Technologies for Aging in Place

Motion sensors or a robotic medical exam may save your life someday. Today’s upsurge in remote health-monitoring technology is redefining the landscape of “aging in place,” the decision to continue living in one’s home of choice as independently and safely as possible. AARP reports that nearly 90 percent of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age.

When well-being challenges arise and a caregiver cannot be on-site, assistive technology offers continued oversight of the senior and tremendous peace of mind to the family. Right at Home, a leader of the in-home care industry, is partnering with global health technology innovator Philips to beta test a blend of in-home and remote care options for older adults. The CareSensus well-being monitoring features discrete, camera-free sensors placed in the home to collect data on an older loved one’s unusual patterns of activities, such as taking much longer to get out of bed in the morning.

Via an online dashboard, the personalized blueprint of behavior is sent to the Right at Home remote care team who can then intervene earlier during a health complication or before a more serious medical event. Family caregivers also can access the dashboard to periodically review their loved one’s care. The CareSensus pilot continues in 25 Right at Home U.S. locations until December 2016.

Other home health innovations include the following:

• Wearable health devices such as wristbands, biometric shirts, goggles and more measure and collect data on everything from blood pressure to vision.
• Mobile device apps remind older adults to take their medication or can measure on the spot vital signs such as glucose and skin temperature.
• Sensor mattress mat tracks air-pressure fluctuations to monitor a person’s sleep patterns, heart rate and breathing. The thin pad fits under a mattress.
• Telemedicine uses movable robotic devices to allow doctors to complete real-time medical appointments or track health conditions remotely.
• Home automation auto-sets smart devices to simplify daily tasks such as opening or securing windows and doors, turning off appliances, adjusting the home’s temperature, and lowering countertops and shelves.

How could proactive home health technology help your senior age in place well?