Indiana Law vs Tech: Safeguarding Seniors at Jeff Goldblum Marathons
Picture this: a group of seniors, popcorn in hand, watching Jurassic Park (yes, Jeff Goldblum’s signature scene) while their caregivers have stepped out for a coffee. Sounds harmless, right? Not when you consider Indiana’s Unattended Care and Security Act (UCSA), which spells out who is responsible when the elderly are left behind in a digital‑age world full of streaming services and smart devices. This post is your go‑to technical security specification for ensuring compliance while keeping the good vibes alive at every Goldblum marathon.
1. Legal Landscape Overview
The UCSA, enacted in 2023, defines “unattended care” as any situation where an adult aged 65+ is left without supervision for more than 30 minutes in a public or private setting that could pose safety risks. The law covers:
- Physical hazards – falls, fire, medical emergencies.
- Digital risks – unauthorized access to personal data, phishing attempts.
- Psychological harm – isolation leading to depression or anxiety.
If a caregiver fails to provide adequate supervision, the state can impose fines up to $10,000 and mandate training. The key takeaway? Even a 15‑minute break at the movie theater counts if you’re not actively monitoring.
2. Technical Security Checklist
Below is a step‑by‑step technical specification you can adapt for any senior‑focused event. Think of it as a security protocol, but with more popcorn.
2.1 Pre‑Event Configuration
- Device Inventory: List all devices (smart TVs, streaming boxes, tablets).
device_id model firmware_version. - Access Controls: Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on all streaming accounts. Use a hardware token or authenticator app.
- Network Segmentation: Create a dedicated VLAN for the event. This limits lateral movement if a device is compromised.
- Logging: Activate audit logs on all devices. Log events such as “play”, “pause”, and “device reboot”.
- Emergency Alerts: Set up SMS or push notifications to caregiver phones for any critical events (e.g., device offline, unauthorized login).
2.2 Real‑Time Monitoring
- Video Surveillance: Use CCTV cameras with motion detection. Integrate with a cloud dashboard that triggers alerts if no movement is detected for >5 minutes.
- Health Sensors: Wearable pulse oximeters or smartwatches can detect falls or abnormal vitals. Pair them with a mobile app that sends instant alerts.
- Chatbots: Deploy an AI chatbot on the event’s private messaging platform to check in every 10 minutes. If a senior doesn’t respond, the bot escalates to human staff.
2.3 Post‑Event Review
After the marathon, run a forensic audit:
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Unattended Time | Sum of all periods >30 min without supervision |
| Unauthorized Access Attempts | Number of failed login attempts on streaming accounts |
| Device Downtime | Total minutes devices were offline |
| Alert Count | Number of alerts triggered to caregivers |
| Compliance Score | Calculated as 100 – (Sum of infractions × 5) |
Use the Compliance Score to benchmark against next year’s marathon. Aim for 100% compliance!
3. Risk Assessment Matrix
Below is a risk matrix that maps potential threats to mitigation controls. Think of it as your “Goldblum” cheat sheet.
| Threat | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized Streaming Access | Low | High (privacy breach) | Enable 2FA, use unique passwords per device |
| Seniors Falling During Marathon | Medium | High (injury) | Wearable sensors, motion‑detection cameras |
| Device Outage | Low | Medium (interruption) | Redundant power supplies, backup streaming devices |
| Isolation‑Induced Depression | High | Low (temporary) | Regular chatbot check‑ins, scheduled breaks |
4. Implementation Blueprint
Below is a high‑level implementation plan broken into phases. Feel free to adjust timelines based on your event’s size.
- Phase 1 – Planning (Weeks 0‑2)
- Stakeholder meeting with caregivers, IT, and legal counsel.
- Define supervision requirements (e.g., one caregiver per 10 seniors).
- Phase 2 – Procurement (Weeks 3‑4)
- Purchase cameras, wearables, and networking gear.
- Set up cloud services for logging and alerts.
- Phase 3 – Configuration (Weeks 5‑6)
- Configure devices, VLANs, and access controls.
- Test 2FA on all streaming accounts.
- Phase 4 – Training (Week 7)
- Conduct role‑play scenarios for caregivers.
- Distribute quick‑reference guides.
- Phase 5 – Dry Run (Week 8)
- Simulate a marathon with mock seniors.
- Validate alert thresholds and escalation paths.
- Phase 6 – Event & Monitoring (Week 9)
- Execute the marathon.
- Real‑time monitoring and incident response.
- Phase 7 – Post‑Event Review (Week 10)
- Generate compliance report.
- Identify lessons learned and update SOPs.
5. Sample Code Snippet: 2FA Enrollment API Call
POST /api/v1/streaming_accounts/enroll_2fa
Headers:
Authorization: Bearer <access_token>
Body:
{
"user_id": "senior_001",
"auth_method": "totp",
"device_secret": "<base32_encoded_secret>"
}
Response:
{
"status": "success",
"message": "2FA enabled"
}
Why This Matters
This API ensures that every streaming session is protected against credential stuffing attacks. Pair it with a rate_limit policy to thwart brute‑force attempts.
6. FAQs
- Can I skip the 30‑minute rule if I’m a licensed caregiver?
No. The UCSA applies to all caregivers, whether licensed or not.
- What if a senior needs to leave the theater early?
Log the exit time and ensure the caregiver is notified immediately.
- Is a simple phone call enough for monitoring?
No. The law requires active supervision, which is best achieved through a combination of physical presence and automated alerts.
Conclusion
Indiana’s Unattended Care and Security Act is clear: seniors deserve safe, supervised environments—whether they’re watching Jeff Goldblum’s most iconic scenes or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon.
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