System and method for facilitating the coordination of care of an individual and dissemination of information

摘要

The present invention is a system and method for facilitating the process of caring for an individual, such as an elder. The present invention also disseminates a wide range of information to users. The system allows members of an elder's support group to easily and conveniently communicate and coordinate their actions. The present invention is accomplished by the creation of an "e-space" for the elder. The e-space is a set of data files that are associated with the elder. The e-space is stored in a central location that can be accessed conveniently by individuals by accessing a computer network such as the Internet. The system also allows the elder (or an agent of the elder called a "responsible party") to maintain his or her privacy by controlling access to his or her e-space. This is accomplished by providing the elder or responsible party the ability to specify varying levels of access privileges for each type of data file in his/her e-space for each member of his/her support group. The system also allows the elder to delegate privileging power to an administrator or official at the care provider facility where he or she is residing. The administrator/official can then grant access privileges to members of the care provider staff The system also provides a variety of information and tools which assist individuals in making decisions related to elder care.