Magic Mailbox For elders, CaringFamily's Magic Mailbox, a full color Internet-connected printer/scanner, enables the exchange of colorful messages with remote family and friends. Both incoming and outgoing messages are handled entirely on paper - no PC required. Simple to set up, use, and maintain, the Mailbox features a single button, requires only an existing phone line to operate, and is completely spam-, virus-, and outsider-free. What is the Digital Mailbox? CaringFamily's Digital Mailbox is a custom-configured printer/scanner device that automatically prints email and other messages from caregivers on a regular daily schedule, without any intervention by the elder. Handwritten replies and other messages from the elder are instantly routed to intended recipients with the touch of a single button. How does the Digital Mailbox receive and send messages? The Mailbox is connected to the Internet through a standard phone line in the elder's residence (no second line required). Periodically, it silently connects to the Internet and requests delivery of any messages sent to the elder by family, friends, or other caregivers. If any are found, they are stored and printed out on a standard daily schedule, which can be changed at caregiver request. When the elder wants to send a message back, they simply put any printed sheet in the Mailbox and press the 'Send' button. The Mailbox then re-connects and sends along their message, via email, to the intended recipient. How is the Digital Mailbox different from a fax machine? In several important ways. It prints and sends messages in full color, which is particularly important when exchanging photographs and other non-text items. It's radically simpler than a standard fax machine, since there's just a single button to send messages and none at all to receive. It doesn't require a fax machine on the recipient's side. And since it sends and receives via the Internet instead of long distance phone lines, there are no phone charges to absorb (in most cases). How difficult is the Digital Mailbox to install? The prevailing design goal of every component of CaringFamily's service is ultimate simplicity. Installation involves plugging two items into appropriate sockets - a power cord and a telephone line. To 'register' the Mailbox to the CaringFamily network, simply place a provided sheet on the Mailbox scan bed and press send. We take care of the rest. Do elders have to learn about PCs or software to use your service No. Not only is there no software or PC hardware to learn, there is literally no 'user interface' at all beyond the single blue 'Send' button on the Mailbox. Presented at RESNA 2009 by Cathy Bodine Links: CaringFamily http://www.caringfamily.com/public/home/index.cfm Digital Mailbox http://www.caringfamily.com/public/service/how_it_works.cfm Digital Mailbox FAQ http://www.caringfamily.com/public/service/faq.cfm