Bringing Families Closer Together with Video Technology

By: Kimberly Such-Smith

A major service provided by NAR to our clients revolves around providing a sense of ease and comfort to families who may find themselves geographically separated from each other. And as part of Nursing Analysis & Review’s "Bringing Families Closer Together" mantra, I wanted to take this opportunity to share my personal experience with a new product which allows me to better connect with my parents and family who unfortunately live a long distance from me. While I would love to physically visit them more often, finding the time and money makes frequent visits impractical. However, in lieu of actually being there, I have found and invested in a new video phone! This product works like a telephone, but has a camera and video screen installed which allows me to physically see and hear my family while they can do the same with me!

Here's what I've done and some reasons why I feel it would help other families who find themselves in similar circumstances. I purchased two video phones, one for myself and one for my parents and attached my phone to my high-speed internet router. My brother then attached my parent's phone to their router. I dialed my parent's number and we were able to see and hear each other simultaneously! It was that simple. Some elderly may find computers and technology too complicated and daunting. The video phone requires no special technical knowledge and is as easy to use as a push button phone. This product is awesome!

A few minutes later, my son got on the phone and had a wonderful time seeing and visiting with his younger cousins. This brings up another point... Given recent and ongoing concerns regarding the inappropriate uses of text messaging and the internet by minors, I am not comfortable allowing the unsupervised use of cameras over the internet. Too many bad things can happen. My video phone, while admittedly not completely secure, allows me to more tightly control who and what is seen by my family. This gives me a better feeling than having a camera and computer in my son's room.

The video phone and service is priceless to me and very affordable. For the cost of a plane ticket, my family and I can see each other all year long! If you would like more information as to how you can see and hear your family like I do, go to my website at nursingelders.com and click on the video phone, or give me a call. I'd be glad to share with you why I completely endorse this product and why I'd like to help you stay closer to your family.

Kimberly Such-Smith, BSN, RN, LNC, CMC

Nursing Analysis & Review, LLC

Owner/Founder

www.nursingelders.com “Bringing Families Closer Together”