Dementia

[hannah40]

Sorry to keep asking questions about this subject but I’m really learning as I go along.
My mum who is 90 has dementia since September. I’m caring for her and Power of attorney going through.
I have also got her a gadget that you press if you need help.
So I’m getting there but Im thinking now of a camera in her flat so I can check my phone and see what she is doing eg is she eating her meals that I put out for her is she making drinks.
I work full time so I go in each morning or evening but not twice.
I have organised a cleaner to go in.
Is there a camera that I could set up? She doesn’t have wifi but I could put mobile WiFi in there.
Also is there a way I can communicate with my mum apart from phone eg a walk-in talkie she lives 1 mile away.
Thank you

[bednobs]

this has been recommended a few times on here Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[hannah40]

Thank you bednobs. Do you know if it would work with mobile WiFi.

[bednobs]

the rather mangled description says "IP camera is pefect for Baby/Pet/Elder care,whenever where you are,just one click,view what you care with your mobile phone via WiFi/3G/4G"

[hannah40]

Ok thanks. Looks good

[DTCwordfan]

yep hannah, you can as bednobs has indicated.....a call to the A Society will help you too.

I've written a book on many of the issues of handling Alzhimer's - just google 'My Mother has Alzheimers - Am I Going Mad' and before the nae-gooders jump down my throat, the Ed has backed this as it's hopefully a valuable resource to folk experiencing the Big A from a carer or even someone with early Dementia/Alzheimer's and helping to prepare the ground forward.

[pixie374]

Hannah, I understand your concerns, but does she fully understand and consent to being filmed?

[hannah40]

Pixie I don’t think my mum has that capacity any more.
Very sad but bar putting her in care or moving her in to mine with no spare rooms I’m going to do anything to keep her safe.
Dtcwordfan thank you I’m on to it now.

[pixie374]

Ok, then you need to inform social services
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/can-i-install-cctv-home-keep-eye-my-loved-one-living-dementia

[hannah40]

Pixie looks like we’re be ok as we’re attorneys for her money and health and can legally act in her best interest.

[pixie374]

That isn't how it works. You still need to let them know. Even with POA, you can't automatically overrule her rights, no matter how good the intention.

[Buenchico]

The maximum power of 'licence free' walkie-talkies is restricted by law, meaning that although they might just about be able to be used over a distance of a mile in open spaces (with no hills or other obstructions in between the two devices), they won't work over that range from inside buildings.

'Business' two way radios, similar to those used by taxi firms, are able to cover that distance easily enough but
(a) they tend to be far more expensive ; and
(b) you have to obtain a licence (costing £75 for five years) to legally use them.

Any camera system you might consider would probably need to be connected to a wi-fi system which is not restricted by data limits. That effectively means that you'd need to pay for a broadband subscription at your mother's address.

[hannah40]

Thanks pixie I work with adults with learning disabilities I’m well aware of human rights and safe guarding many thanks.

[pixie374]

Righto :-)

[hannah40]

Thank you buenchico looks like I won’t be able to go with that option may do the walkie talkie

[woofgang]

pixie, you don't have to tell social services...you do have to address the capacity and data protection issues but the only time social services need to be told is if they are putting staff in. The Op should probably tell the cleaner too.

[pixie374]

Woof, you do if it is private and for someone vulnerable.

[DTCwordfan]

true ^ - third parties into her house need to be informed though.

[woofgang]

that's not what your link says

[bednobs]

pixie your link does not say ss need to be informed

[pixie374]

They do. We have actually just had to do this over the last 3 weeks, so while I don't pretend to know the whole law... this is completely up to date.
94 year old lady with advanced dementia, daughter (with full POA) wanted to put cameras in, just to see she was safe. There was a whole enquiry about it... us, as carers had to be told. The lady herself had to be asked and after 3 weeks, they agreed, to daytime only.