Choose IoT for Elderly Care
The phenomenon of aging is becoming more and more obvious, and its negative impact on society has attracted the attention of society. More technologies to effectively solve the independent living of the elderly should be promoted. Medical iot technology has proven to be the key to solving this problem, as it can provide effective care for the health of the elderly. The application of this technology is wide and it can be used by everyone regardless of age or industry. Our other articles have featured many applications of the Internet of Things. This article will focus on the specific benefits of IoT for elderly care. IoT devices can provide seniors and people who need special care with reliable and accessible convenience. For seniors who are isolated or living alone, IoT technology can attract the attention of caregivers or family members to spot changes in behavior in the senior. It can improve the efficiency of the healthcare industry and minimize the operating cost. What’s more, it can help seniors live independently while reducing government expenditure.
Why IoT for Elderly Care is Needed
The world population is predicted to reach 8 billion by 2023, and the problem of aging is becoming increasingly serious. In general, the aging rate of society is calculated based on the ratio of elderly people aged 65 to the population. According to statistics, the elderly population will reach 2.1 billion in 2050, accounting for 12 percent of the world’s population, and the ratio will reach 15 percent in 2025. In other words, 1.2 billion people will be 60 years or older in 2025. According to the report the United States. Census Bureau estimates the number of Americans 65 and over that age will reach 78 million by 2023. Today, the government distributes financial aid to 35% of older Americans, at an average annual cost of $26,000 per person. In addition to the serious aging of the elderly, young people do not have time to care for the elderly is also the main reason why the elderly are so dependent on the government. What’s more, with social changes such as increased geographic mobility and reduced community cohesion, older people are more isolated and therefore more vulnerable than ever. In addition, shelter-in-place orders issued in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the social exclusion and loneliness of older and vulnerable people, many of whom have developed serious health complications at the time. following.
Application of IoT for elderly care
With the help of smart home care solutions, the elderly can continue to live independently in their homes, such as IoT sensor allowing the family or caregiver to monitor the condition and location of the elder. And once the sensor detects any abnormal situation, the alarm setting will be triggered to send notification. With this follow-up, seniors can feel safe at home knowing that help is available in an emergency. Wireless call buttons provide an easy way to call for help independently in an emergency. It is available in many of our IoT sensors, for example, H3, H5, H6, H7, etc. A call from Panic Button can alert a family member, friend, or health experts.
Emergency call system helps promote independent living
Falls are a common accident among older people who become less responsive as they age. Therefore, prompt assistance at home and in nursing facilities is necessary. Our IoT wearables, combined with the Community RTLS, allow caregivers and family members to easily and effectively monitor the elderly. Seniors’ real-time location can be tracked indoors or outdoors, and a built-in emergency call system can help them get instant help in the event of a fall or other accident. System alarm settings can also be customized, including alerts triggered by buttons on IoT devices and automatic location alerts that indicate roaming, wandering, or lack of activity.
Various sensors can immediately notify staff of the behavior and condition of patients unable to care for themselves. In the case of an Alzheimer’s patient, “window sensors” can alert staff when the patient leaves or enters the room. Motion sensors placed at various locations in the nursing facility provide additional insight into patient movement. Wireless panic buttons can always be installed within easy reach, even in the bathroom. For more flexible patients, the emergency button can also be used as a portable device to ensure prompt assistance even if they cannot reach the wall-mounted emergency button. To reduce emergency response times, the system displays and records the current location of residents and workers in real time. Employees will receive instant notification through a connected mobile app, and those closest to the scene will be dispatched to provide assistance. The application of real-time location systems and IoT devices does not conflict with the autonomy and dignity that residents deserve. While helping seniors to live independently, we also ensure that their data will not be leaked to the outside world. We always respect the privacy of seniors.
Ensuring the safety of the elderly thanks to geolocation
RTLS sensors and beacons combine technologies such as Gen2IR, Wifi, RFID, and BLE. In addition to being worn on the body, it can also be installed in various places in the community, including floors, buildings, and bedrooms. Additional exterior or interior security zones can also be created by installations using GEO fences. And with beacons, cables, sensors, and other wearable IoT devices, family and staff can quickly and accurately locate seniors. By knowing the exact location of residents, pick-up times can be simplified. Location analysis can also help reveal any changes in residents’ daily lives. If residents begin to show unusual patterns, staff and family members can find out what is happening and make adjustments before a potentially dangerous or bad situation develops. Memory loss and cognitive impairment are common in older people. sometimes residents become forgetful and wander into restricted areas or leave buildings, leading to dangerous situations. Using RTLS and other IoT-enabled devices, workers can quickly and easily locate residents in real time and redirect them before they stray too far from the safety of their home. RTLS can be integrated with security and access control to actively restrict community areas. Sensors create interior GEO-fences and configure entrances. When certain dangerous residents approach monitored doors, elevators or other exit points, sensors lock entrances to unauthorized areas or alert personnel.