How New Technology Is Elevating Home Care

Getting care at home can be helpful and convenient for specific patients, including those who are recovering from surgery, older patients with mobility challenges and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The great news for these and other patient groups is that technological advances are making home health care even more available and effective.

This article describes some innovative tools and systems that healthcare professionals and organizations are using to serve patients at home.

9 Innovative Home Health Care Technologies

If you or a loved one is receiving care at home, you might find that your treatment is more effective than ever thanks to technological advances like these:

1. Telehealth visits: When the purpose of a healthcare appointment is a conversation rather than a hands-on exam, connecting via video conferencing can be ideal. It saves time and effort for the patient and is efficient for the provider. Advances in video conferencing platforms and services are making this an even more appealing option.
2. Remote monitoring: Devices that can track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate and glucose levels remotely assist in the treatment of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
3. Wearable smart technology: Smartwatches and similar devices are increasingly sophisticated and are playing an expanding role in home health care. They can be used for tracking vital signs and are also helpful in fall detection, sending alerts if a patient has fallen so help can be sent.
4. Smart home technology: Smart devices around the home are also helping improve the well-being of patients. For example, the ability of voice-activated assistants to control lights, thermostats, appliances and even door locks makes life easier for people with medical challenges.
5. AI-assisted data analysis: While artificial intelligence can’t make the type of human connection that a healthcare provider can, these systems are able to handle tasks like analyzing large data volumes to detect potential health issues and notifying care teams.
6. Virtual reality for rehabilitation: Therapists are increasingly using VR tools to help patients recover from injuries and medical procedures. For example, exercises provided through a VR headset can help improve a person’s balance and mobility. The ability to “gamify” therapy can also make it more fun and engaging.
7. Smart hygiene systems: Technologies like smart toilets can conveniently monitor metrics like hydration levels or detect potential infections.
8. Care coordination apps: New digital platforms are making it easier for healthcare professionals, patients and their loved ones to communicate about various issues like appointment scheduling, medication reminders, etc.
9. Robotic assistants: While these systems are still in the experimental phase for the most part, it won’t be long before robots are able to assist with basic tasks like retrieving objects, monitoring vital signs, detecting falls, assisting with mobility and others.

The Future of Advanced Technology in Home Health Care

Recent technological advances in the devices and systems used to care for patients at home have provided many benefits, including:

• Improved access to care
• More personalized treatment
• Enhanced patient involvement
• Greater adherence to treatment plans
• Increased cost-effectiveness

What will home health care look like a decade from now? It’s hard to say, but technology will likely support more effective care and improve the overall patient experience.

Talk With Your Baptist Health Provider About Home Health Care

If you believe you could benefit from home health care, talk with your provider. They can determine if you’re a good candidate for it and, if so, direct you to resources for learning more.

Our online directory is an excellent place to find a provider if you don’t have one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Home Care at Baptist Health
Medical Equipment Needed for Home Care
Manage Your Heart Health With Telehealth Home Monitoring
See a Doctor Online with Virtual Care eVisits