Uh, no for me. I was at a conference a few years ago where a tech bro was promoting a device that adult children could place in their parents’ refrigerators to monitor food consumption. I immediately texted my daughters to let them know what might happen if I ever found such a device in my refrigerator
"Cameras are a symptom, not a solution,” say gerontologist Dr. Clara Berridge. As a society, we need to address the systemic problems with the health care system that make cameras seem necessary." Let me triple highlight that.
This is really news to me. I'm still getting used to baby monitors. I'm aware that many older people are resistant to the emergency device worn around the neck and just don't use it. I think more work on developing better individual emergency devices is a much better idea than having 24/7 surveillance.
It's a thorny issue for sure. I remember about 15 years ago or so my mother fell off the toilet and broke something. She had one of those emergency alarms around her neck and called her caregiver. (She lived alone.) Having a fulltime camera might be a little too "reality TV," though.
Great perspective. As the news clearly shows, cameras everywhere are becoming prolific and that information from them, in the wrong hands, is dangerous. Police officers ( yes, even female ones) using cameras to monitor the comings and goings of partners. More and more parents are asking for cameras in classrooms. You are so right about the trust issues they spurn. Everything by the book….if there is a book. We loose our dignity quickly enough. Keep writing.
Excellent article, Don. I admire your journalistic and thoughtful exploration of this topic. I'm a hard no to using cameras, but a cautious yes to other self-activated medical alert tools. "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" does work.
Great piece. Your journalism is showing! Very important information that all of us need to think about now.
Thanks, Melinda!
Uh, no for me. I was at a conference a few years ago where a tech bro was promoting a device that adult children could place in their parents’ refrigerators to monitor food consumption. I immediately texted my daughters to let them know what might happen if I ever found such a device in my refrigerator
I second that!
"Cameras are a symptom, not a solution,” say gerontologist Dr. Clara Berridge. As a society, we need to address the systemic problems with the health care system that make cameras seem necessary." Let me triple highlight that.
Thanks, Annette!
Thanks for all you do, Don. In my rush, I too often forget polite nods of appreciation, but I do find your work valuable.
Annette, I deeply appreciate your ongoing support - as well as your history lessons.
This is really news to me. I'm still getting used to baby monitors. I'm aware that many older people are resistant to the emergency device worn around the neck and just don't use it. I think more work on developing better individual emergency devices is a much better idea than having 24/7 surveillance.
I suspect the primary purpose of the cameras is to reassure the children.
It's a thorny issue for sure. I remember about 15 years ago or so my mother fell off the toilet and broke something. She had one of those emergency alarms around her neck and called her caregiver. (She lived alone.) Having a fulltime camera might be a little too "reality TV," though.
Great perspective. As the news clearly shows, cameras everywhere are becoming prolific and that information from them, in the wrong hands, is dangerous. Police officers ( yes, even female ones) using cameras to monitor the comings and goings of partners. More and more parents are asking for cameras in classrooms. You are so right about the trust issues they spurn. Everything by the book….if there is a book. We loose our dignity quickly enough. Keep writing.
Thanks, Kathy!
I wonder how similar this is to nanny cams? I would NOT want to be monitored. I enjoy my privacy and if something happens by accident - so be it.
Excellent, prudent advice on an especially challenging issue, Don.
Thanks, Paul.
Thank you for this thought-provoking piece--a topic I hadn't considered.
Nor had I.
Excellent article, Don. I admire your journalistic and thoughtful exploration of this topic. I'm a hard no to using cameras, but a cautious yes to other self-activated medical alert tools. "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" does work.