FAQ
General Questions
Digital Mailbox
Private Care Network
Requirements
Fees
General Questions
- What is the CaringFamily service?
- The CaringFamily service provides caregivers with an entirely new way to support and stay close to elders in their care. Our Internet-based eldercare system consists of two closely integrated components: for elders, an innovative "Digital Mailbox" allows the exchange of colorful printed messages with the touch of a single button; for caregivers, their "Private Care Network" transforms everyday emails, digital pictures, Web articles, and other items, into the messages the Digital Mailbox automatically prints for the elder. Learn more here.
- Who is CaringFamily's service for?
- Elder caregiving is a demanding job, whether it's your profession or you care for aging loved ones in your spare time. Our service is designed to simplify and enhance caregiving, without imposing any additional effort on caregivers. Professional caregivers in assisted living or home care will find that the routine tasks of keeping elders and their families informed is simplified, and family caregivers are equipped with an entirely new way of including families in their loved ones care, every day.
- How does CaringFamily's service compare to an Internet-connected PC?
- It's entirely different. CaringFamily's service combines the simplicity of paper and pencil for elders with the familiarity of email, the Web, and other digital tools for their families. Our unique approach eliminates the confusion and dangers of the standard Internet PC for seniors, without forcing a new way of working on everyone else.
- Many elders in my care already use PCs. Do we need the CaringFamily service?
- Very likely. Even if the elders in your care are fully comfortable dealing with the complexities and frustrations of the PC, CaringFamily's Connections service is worth a look. That's because Connections is much more than a simple email service - it's a comprehensive program of carefully crafted online projects for the whole family, timed to elicit the maximum participation from every family member. And all messages carry your name and brand, to ensure that remote family is fully aware of the quality effort you put into their loved one's care every day.
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Digital Mailbox
- What is the Digital Mailbox?
- CaringFamily's Digital Mailbox is a custom-configured printer/scanner device that automatically prints email and other messages from caregivers on a regular daily schedule, without any intervention by the elder. Handwritten replies and other messages from the elder are instantly routed to intended recipients with the touch of a single button.
- How does the Digital Mailbox receive and send messages?
- The Mailbox is connected to the Internet through a standard phone line in the elder's residence (no second line required). Periodically, it silently connects to the Internet and requests delivery of any messages sent to the elder by family, friends, or other caregivers. If any are found, they are stored and printed out on a standard daily schedule, which can be changed at caregiver request. When the elder wants to send a message back, they simply put any printed sheet in the Mailbox and press the 'Send' button. The Mailbox then re-connects and sends along their message, via email, to the intended recipient.
- How is the Digital Mailbox different from a fax machine?
- In several important ways. It prints and sends messages in full color, which is particularly important when exchanging photographs and other non-text items. It's radically simpler than a standard fax machine, since there's just a single button to send messages and none at all to receive. It doesn't require a fax machine on the recipient's side. And since it sends and receives via the Internet instead of long distance phone lines, there are no phone charges to absorb (in most cases).
- How difficult is the Digital Mailbox to install?
- The prevailing design goal of every component of CaringFamily's service is ultimate simplicity. Installation involves plugging two items into appropriate sockets - a power cord and a telephone line. To 'register' the Mailbox to the CaringFamily network, simply place a provided sheet on the Mailbox scan bed and press send. We take care of the rest.
- Do elders have to learn about PCs or software to use your service
- No. Not only is there no software or PC hardware to learn, there is literally no 'user interface' at all beyond the single blue 'Send' button on the Mailbox.
- How are replacement ink cartridges handled?
- In most assisted living or home care settings, these chores and costs are handled on the elder's behalf. In any case, CaringFamily monitors ink usage and sends out replacement cartridges as needed, at prices well below those available at retail.
- How do caregroup members communicate with the elder's Digital Mailbox?
- There are two main choices. If you already exchange email messages with other members of your family, simply add the elder's Digital Mailbox email address to any message - including digital photos, if you choose - and it'll be delivered, automatically, by the following morning (in most cases). If you choose, the CaringFamily member site (part of the Private Care Network) allows for the creation and delivery of attractive greetings of many types.
- Can elders send messages to family and friends? If so, how?
- Absolutely. They can reply to a message you've sent, or send anything else on paper they like, by placing it in the Mailbox and pressing the single 'Send' button.
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Private Care Network
- What is the Private Care Network?
- Each caregroup for an elder - consisting of family, friends, professional caregivers, or anyone else that the group agrees should participate - has access to their own Private Care Network for that elder. It's the online equivalent of the Post Office and the family discussion forum, all in one. The Private Care Network handles all the routing of messages to and from the elder, and provides a place to compose, send, and share messages within the caregroup.
- How many family members can participate?
- There's no limit. In fact, the more the merrier in elder care: studies show that the greater the frequency of interaction with 'social support networks' like family, friends, and the like, the more the elder benefits in terms of health, wellness, and longevity. So be sure to invite more members to your caregroup!
- I take a lot of digital photos—can I share them with an elder on your network?
- Definitely. It's as simple as attaching a digital photo to an email message as you already do, and sending it on. Or you can compose a message including a photo in the Send Message area of your member site.
- Do I need to learn new ways of sending messages, or buy new software?
- Not at all. Your existing email methods work just fine, and your online caregroup site requires only a standard Web browser like the one you're using now.
- Can anyone outside the family send messages to my elder?
- In short, no. Only those 'admitted' to your Private Care Network may communicate in this way with your elder. This keeps spam or other unsolicited email from reaching vulnerable seniors, an increasing hazard on the Internet.
- Does CaringFamily's service use the Internet?
- Yes. Email messages are sent via the Internet, and the CaringFamily service 'rides' on the public Internet. The Digital Mailbox includes dial-up Internet access to retrieve and send messages, as well. But because CaringFamily manages each Private Care Network for its clients, none of the typical Internet risks like spam, viruses, or spyware are allowed through to elders or their families.
- Will spam, viruses, and other Internet problems reach my elder through your network?
- No. This is another vital component of the service's design as well. It's simple to use, but is a true 'safe harbor' on the Internet. No outsiders - and the risks they introduce like spam and viruses- are completely excluded from your Private Care Network. That means you never have to worry about the usual risks of PC and Internet use when it comes to elders in your care.
- How does CaringFamily protect the family's privacy?
- CaringFamily is committed to protecting each family's privacy in every possible way. Our network is secure, employing the latest in protection techniques to ensure your information never leaves our operation. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.
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Requirements
- What do I need to get started using the CaringFamily service?
- You need the standard Web tools you already use (email, Web browser, existing Internet connection). There's no software to buy and learn, and no new hardware needed.
- What does an elder need to get started?
- Each elder needs a phone line (their existing line is fine; no second line is needed) to connect their Digital Mailbox to our network. This connection is handled silently and automatically for them.
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Fees
- How can I purchase CaringFamily's service for my family?
- At present, CaringFamily is not selling its service directly to individuals or families. It is available exclusively through assisted living and home care firms. If you're interested in setting up service for a loved one who is in the care of such a firm, let us know. We'll attempt to work with them to set up service for you and your family.
- Can I buy the Digital Mailbox without the service?
- No. The Mailbox and the Private Care Network that support it are tightly integrated. Neither works without the other.
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