Your “TelePresent” Family
On a number of ocassions we have blogged about the use of technology to help an elder age in place, support independence, etc. We have given some thought about the trade-offs in loss of privacy, but a recent article in the New York Times mentions another concern with families staying virtually connected–will there be less of a need to visit in person?
Anne Eisenberg wrote the March 1, 2014 article, The Rolling Robot Will Connect You Now. Since the cost of robots is dropping, “[t]he robots, known as telepresence machines, could serve as a conduit for virtual visits from family and friends to help older people live at home longer…” Yet some experts suggest caution, with families having less of “the important emotional contact of actual visits.” One expert thinks the convenience of the virtual check on mom will lead to a disincentive to visit her in person. However, as one expert notes, “an advantage [is] that a real person is in the loop: the visitor who operates the robot, and whose face is seen on the screen. “’The robot is functioning as a me
What’s clear from the article is that these robots could be a valuable addition for elders to stay in touch, and perhaps with other models, to help with tasks, but not as a replacement for their in-person interactions with their kids. The prices are dropping (although I still don’t think Medicare will cover them). In fact the article mentions a “sale” right now on one line of “telepresence machines” where you can buy one for your mom for $995 with summer delivery (post-sale price will be $1,995).
I want one that will let the dog out, and let the dog in, and let the dog out, and let the dog in…..