Remote Health Monitoring Technology Helps Older Adults Stay Safe in Their Homes

From wearable technology to virtual nurse visits, older adults and the establishments serving them have embraced technology to promote safety and monitor individual health. 

While many believe that technology is for the young, studies have found that many older adults are flexible and interested in using tech solutions like remote health monitoring even well into their 90s. After all, these are individuals who may have watched the first moon landing, purchased the first PCs or even invested in nascent internet startups.

Technology and remote health monitoring was a growing trend before the pandemic and has only seen an upswing in recent years, aging services providers are utilizing its potential to help local aging adults stay safe at home.

Here are some life-changing ways individuals are using remote health monitoring technology right now.

Tech-savvy adults are using tablets to video chat with their loved ones around the country or feel empowered right in their own homes. Within its assortment of high-quality aging services, Knute Nelson offers innovative, remote health monitoring solutions for older adults living at home.

For staying in touch and monitoring health remotely, Knute Nelson telehealth services feature a tablet along with a suite of devices. Each kit is customized for specific needs, such as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, or scales, among other options, and supported by Knute Nelson’s expert staff.

Feeling isolated or lonely at home are concerns for many aging adults. Remote Health Monitoring through Knute Nelson allows older relatives to remain connected with their primary family caregiver wherever they are. The telehealth tablet makes it easy to text, video conference or receive and send pictures. The joy of seeing your children’s and grandchildren’s smiles instantly makes a day feel brighter. For older adults, maintaining social connections even over the phone or computer with other people is important for overall well-being.

Through Knute Nelson Remote Health Monitoring, individuals check their vitals using Bluetooth-enabled devices and answer a series of daily questions, including signs and symptoms of COVID-19. A Knute Nelson nurse reviews the information each day and then follows up with any questions or concerns. If necessary, a nurse will contact your physician. 

Checking in frequently alleviates stress for many older adults and their families. Having an expert reviewing your health data also takes the guesswork out of understanding what numbers on a blood pressure cuff really mean or other feedback. It also minimizes trips to doctors’ offices, which relieves the travel burden for those with mobility issues or chronic health conditions.

In addition to receiving support in the comfort of their own home, the Knute Nelson tablet features educational videos and articles about specific conditions. To make sure you’re eating healthy, the tablet provides nutritional guidance and tips based on your individual health needs. Sticking to a healthy diet and staying properly hydrated are challenges for some older adults. However, knowing when and what you should be eating can improve your quality of life.

Managing multiple medications each day is one of the biggest hurdles for aging adults at home, especially with new prescriptions or schedule changes. To stay on top of medications, a medication management device dispenses doses at the right time and right amount. The device is programmed with automated reminders for taking medications and only dispenses them at pre-set times to avoid double doses or missed pills. Knute Nelson can also assist individuals who need help setting up the device to ensure they receive all the right medications.

Falls, hospitalization and emergency room visits are top worries for many older adults living on their own. A wearable, such a Personal Emergency Response system, is a solution for safety and peace of mind. In emergencies, it offers dual protection. When the device senses a fall, it alerts emergency services. Or, you can press an alert button when you need help. To get started with a wearable, a trained Knute Nelson team member helps with setup. Users also have access to 24/7 support year-round for questions or troubleshooting.