The field of technology continues to expand and grow quickly. Many technologies have been developed to support and assist older adults gain the independence and health and individuality that they desire. There are varying levels of technologies available to older adults. You can be assured that we will assist your older adult and family members to avail themselves of the technology that they believe will best assist them to achieve their goals. What follows is a description of technology that we can recommend and assist you with.
Online personal health record:
Your older adult’s health care practitioner has most likely invited them and/or you to set up an on-line relationship, letting them e-mail their PCP, ask questions, review recent tests and lab values, and arrange for appointments. This is helpful, if given the user permission everyone can contact the PCP and have contact as needed.
Telehealth monitoring:
You can monitor your older adult’s health through software and technology that gives you a peace of mind that is impossible to measure. At any moment you can monitor the biometrics (such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation rate, blood sugar, weight) as well as home monitoring tracking sensors (room and door monitors, electronic medication systems, and caregiver working shifts to name a few.) Once your older adult gives authorization primary care providers, family members and our team can monitor on hour to hour basis as well as provide reports that are required by some insurance agencies for payment.
Home Security System:
You have most likely seen systems advertised for older adults to reach assistance 24/7 in the event of a fall or injury. You will be glad to know that we will put you in touch with local resources to obtain pendants (wrist and/or necklace) to notify emergency medical services 24/7 at a cost-effective rate.
Home Monitoring System:
In-home monitoring systems offer more security for people living alone. For example, motion sensors in the home can detect changes in activity patterns that indicate a possible fall. In-home monitoring may also provide objective assessments of Activities of Daily Living and the ability to remain independent. This information may improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of unnecessary institutionalization of older adults driven by the anxiety of their caring children.
These in-home monitoring systems are easy to install thanks to wireless sensor technology. They provide you with a greater sense of connection and confidence in your loved one’s wellbeing, by empowering you to see their activity status reports on your computer or smartphone and receive alerts if troublesome changes in their daily living pattern are detected. With proper selection, installation, training and support, in-home monitoring systems offer an enhanced sense of security, prolonged independence and improved quality of life, by detecting small changes in activity patterns before they become big problems.
Electronic Pill & Medication Monitoring Systems:
There are a variety of electronic medication devices that you can choose for your older adult who prefers to use this option before hiring caregivers. Systems vary between simple to complex. The complex systems provide you with the ability to monitor your older adult’s medication intake compliance from long distance. We have a variety of local resources for these systems.
Video Conference or use of Web Cams:
You will be assured when seeing and/or talking with your older adult when you live far away. There are times when seeing and talking with someone is the best reassurance possible. We work with a variety of products to ensure that family members are talking with each other, in one-to-one conferences and/or during family meetings.
