Improving Real-Time Connections With Loved Ones
The
reality of using your home computer as a cost-effective way to make
phone calls and do video conferencing has got people talking - really
talking. A practice that started in the business world has moved into
the homes of millions of people who are taking advantage of this form
of communication. For years, companies have used video conferencing to
conduct meetings, bringing people from around the world together on one
computer screen. The same is now considered commonplace for people who
are using their home computer to connect with family and friends.
The technology is commonly referred to as Voice over Internet
Protocol, or VoIP. Essentially your voice and video, if you are using a
camera, are running via internet transmissions. You become connected
with someone at the other end of the line who also has access to the
service and tools which support VoIP. Companies, such as Skype, offer
software applications that are easy to download, free of charge, and
operate with your computer, web cam and microphone. The practice of video conferencing is becoming more and more mainstream, for seniors too. The Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project tracked
adults using online video technology. They found that 31% of people 50
years old and older are using this form of communication. Half of the
31% were 65 and older. Because of the ease in getting it set
up, many people are applying it to a variety of situations. If you
don’t understand how to get started, ask someone for help,
a neighbor or family member. The technology is so straightforward that
many teenagers are quite capable of helping their grandparents get
started. These real-time connections with family are a huge
bonus. Grandparents can place the call and read books to their
grandchildren at bedtime, share in the excitement of a report card, or
view a newly completed art project. Imagine being able to show your
grandchildren one of your special talents such as, tying flies,
knitting, carving wood, and not having to wait for a visit to show
them. How meaningful for them and you to be able to share with
each other on a regular basis.
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How it works through Skype
Skype
is a free software application that enables people to communicate over
the internet – whether to a landline, mobile phone or computer. The
volume of international phone call traffic transmitted through Skype is
substantial. Out of a total of 406 billion international call minutes
that were logged in 2009, 54 billion of those were Skype calls. It is
the largest international voice carrier in the industry.
Steps to begin ‘Skyping’:
- You
will need a computer with a built-in microphone and webcam or install
and attach a microphone and webcam to your computer. The microphone
allows for the audio of the calls and the webcam allows for the video.
- Create an account at their website www.skype.com.
This is a free service, but they do have options for purchasing
packages. You don’t need to purchase anything through Skype to enjoy
the video calling or to make phone calls through your computer.
- Download the Skype application to your computer.
- There are tutorials that show you how to use it.
- Make a call!
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Doctors Are Understanding the Need
Doctors
are now beginning to see the value of the video application when
dealing with patients’ needs. Even retirement communities are assisting
residents to engage with this application to stay connected to loved
ones and doctors.
In a 2009 ABC news report,
Dr. Loren Olson, a psychiatrist from Iowa, shared how his experience
with Skype has changed the way he works. Dr. Olson had started using
Skype for calls to his grandchildren and then realized that he could
use it for routine follow up 'med-check' visits with both urban and
rural patients and for clinical consultations with a team of medical
providers in a rural area.
He shared that, “Patients have
responded quite well…some even preferring this method of care. The
patients tend to become totally absorbed and relaxed in the discussion
such that the technology literally melts away. While it can’t replace
the office visit, it does create access to care that has not been
available before.”
In another instance, according to a recent article in the New York Times,
a woman, age 100, who is a resident at an assisted-living center in
North Carolina, got assistance from her geriatric care manager to
connect her with her grandson, who was a six-hour drive away, while she
was at her doctor’s appointment. The geriatric care manager brought
along a web cam and a laptop computer with a link to Skype. The
senior’s grandson could see what was happening at the doctor’s
appointment and engage in the care at the moment it was being given. Connecting
with loved ones has never been easier. Think beyond cell phones and
texts. Think beyond emails and downloaded photos. Using a home
computer, internet application, webcam and microphone, you can connect
with someone in real-time - you are looking right at them, and they at
you, on your computer screen. You’ll be surprised how enjoyable it is
once you get started.
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