Videophones Enhance Care; Keep Loved Ones Connected

Posted: February 1, 2008

Minnesota Telehealth Network

“There were doubts that elders would be willing or capable of embracing telemedicine technology” said Caren Winkels, registered nurse manager at Tri-county Hospital Home Health Care.

This notion is not true for Margaret Bimberg, 94 year-old female who has a pacemaker and prefers to stay at her own apartment in Wadena. Margaret started to use telehome care in 1999.

Nurses came to visit her twice a week; once in person and another by virtual visit via a color videophone. Telehome care allows nurses to help Margaret review her medications and evaluate her conditions by viewing images from a hand held camera that Margaret uses to show the nurses her ankles.

Margaret has lots of company and she enjoys using her videophone to connect with family, friends and health care providers. The only thing that Margaret does not like about the virtual visit is that she cannot give hugs to her beloved care givers.

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