Advancements in Elderly Healthcare Technology

In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, technology is playing an increasingly significant role in improving the quality of care for elderly adults. According to a report from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living in September 2021, 59 percent of nursing homes are grappling with serious staffing shortages. This situation has highlighted the need for solutions that can help healthcare providers meet the growing demand for quality care while reducing the demands on clinicians.

One such solution lies in the integration of technology into elderly care. From Internet of Things (IoT)-connected devices to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), these technologies offer significant promise for independent and assisted living communities.

Wearable technologies, for instance, can help healthcare providers stay connected with residents, even when they are outside their apartments, and respond more quickly to changes in vital signs. Applications on these devices can monitor patients' blood pressure, detect atrial fibrillation, and measure blood oxygen levels. Living communities can also use wearable devices with predictive analytics capabilities to help older adults keep an eye on chronic conditions and address small issues before they grow into significant health problems.

Smart home technologies, including voice-controlled systems and connected devices, can allow residents to age in place longer and reduce pressure on nursing staff. These technologies can monitor residents' movements, assist with daily tasks, and even provide fall detection capabilities, allowing care providers to respond more quickly to incidents.

AR and VR solutions, meanwhile, offer potential benefits beyond health monitoring. Older adults can use VR to engage in experiences that might otherwise be unavailable to them, improving feelings of relaxation and well-being. Care providers have also used VR to manage pain and calm patients with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. VR tools can aid in physical fitness, therapy, and rehabilitation for patients, and help clinicians assess balance and fall risks.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch, and other wearable devices, can enable rigorous heart monitoring for patients, helping clinicians closely monitor their health. Security tools that allow management of device fleets can ease the burden on IT teams in managing and securing smart solutions in living communities for older adults.

Liz Cramer, chief post-acute care strategist with CDW, states that technology is a must-have on living campuses for older adults. Pflegeheime (German for nursing homes) are increasingly turning to digital technologies like smart assistants, notifications systems, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and sensors to improve care quality, simplify daily life for residents, and alleviate the strain on caregivers. Intelligent care systems, for example, can monitor falls and document movement behaviour, ensuring personalised and secure care.

While technology was emerging as an important aspect of elderly care before the pandemic, the focus shifted during the pandemic. Now, as we move forward, technology is once again taking centre stage, particularly in the form of VR. VR was initially set to play a significant role in elderly care before the pandemic, but took a back seat during the pandemic and is now coming back.

In conclusion, the future of elderly care is increasingly intertwined with technology. By embracing these advancements, we can ensure that our elderly population continues to live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives, while also alleviating the strain on caregivers and healthcare providers.