alone in our bedroom following an attack (always dreadfully worried that if he should call me, I won't be able to hear him).

This odd little gift has not only made both her father and I laugh, but it's proving to be wonderful. He has peace of mind knowing I will be able to hear him should he need me - and equally important, I know I can be there for him within moments - yet those few minutes alone are so wonderful for him, I'm sure.

Just a little idea, I know, but I'd love to hear other's ideas about 'wee things' that have made their - and those they love - lives a bit easier and lessened the 'scaries'.

Kind thoughts,
Mara

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Reply by R

24 Jul 2004, 5:28 PM

Mara....thank your daughter for the smile! I can see your face when you opened the baby box....it is so nice that you and your husband had a good laugh. Those little gadgets are really useful for many things. Try takin git into the bathroom with you had having a bubble bath - really - a moment to relax, yet be right beside you sweetie! If he was up to it, maybe he could read you some poetry while you soak?

R

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Reply by Suzanne_10

20 Apr 2005, 10:04 PM

Just another note on the "baby monitor". Until a few weeks ago we have been the main caregivers for my 95+ Mother-in-law. When she was very ill from a fall last year, the monitor was a great comfort to all of us as we were always with in earshot if needed. She has recently gone to nursing home where they are giving her wonderful care and when we bring her home for a "sleep over" we use the monitor to give us all piece of mind.

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Reply by Alberta_2

22 Sep 2005, 2:04 PM

Yes those monitors are great. We recently installed one in my Mom's room after she had a fall in the middle of the night. The only thing I did learn the first night is that you don't want to have the frequency turned up too high because then you hear every single little noise including burps and farts!! My mom was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer this last June and I feel we are very close to losing her this week. It could be any time, so the monitor is very reassuring to have because she can no longer get out of bed on her own.

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Reply by Diane_23

13 Aug 2008, 9:27 PM

A baby monitor is OK if they call. Our problem is our very unstable patient who gets up himself and heads to the washroom without telling anyone. I finally found something called a "bed alarm" on the internet but don't want to pay the $200 it costs. Today I am going to put the wind chimes we have out on the deck on the walker to see how that works. Otherwise we can't move out of a sightline of the patients feet!

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Reply by moonsgalaxy

08 Aug 2012, 11:29 PM

I also installed a baby monitor....my mom lives in the basement apartment of our home and the monitor we installed has a TV screen and we can see her while we are upstairs. This has become a very helpful device. I am extremely happy it was a gift for our grandchildren when they were born and have now outgrown it. Thankfully I saved it.

I am now wondering if it would help with my next problem...my mom now does not like to be left alone, although we only live upstairs from her she forgets....I am wondering if I should invest in another monitor and place it opposite where she would have the TV and the camera would be where she could see us.
Wondering if anyone has any opinions if they think this would benefit my mother.

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Reply by moderator | modératrice

09 Aug 2012, 3:48 PM

Dear Moonsgalaxy,

Welcome to Virtual Hospice.

One never knows when those gadgets we save may come in handy. You pose a very interesting question about using a screen monitor to reverse the connection. To help members of the community to answer the question, they probably need to know more about your mom's condition. What is the nature of her forgetfulness? Is it coupled with confusion? Will she realize that seeing you on the screen means you are close?

I look forward to hearing from you again.
Colleen

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Reply by NatR

09 Aug 2012, 8:04 PM

Hi Moonsgalaxy,

It is interesting to see what gadgets can be useful for any age of patient. Frankly I know a lot of families with special needs kids who also use the video monitors for their children...to give them a heads up on what they are doing, if they need help etc etc.

I am not sure that a reverse connection would work for your mom. If she already is forgetful enough to not remember you are just upstairs...perhaps she will become confused about where you are...as she looks at the screen and sees you? Just a thought that came into my mind.

I definitely think it is worth a try. I believe in gadgets, doing the McGyver thing...always creating an idea out of a few items...and coming up with a whole new gadget:)

If you give it a try, please let us know how it works. More families will appreciate your information too:)

Is your mom able to read and understand signs? Is there any possibility that you can put large type sign somewhere high up...on a door or wall...saying that you are Upstairs...with your name? and a smiley face?

Anyway, hope you will keep us informed about your tips and ideas.
Best wishes...
NatR

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