Home Bound 101

Being housebound can be lonely and isolating. Thanks to modern technology, you can stay connected. In addition to the telephone (both land lines and mobile phones), consider the following ideas:

Video chats

If your computer has a web cam, you can sign up at Skype.com for free video chat. If your computer doesn't have a web cam (camera), a web cam can be purchased separately for increasingly lower prices.

Online games 

Games that you can play with other people literally all across the globe are available for free through such sites as: 

• www.ItsYourTurn.com : You can play checkers, backgammon, chess etc. Registration is free.
• www.Lexulous.com : You can play a Scrabble-like word dame
• http://Games.ESPN.go.com/frontpage  or http://Sports.Yahoo.com/fantasy  where you can join sports teams on line. Participants build teams and compete with each other.

Online social sites
Join one or more social sites such as www.Facebook.com .  You can create your own page and post information about your days and thoughts. You can also post your needs. You can also check on what your friends and family members, both near and far, are doing.  

If you do not have a computer, you can buy one inexpensively. A laptop can be used no matter where you are in your home - including in bed. You can get a connection to the internet through your telephone or cable. You may even have a neighbor that has wi-fi that you can link into for free.

Medical connection

 your condition weakens you or increases the chances of a fall, consider wearing a device that will allow you to obtain help 24/7 with the push of a button. 

an electronic monitor that can monitor your activities and automatically call for assistance if there is a fall. While the prices of such systems are falling, they are still expensive.

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