Nurses who participated in the study supplemented their home visits by contacting patients on computer monitors equipped with cameras that allow patient and caregiver to see each other. The nurses monitored the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respirator functions and sugar levels. The system, which uses regular telephone lines, also reminded patients to take their medications when it was time.

Research into "telemedicine" has surged in recent years spurred by changes in Medicare which reduced reimbursements to home health care providers. Proponents say telemedicine can deliver home health care services at a fraction of the cost, allowing caregivers to visit 20 patients a day through two-way video compared to four face-to-face in-home visits. Those participating in the study avoided the hassles of driving to doctor visits while receiving more frequent contact with their health care providers and preventing common emergencies.

Indeed millions of seniors are flocking to the Internet as a way to make friends, save money on prescription drugs and stay connected with their computer savvy grandchildren. Where can you get access to a computer and learn how to use one?

An increasing number of senior centers, retirement homes, and area agencies on aging offer computers, training and equipment discounts. Most libraries offer training courses for seniors and computer labs are standard for most community colleges. For information where you can find computer training in your area contact your area agency on aging or call the Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 for the number of the agency in your community or go to http://www.eldercare.gov.

Source: "Penn State Examines Telemedicine For Shut-Ins," Deborah Scoblionkov, Reuters, March 7, 2000. "Senior Surfers Follow Grandkids Online," Dan Eggen, The Washington Post, March 13, 2000.