As medicine has evolved, people have become increasingly empowered in directing and influencing their own healthcare. Wireless health applications will take this sense of control and freedom to the next level.
With the ability to monitor their own health and wellbeing, individuals can preempt disease and manage their own treatment in conjunction with their physician. Wireless health devices can measure everything from glucose levels to calorie intake, allowing people to establish and track progress towards their health and fitness goals. Self-management has been shown to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital and emergency room visits, and increase satisfaction of overall care.
Wireless health solutions offer great benefits to every segment of our population. For example, for older adults, personal emergency response systems are being deployed to reduce risks associated with being frail and living alone, including falls. Independent living sensors that monitor activity, motion and location are being used as a leading indicator for potential physical or mental deterioration. Diagnostic tests for sleep disorders or cardiac arrhythmias can also be done within the privacy and comfort of home, or almost anywhere.
Wireless health solutions also offer enormous potential for the 44 million Americans caring for an older parent, friend or loved one. The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates these dedicated individuals provide an average of 21 hours of unpaid care per week to an adult relative or friend. They are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, spending more than $5,500 per year on out-of-pocket expenses related to caregiving. They report unmet needs such as "finding free time, managing emotional and physical stress, and balancing work and family responsibilities."
Wireless solutions will bring great "peace-of-mind" and practical solutions to caregivers by helping to ensure their loved one's health and safety.
