monitoring camera for sitters?

2manyrocks · Jan 17, 2011

I could use some help. I don't know a thing about internet cameras, but I would like to be able to monitor my mother's house with ongoing video and audio. She fell recently. I would like for it to be something I can log onto and check to be sure she's okay.

I'm open to any suggestions--even some kind of telephone monitoring system that I could call in and listen would be better than nothing.

She'll probably have sitters soon and part of this is to tell everybody up front that the sitting will be monitored.

DSL internet service is available at her house. Is that fast enough for this?

/pine · Jan 17, 2011

Look for an "IP" cam...you will probably want one with PTZ (Pan,Tilt,Zoom) most come with audio...

to do this without any third party services (other than the DSL Internet)...you will need a computer and a router...
....You will also need a dedicated IP address (usually a few dollars a month from the ISP)

Set up the camera and port forwarding for the camera's IP address on the router...

I would recommend running everything on a good quality battery backup to power the computer the modem and the router...the computer should also be set up to "boot on LAN"....

here is some rationale:

dedicated IP...this ensures you will always be able to tunnel into the router...most ISP use dynamic IP address which mean they change from time to time.

backup battery...prevents computer from shutting down in the even of a power failure...

boot on LAN... this allows a remote user to boot a computer that has been shut down from a remote location...

once the system is up and running you just use a browser and tunnel into the system via the dedicated IP address...

Another option is to use a third party streaming application....this would use the third party's software instead of what comes with the camera... and would not require a dedicated IP address...

Gator6x4 · Jan 17, 2011

If the intent is to monitor for "Elder Abuse" I don't think I would share this information with anyone. I think you also need to define "Sitting". If all the person is employed too do is "Sit" that is all they are required to do. Now if your intention is for them to prepare meals, light or heavy house cleaning, laundry, etc this needs to be discussed prior to the person coming to work on the first day.

2manyrocks · Jan 17, 2011

Thanks /pine.

The goal is peace of mind somewhat like Ronald Regan's statement of "Trust, but verify."

Where should I look for a camera?

Jimbrown · Jan 17, 2011

Google webcams and security cameras take your pick

/pine · Jan 17, 2011

Where should I look for a camera?

you want one with a built in web server ...not sure if you want wireless or not...

some systems (software, comes with cameras) allows multiple cameras...

There are other sources...e-bay is one one...here is another (sorted by price) you usually get what you pay for...

Search Results for ip cameras at TigerDirect.com

sodamo · Jan 17, 2011

Haven't dealt with this Foscam company, but I do have 2 outside Foscam cameras I monitor via iphone (no sound). The cameras work well. Looks like they have a variety of possible solutions.

dmccarty · Jan 18, 2011

2manyrocks said:
...

She'll probably have sitters soon and part of this is to tell everybody up front that the sitting will be monitored.
...

I agree with what you are trying to do 100% so do not take they questions/comments as a disagreement. Because I surely do not know the right answers. Just which questions to ask.

I would do some research on your state law about your state law to see if there would be any problems with recording people in your mother's house. It is not YOUR house. It is HER house. Is she agreeing to this or do you have power of attorney? Heck does power of attorney allow you to in effect bug her house?

There is a higher expectation of privacy in a house than outside. I would think the sitter would be considered an employee. What notification needs to get given to an employee to keep you out of trouble?

You would think you would be able to record on private property and I think for video you might be ok. But audio might be something else. I think some states are ok with audio recording as long as one person being recorded knows the recording is taking place. I think other states are different.

If you have a contract with the person doing the "sitting" they need to sign off that they are aware they are being recorded. I certainly would check the law in my state and if I had a question I would be ponying up to a lawyer to ask questions.

Later,
Dan

2manyrocks · Jan 19, 2011

Good points. I have Mother's POA and the sitter's contract will state there will be monitoring except in the bathroom.

Audio is important because if Mother wanders out of the video area, I want to be able to hear whatever I can. If something doesn't sound right, I can go check.