First off, it's kinda sorta home automation so I'm putting in this forum. If this is the wrong place, mods please move.
Does anyone have experience (from a consumer or installer perspective) on Grandcare ( http://www.grandcare.com )? A bit of background: it's a monitoring system using a variety of communication standards (X10, Zigbee, Bluetooth) to assess whether an elderly loved one has opened a door, slept in her bed, taken her pills, etc. Fee-based monitoring service like an alarm system, with ability to send alerts you designate to phone, email, etc.
I have an 87 year old mother with dementia/Alzheimers, but otherwise in good health. Around the clock care is too expensive, but I've promised to let her stay in her home as long as possible. I'm looking into this system as a way to check on her when sitters are not at the house.
Questions (for those with experience with system):
(1) Reliability - because of the mix of protocols, I'm concerned about the reliability of the monitoring - anyone have concerns?
(2) Compatibility with other systems. Mom's home is currently wired with a monitored alarm system as well as a "med-alert" device (necklace remote to press for help with phone-line-based 2 way communication speaker device). Any issues with ADDING a system like this on top of those two (though I wonder if the med-alert would still be necessary).
(3) Costs - anyone have any solid information on installation & equipment costs, as well as monitoring fees? I know they'll range based on the monitors you select, just looking for a starting range baseline install.
Thanks in advance!
Does anyone have experience (from a consumer or installer perspective) on Grandcare ( http://www.grandcare.com )? A bit of background: it's a monitoring system using a variety of communication standards (X10, Zigbee, Bluetooth) to assess whether an elderly loved one has opened a door, slept in her bed, taken her pills, etc. Fee-based monitoring service like an alarm system, with ability to send alerts you designate to phone, email, etc.
I have an 87 year old mother with dementia/Alzheimers, but otherwise in good health. Around the clock care is too expensive, but I've promised to let her stay in her home as long as possible. I'm looking into this system as a way to check on her when sitters are not at the house.
Questions (for those with experience with system):
(1) Reliability - because of the mix of protocols, I'm concerned about the reliability of the monitoring - anyone have concerns?
(2) Compatibility with other systems. Mom's home is currently wired with a monitored alarm system as well as a "med-alert" device (necklace remote to press for help with phone-line-based 2 way communication speaker device). Any issues with ADDING a system like this on top of those two (though I wonder if the med-alert would still be necessary).
(3) Costs - anyone have any solid information on installation & equipment costs, as well as monitoring fees? I know they'll range based on the monitors you select, just looking for a starting range baseline install.
Thanks in advance!