Measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus are creating a secondary problem among Australia’s vulnerable populations: increasing rates of social isolation.
Social isolation (loneliness building into depression) was already a mental health issue among our older generation, as well as people who live alone and in regional areas. Now 18-24-year-olds and city dwellers have been identified as the ‘new face’ of loneliness, adding to the mental health burden.
Why would we, as a Perth security company, be turning our attention to a smart home intercom system as a way to help older and isolated people feel connected? Let’s connect those dots, as we connect communities with the Fermax desk phone.
Technology creating connections
Most people working today know about video conferencing software. But older Australians, those 70+ who worked in a different era and may not have regular access to a computer, find it difficult to adapt to these new technologies.
And yet, almost everyone has a phone. Whether living independently at home, with a partner (or carer), or in an aged living facility, phone communication is something all older people are familiar with. Which is what makes Fermax access control systems such a powerfully simple tool to maintain social connection in the isolation age.
What is it?
Essentially, an intercom system that looks like a desk phone with a large screen!
It brings together the brains of an access control system you might see in a brand-new apartment, with the familiarity of a regular phone. When the user (in this case an elderly or isolated individual) gets a call, it connects them via video to the caller for a face-to-face conversation.
Watch a short video from Fermax Australia here.
5 reasons the Fermax system is beneficial for elderly people
- Automatic answering enabled
- No need for the user to own a smartphone or be tech-savvy
- Automatic video connection
- One-touch calling to contacts
- ‘Plug-and-play’ system arrives pre-programmed
It makes connecting with loved ones, carers and healthcare services, as easy as answering a phone.
And on top of the connectivity benefits, the intercom system doubles as a medical security device. For elderly and isolated people in trouble and needing medical care, one-touch calling, and automatic video answering can provide a critical lifeline in an emergency.
Castle Security providing Fermax access control systems
Fermax produces a range of intercom and access control systems not just to make connections simpler for elderly and isolated Australians, but also to make life easier for everyone.
With more than 30 years of experience in home and business security, a comprehensive range of hardware and system solutions, and the know-how of fully licenced installers, the possibilities are endless.
Contact Castle Security to discuss your medical security needs, access control system installation and upgrades, CCTV camera packages, business security systems or any other project requiring expertise and a personal approach.
And finally, for those feeling isolated, alone or forgotten during the Coronavirus lockdowns, we encourage you to:
- Reach out to friends, family and overseas relatives as they may also be experiencing depression
- Use services such as Lifeline, BeyondBlue, or BlueKnot Foundation to access professional support services
- Practice self-care such as meditation, light exercise or other hobbies you enjoy