The Caring Corner®
New Technology for Elder HealthCare in Durham
Seniors can benefit from wearable technology to improve their healthcare needs. Many different age groups are using wrist bands to track physical activity, diet and other issues. Over 20% of Americans currently wear them everyday. With elderly currently representing 14.5% of the US population, there is growing pressure to provide new solutions for managing healthcare. Older adults are living longer and facing challenges with money, healthcare and residential living. Over 22% have a limitation requiring attention such as vision, hearing, mobility, communication, cognition or self-care.
Wearable technology is a growing solution to monitoring the health of seniors. Chronic disease accounts for 86% of US health spending and over 90% of all seniors suffer from at least one chronic condition. Using wearable technology promises reduced healthcare costs and improved patient outcomes. Researchers are seeing promising results for those with diabetes to monitor blood sugar levels. There are also smart glasses for failing eyesight, trackers for heartbeat abnormalities and others monitor balance and dehydration. One company offers a wrist band that detects falls and allows the user to press a button if they are alright. Another band can alert patients when it is time to take medications or track blood pressure. There are even smart socks for diabetics to alert them when their feet are at risk for ulcers.
One of the most important factors for developers is to remember they are designing technology for those that want the benefits of a device, but lack the skills to work with modern technology. Wearables are slowly building respect within the elder care industry for testing and studies to improve patient care. This will also provide seniors new options for managing their own healthcare.
Have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s in the Chapel Hill or Durham area?
Need a qualified person to provide in home care?
Acorn can help you get qualified, compassionate in home care givers.
