The wealth of online
resources makes it possible for almost anyone to gather a great deal of
information about medical problems and treatment on her own. Pew reports that just under 3 out of 4 caregivers conduct
their own health research online and over half engage in health-related social
activity online.
It’s clear that the
transformative power of technology in health care extends beyond high-tech
hospital settings to include everyday senior and hospice care. Read on to learn
about 6 tech trends that help family caregivers support the health and quality
of life of seniors and others under their supervision.
1. Med Monitors
A number of digital tools,
such as MedMinder and TabSafe, are designed to remind seniors and caregivers to
take or administer prescription medication. And the same functionality is
available on the go with apps for iPhone and iPad like MedCoach.
2. Wireless Safety Nets
Another way to monitor a senior’s health and wellness status,
while helping them lead active and independent lives, is via sensor-based home
monitoring systems like Canary Care and TruSense. These and similar systems alert caregivers or
emergency personnel when warning signs, such as long periods of inactivity by a
senior at home, arise.
3. (Virtual) Fellowship
Loneliness and social
isolation are particularly acute risk factors for elderly folks given their greater
likelihood of reduced mobility and loss of loved ones. In-person interactions
are ideal, but when they are not possible, email and video correspondence can
be helpful stopgaps. Indeed, encouraging research has shown that social media use is associated with
reduced loneliness and improved mental and physical health outcomes.
4. Picking up the Pace
Like anyone, seniors need
regular exercise to reach their full potential for living capably and
independently. Technology can help put them in motion and keep them active.
Wearable fitness trackers help seniors and their caregivers mark progress
toward wellness goals and document encouraging results.
5. “Telehealth”
Thanks to the emerging
tools of telemedicine, obtaining professional consultations no longer
requires leaving the comfort and security of home. Senior and hospice patients
can arrange virtual visits with physicians and other healthcare professionals. In discussion with U.S. News & World Report, Medical Director of Telemedicine at the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center Dr. Andrew R. Watson emphasized telemedicine’s positive
impact on health outcomes and patient engagement.
The
benefits of telehealth tools for patients and healthcare providers include
reduced costs, fewer hospital readmissions, improved diagnosis and treatments,
and stronger relationships between doctors and patients, especially in rural
areas.
6. Brain Benefits
Finally, it turns out that
healthy amounts of screen time don’t rot your brain. On the contrary, internet browsing and even video games, the brain decay boogeyman of yesteryear, increase
elderly brain function and help reverse the bad mental effects of aging. The
takeaway here is that, quite apart from the other benefits we’ve discussed,
technology offers direct cognitive advantages to senior and hospice patients.
Digital tech is not the
most critical line of defense against health setbacks for the elderly and
hospice patients, let alone a cure-all. But as we have seen, it provides a
wealth of resources supporting family caregivers in their efforts to promote
the best possible outcomes for those in their capable hands.
_____________________________________________
Christian Golden, PhD, writes about tips and trends in digital
marketing and social media. He is a philosopher by day who loves teaching and
digging into the big questions. His extracurricular interests include making
music, reading comics, watching (really old) movies, and being in the great
outdoors.
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