Today, many seniors live alone and away from their family support system. Pew Research revealed one in five Americans do not live near relatives. While 55% of Americans live within an hour’s drive of family, it is little consolation during a medical emergency. With age, the possibility of a health emergency becomes more of a reality, especially for those with chronic illnesses.
The idea of facing it alone can be stressful. For loved ones who cannot realistically check in daily guilt and worry can ensue. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has emerged as a solution for meeting this situation head-on, providing security and relief for seniors and their families. RPM systems consistently monitor patient health status, transmitting vital data securely and in real-time to a care team and approved family members. Read on to learn more about the comfort and security RPM provides.
The immediate nature of RPM is its largest asset. It instantly transmits health data to the key players of a patient’s healthcare team, informing them of changes in their condition. RPM devices monitor chief health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, glucose levels, and respiratory function. All readings go to a care team, including a patient’s provider. Any data that falls outside the established normal boundaries sends an alert, which starts a process for checking in with the patient.
Mobile apps or online dashboards allow family to learn the patterns of their loved one’s health and stay informed about changes. An alert will signify if there is a reason for concern, and the family can reach out to their loved one as soon as possible to be sure everything is in hand. The visibility and accessibility of RPM systems can help to bridge the physical distance between families with an aging or ill loved one, offering comfort.
Early Intervention and Reduced Hospital Visits
Many seniors are affected by chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illness. These conditions can worsen over time and change rapidly with relatively small interferences, such as a cold, missed medication, or a change in diet. The natural inclination for patients experiencing uncomfortable symptoms when a doctor’s office is closed is to call an ambulance or go to the emergency room. Because RPM devices detect critical changes in vital signs, like an increase in blood pressure or a drop in blood oxygen, a patient’s healthcare team is already aware of their situation and can help the patient proactively manage their symptoms. For example, steadily rising blood pressure could prompt a medication change before a hypertensive situation develops.
The results of a 12-month study of cardiac patients revealed that RPM reduced the hospital readmission rate by 50% among the test subjects. Fewer hospitalizations are less taxing for the patient, less costly, and less burdensome for the medical system. A proactive approach is also just better healthcare.
Many RPM devices automatically alert responders of medical emergencies, like falls or severe health occurrences. Some wearable devices compatible with RPM systems have GPS functionality so emergency teams can locate a patient quickly if they cannot provide a location. This assurance is invaluable for seniors who live alone and those who love them.
Managing a complex medication schedule is a major challenge among seniors and those with chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, missed medication or improper dosing can have considerable health implications. RPM has a few solutions to remedy this common issue. First, most RPM systems help patients adhere to their treatment plans with medication reminders and tracking. Additionally, some RPM providers offer smart pill dispensers with a timed release to allot medication at specific times and issue notifications about missed doses. These features improve medication adherence and, therefore, patient health over time. They also alleviate the worries of family members concerned about proper medication use in their absence.
Maintaining independence is paramount for aging adults, and RPM provides the safety and support they require while creating a space for continued freedom and autonomous living. Health services are there as needed, and families can feel connected and relaxed knowing that measures are in place for monitoring vitals, dispensing medications, routine check-ins, emergencies, and continued education.
As medical needs increase, the demands of supporting loved ones in their care can be overwhelming for families, especially those who live at a distance. RPM connects the emotional and physical divide between patients and their families and helps patients feel safe and supported while continuing to live independently. Real-time monitoring and proactive intervention ensure that patients stay on track with their treatment and effectively manage their symptoms, promoting long-term wellness and improving outcomes.
To learn more about RPM devices and CCM through Nsight, click HERE to schedule a demo today. Whether you are a patient or provider looking to learn more about RPM, we would love to hear from you.