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Ask Slashdot: Panic Button a Very Young Child Can Use

Posted by samzenpus on from the shiny-red-button dept.

First time accepted submitter Zotonian writes My wife is epileptic. Her seizures have been well controlled by medication until recently. My concern is that we have a toddler and infant at home. I've set up cameras so I can monitor the house, but I'm looking for a solution that my 2 year old daughter can hit a button to tell me to look at them if necessary. Most of the options I'm finding off the shelf notify first responders and I'm concerned of the number of false positives a toddler might initiate. Other solutions like cellphones or wearables for kids are too overloaded with unnecessary options like GPS, phone, games, etc. I'd rather have a simple 'push button' solution I can wire into my router that would send me a text or chat message that alerts me to check the cameras. Then if there is an actually emergency I can take the steps from there. I'm looking for cheap and simple. Any suggestions from the Slashdot community?

6 of 327 comments (clear)

  1. wearable for the wife? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    How about a smartwatch for the wife. Make a little app the detects erratic arm movements and sends you a text message from her phone when that happens. Then you check in on the camera .

  2. Arduino Panic Button by netelder · · Score: 5, Interesting

    http://www.instructables.com/id/Desk-Panic-Button/?ALLSTEPS

    1. Re:Arduino Panic Button by Zeromous · · Score: 3, Interesting

      When my kid was 2, she was at grandmas when she had an aneurysm. Luckily grandpa was home. Far from scarring, my kid actually had a fascinating life experience, and opened a dialogue about emergencies, first responders, what to do if something bad happens and they are alone. My kid still recalls it today as a positive, but very unfortunate circumstance.

      Kids are far more resilient than your average parent gives them credit for. I'm proud of the way my kid handled it.

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      ---Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A START
  3. Smartthings by FF-Loucks · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Get a hub and a door/window sensor or the starter kit. Put the door / window sensor on a cabinet door and tell your daughter to open that door if mommy has a problem (you could put a teddy bear or something in there that she should take to mommy ONLY if mommy is having issues). Then, using the smart app, you can have that alert you anytime the cabinet is opened. Should be less than $150 or so and now you have the start of home automation as well.

  4. bite the bullet by cascadingstylesheet · · Score: 3, Interesting

    It's very difficult having a spouse with a chronic illness. (I know.) Even harder when you have children.

    As much as it sucks, have her in child care as much as possible. Yes, it's horrifically expensive, it's not ideal, it's not what you envisioned (I assume, as much as you want to let her stay home with mom). But it makes sense.

    If it's your wife that you are primarily worried about, then you need to figure out what can help her. Can a neighbor check on her fairly frequently? Another family member? Also, I've seen devices advertised (primarily to elderly) which claim to be able to detect falls.

    For both - child and wife - check with local social workers about what is available. You may be eligible for subsidized child care due to the situation. Your wife may be eligible for some kinds of help.

    Hang in there, and don't be ashamed to reach out for help.

  5. Re:No by AK+Marc · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I know lots of epileptics. I've never known a single one with a live-in nurse. Even the blind one I know lives alone.

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    Learn to love Alaska