Best elderly monitoring system

At The Access Group we understand the benefits of being able to monitor conditions remotely for loved ones,  health and care professionls, and the end-users themselves. We want to provide you all the information in one place to make it easier to decide which monitoring system is best.

In this article we will review what monitoring systems are for the elderly, and what are the types of monitoring systems and their benefits, as well as what Access Assure can provide you to make managing conditions a lot easier whether it is at home or remotely to improve outcomes and improve quality of life.

What is remote care monitoring?

Remote care monitoring is technology and equipment which allows the behavioural patterns, vital signs and symptoms of individuals to be tracked, recorded, and monitored outside conventional clinical settings.

Often remote care monitoring is used within an individual’s home or a care home with the aim to offer better person-centred care which can quickly be adapted as needs change.

It is proven that many individuals recover better and quicker in the comfort of their own home but often their home lacks the facilities needed to be able to closely monitor someone’s condition and prevent readmission. This in turn, can lead to long discharge delays where instead of allowing a patient to be discharged alternative care arrangements need to be made such as have carers visit the home, or move the patient into a care home.

Remote care monitoring therefore, allows the latest technology to collect the data and information needed and transmit it between people being cared for, care providers, and healthcare professionals to ensure individuals get the support they need.

In the past few years we have seen a rise in the use of remote monitoring, telecare, and telehealth services since the covid pandemic. In 2020 the main reason for the rise was to help keep patients and healthcare professionals safe and reduce transmission rates.

Now it is continually being used to help reduce discharge delays, encourage independence, and prolong future care needs, by offering the reassurance that help can always be provided as needs change before something more critical happens.

Aged-care monitoring systems – What are they?

Elderly monitoring systems are devices or services that collect data on individual’s health, behaviour, and activity within their home. They are designed to give end-users, caregivers, and their loved ones a peace of mind by allowing them to continue to age in their own home happily, healthily, and safely.

Often when loved ones look to invest in an activity monitoring system for the elderly, it is assumed that they are just medical alert or alarm systems. However with the UK’s aging population continuing to grow and the number of falls older adults have continuously increasing, the need for monitoring systems to be more sophisticated is crucial regardless of their needs.

It is thought that people aged 65 and above are at the highest risk of falling and around half of people aged 80 and over fall at least once a year.

With demands growing and changing services have developed dramatically over the last few years and have become more specialized to make remote monitoring even easier, whilst achieving the same aims as before.

Aged-care monitoring systems are vital therefore to help deliver more preventative and personalised care across the care continuum and allow individuals to stay independent for longer.

Why are elderly monitoring systems important?

It can be argued that elderly monitoring systems have always been important, but even more so in the past few years.

The effects of the pandemic meant more older and more vulnerable adults were left isolated and alone for longer periods of time without seeing friends and family. Without having patient monitoring systems installed it wasn’t always easy to track whether older adults or older parents were ok and safe within their homes.

Without aged-care monitoring systems installed in the homes, the risks of prolonged hospital admissions, long waiting times, and readmissions are high. Families and loved ones would have to rely on telephone calls to ensure their loved ones were safe. On a normal day-to-day basis this would be fine, however in a time where something more critical could happen, the risk of a loved one or an isolated individual getting to the landline after a fall for example can be limited.

With our global aging population continuing to rise and the elderly monitoring market being worth $2.92 billion in 2022 and its expected growth to  be $6.04 billion by 2030, the importance of elderly monitoring systems has never been so crucial.

Having aged-care monitoring systems are important as not only does it benefit the end-user and their loved ones, it can benefit their community, clinicians, and the NHS as a whole.

To be able to monitor care at a distance aged-care monitoring systems are important as they offer a solution that is flexible, reliable, and easy to use so loved ones can be monitored from afar. This in turn, reduces stress and carer burnout as well as allowing older adults to live more independently whilst knowing there is support available whenever they need it.

What are the benefits of activity monitoring systems for the elderly?

1. Feel reassured

Both end-users and their loved ones can feel reassured that they are safe. Through using smart technology such as mobile apps it can be easy to check how a loved one is doing regardless of where you are or how busy life gets.  

Some devices also allow the option to create specialized alerts so you can track more day-to-day things such as when they went to bed to if a loved-one’s blood pressure decreases. That way loved ones can always be notified when there are behaviour changes before something more critical takes place.

If the devices installed are equally easy to use and easy to communicate with, this can reassure loved ones and the end-users even further as they will have peace of mind that if an emergency occurs they would never be alone.

2. Maintain independence

Another reason why activity monitoring systems for elderly care is important is because it can maintain their independence at home for longer.

The functionality of monitoring systems means that individuals can remain in their homes for longer more safely and comfortably. It can also encourage older adults to be more proactive in managing their health. They can learn to notice signs when their health could be in decline and what to do to resolve this.

This is also beneficial to both local authorities and clinicians as by having monitoring systems installed in the home, hospital discharge delays can be reduced. Here aged care monitoring systems can allow patient’s homes to pass their discharge assessment by providing a safe place for patients to be discharged to. This in turn, reduces the need to find spaces in care homes which can significantly delay hospital discharge delays further.

It is important for local authorities to commission elderly monitoring systems therefore as it helps provide individuals a better quality of life through helping people maintain a sense of self-worth and individuality. This is important for local authorities as it will show how risks are being prevented to encourage longer and more fulfilling independent lives during CQC’s inspections of local authorities.

For clinicians this is important as monitoring systems in the home can prevent hospital admissions and readmissions. Evidence of care homes using telemedicine and telehealth services after falls has suggested that the NHS have nearly saved £10 million in less than four years in ambulances and hospital admissions related to falls.

Therefore elderly monitoring systems are important as they can provide a better quality of life and offer a great cost-effective alternative care option where individuals that can live longer in their homes can with the support they require, instead of moving into a residential care home. Clinicians workloads can be reduced and the amount of emergency visits to hospital can be reduced too, reducing the waiting times for beds in hospitals and subsequently the waiting times to be discharged too. Local authorities can also be reassured that through commissioning activity monitoring systems for the elderly their independence can be maintained and their quality of life can be improved.

Remote monitoring in care homes – Why is it needed? 

Similar to remote monitoring in home care, there are many reasons why it is important in care homes. As workloads continue to build and staff shortages rise, remote monitoring in care homes can offer a great solution to manage these issues better and deliver more effective personalised and preventative care.

Finding ways to improve the care you deliver in any care home should always be a top priority. Through being able to closely monitor all residents continuously, even when there are staffing issues, remote monitoring offers a way to reduce the admin burden on carers to allow them more time to deliver a better continuity of care, as well as reduce staff burnout.

Some of the other reasons why implementing remote care monitoring into care homes is important are:

1. Offers more enhanced safety

Through being able to continuously have a close eye on residents’ health status early detection of any concerning changes or emergencies can be notified.

Here remote monitoring can detect subtle changes which would otherwise go unnoticed in regular check – ups. This proactive approach enables healthcare providers to identify potential health concerns much earlier on to reduce the risk of further health implications.

This is a big improvement on the many types of personal alarm systems that are currently used in care, where interventions are reactive and made only when for example a person has fallen. Instead, intelligent remote monitoring allows care homes to see the signs a fall is likely soon and take steps to prevent it happening.

2. Improves the management of chronic conditions

Once an individual moves into a care home they often will have multiple health issues, with some suffering with chronic health conditions which require ongoing monitoring and management. Remote monitoring in care homes allows these conditions to be tracked more effectively through optimising support that best supports the individual’s needs.

For residents in care homes that are more mobile, it can help them be more independent with managing their own health and quickly understand what can happen when their condition changes and what the best next steps are.

3. Data-driven decision making

One of the final reasons why remote monitoring is important for care homes is because the data collected offers valuable insights into residents’ health trends and patterns. From this information healthcare providers can make better informed decisions about care plans, medication adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations, to lead to better personalised and effective care, whilst providing loved ones the reassurance they are getting the support they need.

Aged care monitoring systems – Examples

Like previously discussed aged-care monitoring systems nowadays can be different and specialize on monitoring specific vital signs or help manage one specific condition.

Regardless of the condition a monitoring system targets, all will aim to help manage chronic conditions at home for a better quality of life.

Digital telecare is often the umbrella term referring to the monitoring systems which can track older adults day-to-day activities. Their behaviour and symptoms can be measured and tracked in a variety of ways using a range of electronic devices, community alarms, and health tracking.

 There are many examples of digital telecare that are used on a daily basis to monitor elderly patients remotely and with the advances of technology it is becoming easier and easier.

Below are some examples of some of the most popular elderly monitoring systems and types of digital telecare used today:

1. Fall detection sensors

Fall detection sensors for the elderly are one of the most common types of monitoring systems for older adults.

Fall detectors work by having an accelerometer installed which is programmed to identify when movement of an individual is an every-day activity or whether movement was a result of a fall.

Like already discussed the aftercare of a fall can cost the NHS millions. By having monitoring systems in the home which can identify when these happen, future falls can be prevented and the severity of injuries after a fall can also be reduced.

Fall detection sensors are good for older adults that have mobility issues, individuals who are susceptible to heart attacks or strokes, and individuals that may have diabetes or other conditions which cause your blood sugar to fluctuate.

2. Patient Monitoring Systems

Patient monitoring systems are great to be installed in the home if there is a specific vital sign that needs to monitored. For example blood pressure, blood sugar, or oxygen levels.

These types of systems help older adults manage their health and wellbeing more efficiently. It also allows caregivers to track levels remotely so care plans can be easily adjusted as needs change.

Patient monitoring systems also allow individuals to be monitored in virtual wards before being clinically discharged reducing emergency hospital admissions in the future.

However, if an individual has lots of physiological signals that need to measured, patient monitoring systems can get complex and frustrating for end-users, especially if they are experiencing cognitive delays or confusion. This is because if this is the case a home will need to have multiple machines to measure each sign separately.

3. Baby Monitors

Monitoring elderly parents remotely can start with baby monitors. Here the functionality of baby monitors are useful as it helps caregivers and loved ones to see, hear, and respond to the needs of an older adult.

These can also be useful for older adults who have dementia. This is because it can be difficult to monitor due to the erratic behaviour they can portray.

Baby monitors which have 2-way audio are best as this can give caregivers the ability to help with monitoring older adults to keep their loved ones safe and help them be free to move around the house without harming themselves or others.

It is advised that if baby monitors are going to be used they should be placed in strategic locations as well as motion and door sensors so it can be recorded if an older individual walks off at random parts of the day.

4. ‘Grandparent’ monitor

‘Grandparent’ monitors are simple passive monitoring systems which track the movements and activities of a loved one 24/7.

Normally these types of monitors will come with a camera system with inbuilt motion detectors for every room in the house.

These monitors can detect falls, check indoor temperatures, and help older individuals to communicate with their loved ones, and this often occurs through using compatible smartphone apps.

5. Community Alarms

Another popular example of an elderly monitoring system are community alarms. Community alarm systems can vary depending on an individual’s needs.

Personal and community alarm systems are often wearable alarms such as pendants or watches which can give individuals the freedom to live more independently.

There can be a variety of types including basic personal alarms, community alarms, and mobile alarms. All have great benefits but if an alarm is needed which can an older individual at home and when are out and about mobile alarms can be best, due to them often having GPS tracking installed so when an emergency happens it can be easy to identify where an individual is.

6. Digital Telecare

Finally digital telecare devices often are used like pendants and work by sending radio signals to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) where they will decide the best next call to action.

Digital telecare is effective as even if the user is unable to speak the ARC will be able to identify where the alarm has come from and the type of alarm which has been set off to select and organise the most suitable response.

One major benefit of digital telecare is that there are a range of devices which can be used depending on a person’s needs. For example telecare can connect to a variety of sensors including kettles, motion, door sensors, fall detectors to send alerts when an individual’s day to day activities change. Telecare can also detect environmental issues such as heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide to ensure personal safety.

Here this proactive way of monitoring can provide families peace of mind and reassurance support will always be there when it is needed.

Activity monitoring systems for elderly – How can Access TEC help?

Like already discussed there is a variety of monitoring systems available depending on the individual need. At Access TEC we go one step further and offer both a proactive and preventative digital monitoring system to deliver better joined-up person-centred care across the health and social care market.

Through being consumer focused and being able to easily adapt to individual needs we allow the opportunity for multiple vital signs to be collected, measured, stored, analysed onto one single platfrom via our Home Hub and Access Assure App.

Our technology combines traditional reactive alarm functionality and proactive digital monitoring to track and learn daily activities in a matter of 14 days to provide both reassurance and support when behaviours and health situations change.

We make using our service as easy as possible for end-users, their families and clinicians alike as we are aware of the challenges that can occur in providing telehealth to older adults and we want to provide the best quality of care possible across the care continuum.

Our latest integration with our care planning solution allows care workers to have visibility of smart alerts and alarms from the Home Hub in our care planning mobile app so all the information needed is found in one place. This, in turn, offers seamless communication between carers, healthcare professionals, the individual, and the two solutions themselves to deliver better proactive care.

More independence can be given to older adults and they can be reassured that timely support will always be given whenever a smart alert or alarm is triggered to care staff.

Our technology enabled care therefore provides an easy to use Home Hub and app to make this even easier by allowing users to create smart alerts to make tracking specific conditions even more effective.

What is the best elderly monitoring system?

In this article we have reviewed what aged-care monitoring systems are and why they are important, and we have evaluated some of the most popular types of monitoring systems and who they might be best for.

We explained that baby monitors with two-way audio can be a good way to monitor older adults with dementia, but how you would need the addition of door and motion sensors to be able to record more erratic behaviour successfully.

‘Grandparent’ monitors were good to passively monitor day-to-day activities of older adults whilst also being able to record temperatures and detect falls all in one.

Both community alarms and fall detection sensors are good if more specific things want to measured and are better if an older adult is more prone to falls due to the chronic conditions they are living with.

Some community alarms can also be good to encourage further independence as mobile alarms allow individuals to be GPS tracked when they are outside the home, so if they need help when out and about they can easily be located.

Patient monitoring systems are also good if there is a particular vital sign that needs to be measured for a particular condition, however it can get more complex and confusing for end users if multiple things need to be measured as it often leads to them having multiple machines and systems.

We’ve explained how all of these types can be good and beneficial in different ways depending on an older adult’s condition. But if your local authority or your loved one needs something which combines key features across all the types of elderly monitoring systems we have discussed, then our Assure service may be the right option for you.

Here our proactive and preventative approach to technology-enabled care and digital telecare can provide the reassurance needed whilst improving individuals’ quality of life by delivering the best continuity of care.

To find out more information ask your provider to contact us today and we can start making managing long-term conditions in older adults easier, safer, and better to improve the quality of life for both themselves and their community.