Hospital readmissions, i.e. a patient returning to hospital again shortly after being discharged, are a significant concern in elderly care, impacting not only patient well-being but also healthcare costs and resources. For elderly individuals, frequent hospital visits can lead to stress, reduced quality of life, and increased health risks. However, with advances in smart technology, it is now possible to monitor and support elderly individuals in real-time, helping to detect potential health issues before they escalate into emergencies that require trips back to the hospital. In this blog, we will look at how non-wearable, automated smart elderly care solutions can reduce hospital readmissions.
Compared to other segments of society, the elderly are particularly prone to frequent hospital readmissions due to a variety of factors, such as:
Traditional monitoring methods often rely on caregivers being physically present, which may not be feasible 24/7. But by leveraging smart technology, it is now possible proactively address these issues through continuous, automated monitoring without the need for the physical presence of a caregiver.
There are various smart elderly care solutions available today, but let us take for instance GF Technovation’s award-winning Vital Signs Monitoring Sensor shown above. It tracks essential health metrics—heart rate, respiratory rate, and motion—without the need for intrusive wearable devices or cameras. By autonomously collecting over 6,000 data points per day, the sensor provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s health. This real-time monitoring allows caregivers to detect early signs of deterioration, such as irregular heart rate or changes in respiratory patterns, which could indicate a developing health issue. Addressing these warning signs promptly can help prevent situations that might otherwise lead to hospitalization.
If there is a sudden change in an individual’s health condition, for instance abnormal heart rate or an unexpected movement (such as a fall), the Vital Signs Monitoring Sensor sends an immediate alert to caregivers. This instant notification enables caregivers to respond quickly, potentially preventing incidents from escalating. For example, if the sensor detects an unusually high respiratory rate, caregivers can intervene early, potentially avoiding respiratory complications that could lead to an ER visit.
Another big area for concern for the elderly is the danger of falls. They are not only one of the most common reasons for elderly hospital readmissions, but also a leading cause of fatalities, whether directly or indirectly. Again, GF Technovation has developed an advanced fall detection system that immediately alerts caregivers when a fall is detected, allowing for timely assistance. Additionally, by monitoring movement patterns, this solution can identify high-risk periods such as bed exiting or changes in mobility, helping caregivers take preventive measures before an actual fall occurs. See it in action below:
The Probability of Change (POBC) score, is a proprietary feature of GF Technovation’s monitoring systems. It continuously analyses data to detect subtle health changes over time. This scoring system flags any deviations from normal health patterns, allowing caregivers to prioritize attention for individuals who may be at higher risk. By highlighting these patterns early, the POBC score supports proactive interventions that can address issues before they necessitate hospitalization.
GF Technovation’s smart elderly care solutions can now been seen in many elderly care facilities where caregivers have observed a number of benefits, including:
Reducing hospital readmissions not only benefits the elderly by enhancing their quality of life but also alleviates pressure on healthcare systems and resources. GF Technovation’s smart elderly care solutions offer a new standard in elderly care, providing safety, comfort, and continuous health insights. By enabling proactive care and immediate response capabilities, this technology helps elderly individuals stay healthy, safe, and out of the hospital—where they can continue living with dignity and independence. To learn more, click here.
