By 2030, one in six people will be 60 years old or over, increasing the demand for care and intensifying the burden on an already strained healthcare system. These pressures require healthcare leaders to identify more sustainable solutions that deliver optimal care to the growing senior population.
An AARP report found that technology use amongst older adults has significantly increased since the pandemic. This population’s adoption of digital solutions opens the door for more tools to reduce the burden on the healthcare system while also addressing the care needs of patients. As a result, the industry can look towards technology-enabled care as a vital resource to improve outcomes for older adults while meeting the increased demand for healthcare services overall.
The impact of tech-enabled care on older adults
Technology-driven healthcare solutions, such as in-home vitals monitoring, enable increased access to care for the Medicare population and support improved health outcomes by supplementing clinical care and helping to address acute and chronic conditions from the comfort of the patient’s home. Real-time or near real-time monitoring devices can be programmed to report vitals daily to a clinical support team, sharing critical health information that alerts care teams before an emergent episode. With them, care teams have access to more information that enables patients to receive necessary interventions sooner and mitigate adverse health outcomes.
Tech-enabled care supports preventative intervention for patients and alleviates pressure on the healthcare system. For example, monitoring solutions offer a proactive approach to senior care. By equipping seniors with wearable devices and smart home technologies, healthcare providers can monitor vital signs, detect early warning signs of health issues, and provide timely interventions from a distance.
Along with monitoring devices, seniors can utilize coaching and virtual care management to understand biometric readings and receive care for any actionable readings. Furthermore, automated medication dispensers provide audio and visual reminders for when it’s time to take medications, simplifying the management of multiple medications and reducing the risk of missed or double doses. These devices can also include 24/7 live monitoring for a clinical support team to follow up with the patient or caregiver. Vitals monitoring reduces hospital admissions and readmissions for seniors and emergency care utilization. This comprehensive approach improves seniors’ health outcomes and enhances their sense of security and independence.
Improved care starts in the home
Healthcare services are increasingly being delivered outside traditional clinical settings, so there’s an urgency to meet patients where they are. Consistent engagement with tech-enabled tools can educate members on their health while health plans collect data to assist with preventive healthcare measures, navigate the health system, and reduce costs. The data collected from these tools can lead to a better distribution of resources and ultimately improve care for this population, further reducing pressures on the healthcare system. Monitoring solutions can provide a data-driven, holistic member view and encourage good health by addressing health-related social needs.
93 percent of adults 55 and older prefer to age in place, and technology supports them safely while providing their loved ones with peace of mind. Personal emergency response systems (PERS) provide around-the-clock assistance, including fall detection, enabling seniors to live safely and independently at home while staying connected to the care they need.
With PERS, patients are a press of a button away from a knowledgeable representative who can provide a friendly conversation for seniors experiencing loneliness or dispatch emergency services if the patient needs immediate assistance. Thus, seniors are empowered to stay in their own homes longer, safely, and comfortably, and their loved ones can worry less.
There will be 77 million people aged 65 and older in the U.S. by 2034, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, so we must equip them with services that allow them to thrive while maintaining their independence. Seniors deserve to age in the comfort of their homes, and the healthcare industry needs to be able to effectively deliver care at home to keep the older population safe and healthy.
Technology-enabled care is necessary to meet the increasing demand for care as the population ages. By making tools and resources available to older adults that promote independence, value-based care, and increased access, we can optimize health outcomes while reducing the strain on the healthcare ecosystem.
About L. Heath Sampson
Heath Sampson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Modivcare, a technology-enabled healthcare services company that provides a platform of integrated supportive care solutions focused on improving health outcomes. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Heath has a proven track record of driving transformation and growth. He joined Modivcare in February 2021 as Chief Financial Officer and played a pivotal role in the company’s focus on innovative healthcare solutions through supportive care services.
Prior to Modivcare, Heath served as the CEO of Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc., where he led a significant turnaround. He has also held key leadership roles at Square Two Financial and First Data Corporation.
