Safe Monitoring for Independent Seniors: Tips Without Moving to a Facility

As our society ages, ensuring the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones who live independently remains a significant concern. Many families feel compelled to move their elderly relatives to assisted living facilities or nursing homes due to safety fears. However, there are other ways to keep them safe and in their own homes, using modern technology and innovative solutions.

Traditional Methods of Caregiving

One traditional method involves hiring a daily caregiver. Professional services like Visiting Angels offer companionship and checking visits. However, this can be costly for most families. Another option is for relatives to take on this role, serving as both care and companionship, which can be less expensive but may also require more time commitment.

For added safety, installing cameras inside the home is a practical option. These cameras can be accessed via a computer or smartphone, providing real-time monitoring. This is particularly useful for those who may not yet have severe cognitive impairments but need occasional oversight.

Life Alert Systems and Remote Patient Monitoring

For those with normal mental functions and minimal cognitive decline, a Life Alert-type system can be a reliable solution. This device is typically worn around the neck and has a button that, when pressed, summons immediate help. While this is a tried-and-true method, recent advancements in technology have introduced Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) as the most effective way to keep elderly parents safe from afar.

Remote Patient Monitoring: PCL Health

PCL Health, a company certified by the NHS and specializing in RPM, offers a comprehensive solution for elderly care. Through their advanced devices, families can monitor their elderly loved ones without them needing to be physically present for regular checkups. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

The user wears a RPM wearable device that captures essential health vitals, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, stress levels, sleep patterns, and more. Data is transmitted to a server and can be viewed through a smartphone or computer app by family members or healthcare professionals. Healthcare providers can analyze the data and take necessary actions, and users can receive health alerts, reminders, and communicate within the app.

Popular Remote Patient Monitoring Devices

Some popular RPM devices include:

Wearable watch Weight scales Glucometer Blood pressure cuff

Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring

The advantages of RPM are manifold. For healthcare professionals, it reduces stress and workload, allowing them to focus more on individual patient care. For elderly individuals, it eliminates the need for regular office visits, saving both time and money.

Additionally, RPM ensures smooth data transmission and provides easy access to medical reports. In case of emergencies, remote monitoring can help emergency medical teams provide immediate assistance, offering detailed explanations and prevention strategies.

While we have personal experiences of making difficult decisions, such as moving our loved ones to assisted living, technology has provided us with safer and more convenient solutions, keeping elderly individuals at home and healthy.

For more information on Remote Patient Monitoring and Home Care for Seniors, you can visit the PCL Health website. We believe these solutions will revolutionize the way we care for our elderly loved ones.