Use of a closed communication service for social support networks to improve the well being of a primary care provider

Abstract

Methods and systems for improving the well-being or reducing stress of a primary caregiver of an elder subject are provided. According to one embodiment, a communications network provides a closed communication service. A database is operable to store information regarding caregroup membership. One or more server computers coupled to the database are operable to receive from and distribute electronic communications among electronic communication access systems associated with members of a caregroup and a communication appliance associated with a target of the caregroup. The one or more server computers have stored therein one or more routines operable to facilitate and encourage one or more of affective communication, activity stimulating communication and intellectually stimulating communication among the members of the caregroup and the target of the caregroup as a method of improving well-being or reducing stress of a primary, residential caregiver of the target.

1 . A communications network providing a closed communication service, the communications network comprising:
 a database operable to store information regarding caregroup membership; and   one or more server computers communicatively coupled to the database, operable to receive from and distribute electronic communications among a plurality of electronic communication access systems associated with members of a caregroup and a communication appliance associated with a target of the caregroup, the one or more server computers having stored therein one or more routines operable to facilitate and encourage one or more of affective communication, activity stimulating communication and intellectually stimulating communication among the members of the caregroup and the target of the caregroup as a method of improving well-being or reducing stress of a primary, residential caregiver of the target.   
     
     
         2 . The communications network of  claim 1 , wherein the primary, residential caregiver is the target's spouse. 
     
     
         3 . The communications network of  claim 1 , wherein the primary, residential caregiver is the target's child. 
     
     
         4 . The communications network of  claim 1 , wherein the communication appliance comprises a hard-copy based communication appliance. 
     
     
         5 . The communications network of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more routines are further operable to perform assessment and monitoring in relation to the electronic communications. 
     
     
         6 . The communications network of  claim 4 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance comprises a digital mailbox appliance. 
     
     
         7 . The communications network of  claim 4 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance includes an internal modem operable to establish a dial-up telephone connection with the closed communication service. 
     
     
         8 . The communications network of  claim 4 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance is shared by multiple individuals. 
     
     
         9 . A closed communication service, comprising:
 a database operable to store information regarding caregroup membership; and   one or more server computers communicatively coupled to the database, operable to receive from and distribute electronic communications among a plurality of electronic communication access systems associated with members of a caregroup and a communication appliance associated with a subject that is a target of the caregroup, the one or more server computers having stored therein one or more routines operable to facilitate and encourage electronic communications among the members of the caregroup and the subject as a method of supporting a spouse of the subject and preventing one or more of depression, stress and physical illness due to caregiving activities performed by the spouse on behalf of the subject.   
     
     
         10 . The closed communication service of  claim 9 , wherein the communication appliance comprises a hard-copy based communication appliance. 
     
     
         11 . The closed communication service of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more routines are further operable to perform assessment and monitoring in relation to the electronic communications. 
     
     
         12 . The closed communication service of  claim 10 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance comprises a digital mailbox appliance. 
     
     
         13 . The closed communication service of  claim 10 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance includes an internal modem operable to establish a dial-up telephone connection with the closed communication service. 
     
     
         14 . The closed communication service of  claim 10 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance is shared by multiple individuals. 
     
     
         15 . A closed communication service comprising:
 a database operable to store information regarding caregroup membership; and   one or more server computers communicatively coupled to the database, operable to receive from and distribute electronic communications among a plurality of electronic communication access systems associated with members of a caregroup and a communication appliance associated with a target of the caregroup, the one or more server computers having stored therein one or more routines operable to facilitate and encourage electronic communications among the members of the caregroup and the target as a method of providing information to family members regarding indications of physical or mental condition, disorder, disability or illness of a family member participating in caregiving activities on behalf of the target.   
     
     
         16 . The closed communication service of  claim 15 , wherein the family member is a primary caregiver. 
     
     
         17 . The closed communication service of  claim 16 , wherein the primary caregiver is a spouse of the target. 
     
     
         18 . The closed communication service of  claim 16 , wherein the primary caregiver is a child of the target. 
     
     
         19 . The closed communication service of  claim 15 , wherein the communication appliance comprises a hard-copy based communication appliance. 
     
     
         20 . The closed communication service of  claim 15 , wherein the hard-copy based communication appliance comprises a digital mailbox appliance.