Modern tool – video calls for seniors

When close relatives become in need of care, it is natural for most people to take care of them to the best of their ability.

However, these options are often limited by distance when there are many kilometers between the homes of those in need of care and their relatives.

However, there is still a lot to do – such as organizational tasks, correspondence, communication with the nursing care fund or insurance company, authorities and nursing services.

However, carers can really “be there” and help directly in everyday life, and not only through occasional visits.

Closer with video telephony and consultation

In the times in between, digital technology can help to bridge the distance. Video telephony, for example, offers the opportunity not only to hear the person in need of care, but also to get a visual impression and experience more closeness.

"In nursing care consultations, conversations are now often offered via video call. This makes it easy to bring together several people in different locations," explains Annika Wissen from the nursing consultancy Compass, which is responsible for privately insured people and also offers free advice for everyone on the service number 0800 101 88 00.

For this to work, the person in need of care must of course be able to handle the technology. "It's really easy for us. The best thing to do is to use the opportunity when you're visiting to set everything up for the person in need of care and show them how to use it," advises the expert.

She says: “Perhaps there is someone locally who can provide support if needed.”

The nursing care insurance pays for many aids

Another useful tool is a home emergency call system, which enables people living alone to receive help quickly in an emergency.

There are now also systems with location capabilities and integrated fall detection. "A key box at the house can be a useful addition so that emergency responders can get in quickly," says Wissen.

The costs for a home emergency call are covered by the nursing care insurance under certain conditions, as are digital care applications (DIPAs). These are apps that, for example, enable everyone involved in care to network and organize themselves.

There are also grants for necessary renovations in the apartment. The brochure “Care and Support at a Distance”, which can be downloaded free of charge at pflegeberatung.de, contains many other useful tips for those affected.

Sierks Media / © Photo: SimpleFoto, de.depositphotos.com / Source: djd