In a recent article from U.S. News & World Report is was demonstrated how technology is making senior care and safety easier on the pocket book for those receiving care, and on the home health agencies providing in-home care services.

If you haven’t thought about planning for your long-term care needs, or just thought it might not impact you like it does for 70% of people age 65 and older, you could benefit from using technology to help manage your care, and communicate with your care team and loved ones.

According to the article, “Every morning, Marion Berg measures her blood pressure and heart rate and then uses a tablet to relay the results to her health care team. At 101 years old, the Sun City, Arizona, resident says the system is a change for her, but one she likes. Using a tablet is new to me, but my health care coach is helping me learn every week when she visits my home, Berg says. Berg participates in the Banner iCare program, and her experience is one example of how long-term care plans are integrating technology as a way to reduce costs and improve quality of life” (LaPonsie, 2015, pp 1-3).

By using tablet technology, people receiving care can manage their records, communicate with loved ones, and be in touch with their care team at the push of a button. This is helping people who may not have the resources to pay for full time care, or who need to stretch their care dollars a little further along.

This Long-term Care at home technology falls under three common use types. The first is the independent use systems. These systems are how health providers and family members can remain up to date on the condition of their loved one. Authorized users can receive care alerts, be updated on medical status, and receive alerts based on safety and care concerns programmed into the tablet application, i.e., high blood sugar level, fall incident, distress call.

The second use for this technology is virtual reporting. This use coincides with their third common use of 24-hour monitoring. Tablets installed in loved one’s homes can be used for video conferencing, and can activate the microphone and camera so that a care team member, or family member can simply open the app on their phone or tablet and see how their loved one is doing.

Depending on the level of care needed, the technology can also create alerts if appliances like a TV has not been turned on that day, or if the fridge has not been opened that day. Although it may sound a bit big brother, being alerted on little things when your loved one requires extra care can help alert you to potential problems before they become real issues.

If you would like to learn about ways you can retain your independence and help cover the costs of long-term care services in the home or at a professional residence, contact your California Long Term Care specialist today for an educational review of your options.

Source:

LaPonsie, M., (June 12, 2015), Long-Term Care Goes Virtual, U.S. News & World Report, retrieved July 27, 2015: http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2015/06/11/long-term-care-goes-virtua