Embracing Technology...
It's Not Your Parent's "Big Brother"
by Allen Ray, CEO of CMI
The solution to many of these problems can be found by embracing technology as an optional form of service for all caregivers. While it’s not for everyone, it should be considered as an option to allow consumers to stay in the most independent setting possible. Here are a few samples of how technology can be used to allow increased opportunities for independent living:
- Family and Friends can access the web any time and from anywhere to trend activities like sleep patterns, meal preparation or the timeliness of medication dispensing. Caregivers can design customized parameters to be notified of exceptions to normal everyday patterns, such as: prolonged inactivity during certain hours when the individual would typically be moving about the home; a door or window being opened at unexpected hours; or an electric stove being on for longer than normal. Automated phone, text message, and email alerts let friends and family find out immediately if there’s a potential problem at the home of a loved one.
- Case Managers can access individualized reports containing valuable information about a care recipient’s day-to-day activities. Using this information, they can create a more accurate and useful Individualized Support Plan. Additionally, they can verify visits by professionals (Nursing, PT, OT, etc.) through the use of an entry and exit access code.
- Community and Home Health Agencies can use medical and disease management devices to analyze data trends as well as receive notifications for specified data anomalies. Data is stored in a password-protected web site. There is also a benefit in tracking employees through access codes to ensure accurate billing.
- Long-term Care Providers can be part of the paradigm of community services by becoming a part of the response team of caregivers. If a resident chooses, the local care provider can receive alerts and notifications for certain types of non-alarm events for which central station response might not be appropriate or effective. This direct monitoring connection between consumer and local care provider allows for a more tailored response in the event of a potential issue at the residence. It also lets care providers establish a link early on with consumers who live independently but may need additional long-term care supports in the future. By using electronic monitoring, campus providers can offer their consumers additional supports to “age in place.”
[Part 3 is tomorrow; Part 1 was yesterday]
