Aging in place is a growing trend as more older adults express a desire to live independently in their own homes, even as they face the health challenges associated with aging. A large portion of older adults ages 50 to 80 (88%) feel it’s important to remain in their homes for as long as possible, according to a report from the University of Michigan. For many, the idea of staying in familiar surroundings provides comfort and a sense of autonomy. However, as people age, managing chronic illnesses and monitoring health become more difficult, often requiring frequent doctor visits or hospitalizations.
Fortunately, advances in healthcare technology, particularly cellular remote patient monitoring (RPM)™, are playing an increasingly significant role in making aging in place a viable option. RPM allows healthcare providers to track patients' health data in real-time without the need for them to be physically present at a medical facility. This technology benefits both seniors and their families, enabling better health management, early detection of potential issues, and fostering independence.
Cellular RPM provides an efficient way to track the status of seniors in their home, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. According to National Council On Aging research, 94.9% percent of adults age 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while 78.7% have two or more.
Using cellular RPM in their homes enables healthcare professionals to monitor health metrics, adjust treatment plans, and intervene, when necessary, without requiring patients to leave their homes. For older adults, RPM can be a game-changer, allowing them to maintain their independence while ensuring that their health is closely monitored.
How Remote Patient Monitoring Supports Aging in Place
Improved Health Monitoring
One of the main benefits of cellular RPM is that it allows older adults to manage their health without the need for constant visits to a healthcare provider. Seniors often deal with multiple chronic conditions that require regular monitoring, such as hypertension, diabetes, or respiratory issues. Cellular RPM devices can track critical health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and oxygen saturation, alerting healthcare providers to any irregularities. This continuous monitoring ensures that any potential health risks are identified early, reducing the likelihood of emergency hospital visits.
Reduced Hospitalizations and ER Visits
Hospital visits can be particularly taxing for older adults, not only physically but also emotionally. Frequent trips to medical facilities can: 1) interrupt daily routines, 2) contribute to stress, and 3) increase the risk of infections. RPM offers a preventive approach by detecting problems before they escalate. For example, a cellular RPM system that tracks blood pressure can help detect the early signs of a hypertensive crisis, allowing for timely intervention before the issue worsens. By reducing the number of hospital visits, RPM not only improves quality of life but also helps lower healthcare costs for seniors and their families.
Several studies and real-world implementations have demonstrated the effectiveness of RPM in reducing readmissions. Here are just a few examples:
- RPM has helped Frederick Health’s Chronic Care Management (CCM) program, a division of Frederick Health Home Care in Maryland, reduce hospital readmissions by 83% among telehealth patients, resulting in nearly $5.1 million in cost savings. There was also a 50% reduction in emergency department visits.
- Patients selected for Penn Medicine’s telehealth and RPM program utilized a 4G tablet and biometric monitoring devices to track and record their vital signs daily. Over three years of data from 818 heart failure patients, there was a 73% reduction in all-cause 30-day hospital readmissions.
- MaineHealth Care at Home (MHCAH) partnered with Health Recovery Solutions (HRS) to launch a telehealth and RPM program. Within the first year, MCHAH, which monitored 725 chronic care patients, reduced hospital readmissions by 75%.
- Twenty-five University Medical Center and Holy Name Hospital patients were assigned to the trial group and provided with HRS' 4G tablet, patient engagement software, and Bluetooth biometric monitoring devices. There was a 71% difference in hospital readmissions compared to the control and telehealth trial groups.
Enhanced Caregiver Support
For many seniors, family members or professional caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their ability to age in place. However, caregivers cannot always be present, and this can lead to anxiety or uncertainty about their loved one's well-being. Cellular RPM can help alleviate some of this stress. Most cellular RPM systems also allow caregivers to access health data, so they are kept in the loop and can collaborate with healthcare providers when needed. By enabling caregivers to track the patient's vital signs remotely, it provides them with the peace of mind to know that their loved one’s health is being managed effectively.
Increased Independence and Confidence
For some seniors, maintaining their independence is often as important as managing their health. The thought of being monitored constantly by a wearable device can feel invasive, but cellular RPM technology is designed to be unobtrusive and empowering. By simply testing a few times a day in their home, seniors can go about their daily routines knowing that their health is being monitored in real time, offering peace of mind without disrupting their autonomy.
Additionally, cellular RPM is easier for patients to use than Bluetooth®-connected devices because there is no synching, pairing, or WiFi needed for the results of a test to be transmitted instantly. This ease of use can help seniors manage their own health and well-being, reinforcing their ability to live independently and confidently.
Cost-Effective Healthcare
The cost of long-term care, including nursing homes, assisted living and home care services, can be prohibitive for many families. Cellular RPM offers a more cost-effective alternative, enabling seniors to stay in their homes while still receiving top-notch medical care. By reducing the need for in-person visits, emergency room trips, and hospitalizations, cellular RPM helps lower healthcare expenses. Furthermore, insurance companies and government programs are increasingly recognizing the value of RPM, and some are beginning to cover the costs associated with the technology.
Personalized and Proactive Healthcare
One of the most significant advantages of cellular RPM is its ability to provide personalized healthcare. Every person is unique, and cellular RPM systems can be tailored to monitor specific health concerns. For example, a patient with heart disease may need to use both a cellular-enabled blood pressure monitor to track real-time heart rate and a cellular scale to track weight so that their physician has the best data needed to monitor that particular patient.
This personalized approach allows healthcare providers to deliver proactive care, adjusting treatment plans based on the patient's current data. Instead of waiting for a routine check-up or a crisis, doctors can intervene in real-time, potentially preventing more severe health issues from arising.
Conclusion
Aging in place is a priority for many older adults, and cellular RPM provides a vital solution to make it a reality. By enabling real-time health monitoring, reducing hospital visits, supporting caregivers, and promoting independence, cellular RPM offers numerous benefits for both seniors and their families. It bridges the gap between healthcare and home, allowing older adults to live healthier, more independent lives without sacrificing safety or quality of care.
As technology continues to advance, the potential for cellular RPM to transform aging in place will only grow, making it an essential tool for the future of elder care.
