Smart safety wearables are making the case for emerging technologies in telehealth and patient monitoring. Whereas it was hard to know how a patient was doing without checking on them, modern apps and devices can provide real-time data at a distance, offering more independence to patients, such as elderly loved ones, from fall detection to continuous health monitoring.
Instant Emergency Notifications
There is a much higher chance of an accident, such as a fall, with patients over 65. However, that is also the age where even a slight fall can cause a lot of damage, such as a broken hip. This means an elderly relative may not be able to reach the phone after such an accident. However, there are handy devices available, such as the Life Assure emergency call button that can be worn like a necklace so your patient or elderly loved one can always call for help.
Automated Fall Detection
Falling is pretty common with older people, especially past the age of 65, where elderly patients account for over 60% of all hospital admissions. However, where a fall might once have been brushed off, it can be pretty serious for someone in their 60s and over. Bones aren’t strong when you get older, and there are often other medical issues that can make a fall much more serious, such as a heart condition. However, fall detectors can alert you when a fall happens.
Smart Safety Wearables Can Track Patients
It has been well-documented that around 60% of people with dementia-related illnesses will get lost at some point. One of the most common issues with elderly patients with a dementia condition is simply forgetting where they are or even where they live. However, devices like CPR Guardian can connect to GPS tracking apps so you can locate someone when they are feared missing. It can’t be overstated how much peace of mind something like this provides.
Continuous Health Monitoring
Most patients would rather be left alone and don’t like the fuss and stress that comes with medical treatment and regular check-ins. One of the best use cases for wearable technology is real-time health monitoring. With devices such as the Fitbit Inspire 3, it is relatively simple to monitor a patient’s health at a distance. This means the patient doesn’t have to come in at their inconvenience, and doctors can also track medical progress over time at their convenience.
Daily Activity and Medication Reminders
Medication is among the most critical parts of looking after elderly people. As we get older, we can have a range of issues, and just keeping track of tablets can be a challenge. With apps and devices such as a smart watch, it is relatively easy to set up reminders for taking medication, meaning a patient doesn’t have to rely on someone else. You can also set reminders for small but powerful activities that make a difference to senior health, such as taking a 15-minute walk.
Summary
Instantly alerting emergency services to a critical incident is one of the best reasons to offer smart safety wearables to elderly relatives or patients. However, smart technology can also use GPS to track patients who go missing, and smartwatches can remind patients of medication.
