ABOUT KITcam™

KITcam™ is a program to keep families and friends in touch via webcam and VoIP technology. You can SEE and TALK with that special person who may be at a distance or around the corner. This program is available to individuals living in their homes, at residential care facilities, nursing homes and hospitals during an ACS consulting visit. Instructions on downloading the appropriate software and purchasing a webcam are provided by ACS; in addition, our staff will assist you with getting your computer set-up. The resident will receive one-on-one assistance during the ACS visit while they are communicating with their family/friends. You, your family and friends can enjoy this service with only a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a webcam. The software is free and installation quick and easy. KITcam™ can provide a connection that will bring happiness and reduce a sense of isolation and loneliness that is too often experienced by individuals living alone or in a care facility. And for you, this type of connection is the best thing next to being there and can provide peace of mind not otherwise possible. Please contact us to learn more about this special service.

Setting Up Your Computer

What you will need to communicate with your family/friends:

  • Desk top or laptop computer (Mac or PC) (You can use SKYPE on some phones, though directions are not provided in this document.)
  • Computer speakers or a headset
  • Webcam (which includes camera and microphone)
  • VoIP software downloaded to the computer you are going to use (this is free)
  • High speed internet connection (DSL, wireless or cable)
  • Compatible operating system (Windows 2000, XP or Vista for a PC or Mac OX X 10.3 or higher)

If you do not own a webcam please go to this site:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/&cl=us,en.

There are many brands of webcams and any will work. Some laptops have a built-in webcam, but if yours does not, purchase a webcam that clips onto the laptop.  There are external webcams for free-standing monitors that will clip or rest on the top of the monitor. The more expensive the webcam generally relates to the quality of the lens in the cam. More expensive = more pixels and a clearer picture. ACS does not endorse any particular webcam.

VoIP software: www.skype.com
ACS currently uses Skype™ for VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) software. Go to the Skype™ and follow the directions to download the software. (CLICK HERE for directions) There are Skype™ applications for Macs and PCs.

If you would prefer to use headphones when talking, you can see some options at this site: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/internet_headsets_phones/&cl=us,en Again, there are many different brands, and if you already have a headset for your telephone, try it out to see if it will work.

If you are using the computer's internal speakers, rather than a headset, the voice of the person you are contacting will come through those speakers.  You may also attach external speakers to broadcast the voice of the person you are calling.