Recent News

Recently Published Findings Say ABS Is “The Most Accurate” For Bed Exit Detection

Recently published findings from a study on consumer-grade bed sensors and their ability to detect when an occupant exits a double-occupied bed found that compared to 2 other popular brands of bed sensors, our Adaptive Bed Sensor provided “the most accurate measurement of bed exit/entry with only a single error over 54 nights of testing” [1]. Our Adaptive Bed Sensor’s exceptional exit-event detection ability makes it a must-have device in any aging in place monitoring system. To learn more, follow the link to the publication below.

The Case for Passive Detection Devices

Many companies wanting to get into the aging-at-home monitoring space make the mistake of relying solely on passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors and wearable personal emergency response systems, such as call pendants, to provide room presence detection and patient safety for their monitoring platform. While similar devices have a long and proven history in the home security monitoring space, they are not adequate to provide meaningful protection to elderly patients at risk for falls in their home. For this age group, every single fall event is potentially life threatening.

PIR sensors are great for detecting whether or not movement is occurring somewhere within its viewing space, but it cannot provide the granularity to detect the presence of a person at a specific location within that space. For patients with pets, the PIR sensor may not reliably discern between movement of the patient and movement of the pet. Furthermore, because they only detect motion, PIRs cannot distinguish between a person standing still and a person lying motionless on the floor, and can provide false positives from sunlight, bright light sources, or sudden temperature changes within the environment. Some PIR sensors do not work well in areas where the ambient air temperature is elevated, such as a steamy shower room.

As a workaround for these PIR shortcomings, a wearable personal emergency response system may seem like an attractive method for providing a means for the patient to receive medical attention during a fall event. Unfortunately, these types of devices have a low percentage of patient compliance for reasons such as: the patient forgetting to keep the device charged, the patient forgetting to wear the device at all times, or the patient not wanting to wear a medical device at all. Also, even if the patient is wearing a functional device at the time of a fall, the patient may not be able to activate the device due to being unconscious, not being able to push the button well enough due to arthritis, the patient forgetting they are wearing the device, having the device swing into an unreachable position to the patient’s backside during the fall event, or the patient deciding not to trigger the device during the fall event.

To address this, Telehealth Sensors has developed a line of pressure activated passive detection devices to be used in conjunction with standard PIR motion sensors and call pendants. These devices can be placed on furniture such as chair cushions and under bed mattresses, and communicate with the monitoring platform wirelessly via Telehealth Sensors’ Smartbox, a battery powered transmitter which can be programmed to operate on any platform’s specific wireless protocol.

These devices provide a monitoring platform with reliable presence detection at the places within a home most used by the patient. With this extra level of presence detection, a platform can more intelligently determine if a period of no motion detection anywhere within the home is cause for alarm, or simply that the patient is, for example, resting on their favorite recliner chair. With these devices, a platform can be set up to alert a caregiver when the patient has spent too much time at a given location. This can be critical for patients who need to maintain a level of activity throughout their day. The devices can also be used by a platform for trending activity data which may reveal subtle changes to a person’s daily routine. These changes can be indicators of their changing health. This knowledge can help caregivers intervene early before any deterioration in health becomes serious. Telehealth Sensors’ pressure activated passive detection devices provide a more complete level of safety and health monitoring not found in PIR sensors and call pendants alone.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Aging in place, Caregiving, monitoring, Presence detection, Technology |

Warning Signs of Incontinence

Accidental leakage can be an embarrassing issue. Incontinence is even worse. More than 51% of people over 65 years old are affected and are left at a loss of how to rectify the problem.

Significant changes in your urinary habits, including leakages when you cough or sneeze, frequent urination, or pain while urinating, could be signs of an incontinence problem. Read on to learn more about the most common causes of incontinence.

Medications

Many commonly prescribed drugs are often to blame for leaks when you laugh, cough, or sneeze. Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, diuretics, and even some over-the-counter cold medicines have been found to exacerbate the issue. Any recent changes in your daily medication regimen could be the culprit. Fiber supplements at buoyhealth helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.

Overactive bladder

Urge incontinence, or a strong, sudden gush of urine, is usually caused by an overactive bladder. This is often a symptom of a more serious underlying issue, such as nerve damage from a stroke, complications with diabetes, or prostate problems in older men. To help reduce the urge to urinate, men can consider taking Prostadine. Make sure to buy this supplement to legitimate manufacturers to avoid Prostadine scam.

An infection or hernia are also likely causes and are important to see your doctor to receive proper treatment. You can also visit https://bio-sharing.org/leukopack-options for leukopack options.

The Telehealth Toilet Sensor helps users identify forthcoming urinary complications. Our sensor is placed around the neck of the toilet and is activated when someone is on or in front of the toilet. Because it activates separately from the toilet’s flushing mechanism, users can detect the frequency and duration of bathroom visits, giving them access to a more complete data collection and problem solving tool.

Bathroom privacy and the ability to prevent embarrassing accidents are important to most people, especially as they get older. We have worked hard to make the Toilet Sensor a useful and discrete home health monitor.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Navigating kidney disease

Kidney disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. While the causes and severity of kidney disease vary, early detection and treatment are essential for managing the condition and preserving kidney function.

Treatment for kidney disease typically focuses on addressing underlying causes, managing symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease. Depending on the type and stage of kidney disease, treatment options may include medication, lifestyle modifications, dialysis, or kidney transplant.

Medications play a crucial role in managing kidney disease by controlling blood pressure, reducing proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), and preventing complications such as anemia and bone disease. Commonly prescribed medications include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, and phosphate binders.

Lifestyle modifications are also important for managing kidney disease and preventing complications. Patients are advised to follow a renal-friendly diet low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight, and quit smoking. Regular exercise, adequate hydration, and stress management techniques can also support kidney health and overall well-being. Visit sites like http://www.thekidneydocs.com/ for additional guidance.

In advanced stages of kidney disease, when kidney function declines significantly, dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary. Dialysis involves using a machine to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood artificially. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis, which uses a machine to filter blood, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood. Kidney transplant, on the other hand, involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.

Posted in Resources |

Introducing the Telehealth Toilet Sensor

We are so excited to introduce the Toilet Sensor, a recent advancement in the home healthcare and post-acute care monitoring market. The Toilet Sensor can be paired with an alarm system to detect when someone stands in front of or sits on the toilet. Paired with an appropr TOILET-MAT iate monitoring system, this allows a caregiver to monitor frequency of use as well as duration of each use. With an accurate picture of a patients’ routines, they will have the possibility of catching the onset of certain Urological issues before they manifest into large debilitating problems.

There are a few different types of sensors commercially available for measuring bathroom use, such as a toilet flush sensor that is installed in the tank of the toilet. However, the sensor was developed to address three different issues we saw with these sensors: determining duration of use, detecting when a toilet is used without flushing, and the emergence of tank less toilets.

The Telehealth Toilet Sensor is a mat that is placed around the neck of the toilet and detects the presence of someone on or in front of the toilet. It is constructed from a durable water resistant polyvinyl top layer and a water resistant, PVC coated non-slip bottom layer. Both our sensor and the typical flush sensor detect the frequency of use, but only our sensor can also detect the duration of a toilet use. This additional information can give a caregiver a better idea of a person’s routine as well as any deviation away from this routine.

While flushing the toilet after every use is a habit by many people, it is also common to see and hear of situations in which a person may not flush. Some reasons may include water conservation or simply not wanting to disturb someone who is in the next room. Whatever the reason, sensors placed in the tank become less effective because they may miss some bathroom uses when the toilet is not flushed. Without a log of every bathroom use, you get an incomplete picture of a person’s daily activities and well-being.

Thirdly, with new construction of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, not all installed toilets have tanks that sensors can be installed in. These toilets rely on the water pressure of the building to provide the force necessary to flush the toilet. These toilets are commonly seen in public restrooms as well as commercial restrooms. Our Toilet Sensor can be used with any toilet or urinal, regardless of its flushing mechanism.

Finally, bathroom privacy is an issue that most, if not all, people are concerned with. Cameras and even motion sensors are frequently unwelcome in the bathroom due to privacy concerns. Therefore, we have worked hard to make the Toilet Sensor be a non-invasive sensor that still delivers useful and important data to caregivers who are concerned about the health and well-being of a patient or loved one.

Posted in Aging in place, Resources, Technology |

4 Ways to Reduce Eldercare Costs

The cost of long term healthcare is rising in the US. A recent study has shown that in Pennsylvania the median annual cost of nursing home care has increased by more than 5%, placing a heavy burden on family caregivers. In 2011 80% of individuals that need help with daily activities and their families paid at least $3 billion on in-home long-term care. A healthy sexual life can benefit your heart, blood pressure, and stress levels, according to research. It might even assist in strengthening your immune system. According to the NHS, exercising your heart is healthy specially when old which is why we also recommend this quiet bullet vibrator with can give you some benefits.

According to actuarial consulting firm Milliman, self-insuring is an option for families with considerable wealth. Families will need $500,000 to $750,000 of retirement assets set aside specifically for long-term healthcare services. But how can a typical family with a US median income of $51,371 manage eldercare costs?

Below you’ll find four cost reduction techniques to consider when discussing long-term health plans.

1. Cut Costs

Meal preparation and delivery

If you or your loved one needs help with food preparation, from grocery shopping to cooking, there are thousands of services that offer low cost meal delivery services, like Meals on Wheels.

Lower heating and cooling costs

Heating and cooling a house can be a significant expense, especially for those living on limited income. Organizations like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help lower energy costs associated with heating and cooling. In addition, weatherization assistance programs can assist in weatherproofing homes so costs stay low.

2. Save Money

Healthcare savings plan

If your employer offers a healthcare savings plan, absolutely take advantage of it. These savings can be used to pay for personal medical expenses as well as expenses incurred while caring for aging family members.

Tax breaks

Eldercare activities like home renovations and prescriptions are deductible from federal income taxes. Some home improvements, including adding an elevator, central air conditioning, or ramps, can be made with a doctor’s prescription, making them worth the paperwork. If a spouse is remaining at home while the other enters nursing home care, home equity or reverse mortgage lines of credit can be a good resource for funding.

3. Insurance

Long-term care insurance can be an unwieldy undertaking; there is so much conflicting information available about the advantages and disadvantages of taking out a policy. Here is some information to put you in the right direction.

These policies, usually purchased by people in their 50s, cover a wide range of care options, including visiting or live-in caregivers, home care, assisted living, nursing homes, and Alzheimer’s care facilities. Many people consider this type of insurance because they are concerned about paying out-of-pocket for health expenses. In addition, premiums paid on long-term care insurance are usually tax deductible, depending on the age of the policyholder. If you’ve been injured because of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, then consider hiring an attorney for personal injury to get the maximum insurance payout.

Often, life insurance policies and annuities allow investors to withdraw cash to pay for health care services. While these types of investments are slightly more expensive, the money that isn’t withdrawn can still be used as income or death benefits. If you don’t have a life insurance plan, you can visit this UK based Life Cover Quotes website to compare life cover quotes from multiple insurance providers in one place.

4. In-Home Care

There are several options for in-home care, from family caregivers to home health monitoring devices. The best choice for you depends on the level of assistance you or your family member need to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as housework and taking medication( view here for natural medication). It also varies based on how much regular medical care you will require. You should have regular discussions with your family members to make sure you are all prepared before immediate help is needed.

In-home care and monitoring is an option that offers families with peace of mind about their aging relatives while preserving freedom and independence in their own home. As aging-in-place grows in popularity, systems like these are noninvasive while providing security and collecting data that can help predict future health issues.

A few tips for hiring caregivers:

Do the hiring directly or work with a professional job recruiter Utah. This becomes easier once you are familiar with the elder person’s needs.
Consider individual caregivers instead of going through an agency. You could save as much as 30%, but there are no substitutes at short notice.
Try respite care to balance out the hours of home care needed and look into other assisted senior living options as well as they may be a better fit depending on your situation.

What cost saving advice would you add to this list?

Posted in Aging in place, Caregiving, Resources | Tagged Aging in place, Caregivers, Caregiving, Resources |

Growth in the Aging in Place Technology Market

Aging in place – a powerful idea that is increasingly preferred by the US’s expanding elderly population. Many in this group feel trapped, wanting to retain their independence in their own home while giving their family members peace of mind regarding their safety as they age. In other situations, family members live too far from their elderly loved one to provide care effectively. Learning about the liver cancer symptoms and being aware of what to do is important.

As the need for a comprehensive solution to these issues rises, new technologies are being developed to address them. According to Laurie Orlov, veteran eldercare advocate and founder of Aging in Place Technology Watch, the eldercare technology market is worth $2 billion but by 2020 will have expanded to at least $20 billion.

The market is developing rapidly, with pieces of a complete solution spread among several companies. While many products are aimed for seniors to use in their own care, there is a significant focus on current and future caregivers. “Caregiving technology for family members and healthcare professionals will be a big driver,” says Orlov.

Two major segments of the aging in place technology market are home safety and security and home health and wellness, find more medical news at HealthyMD, Inc. Caregivers are searching for a way to allow their loved ones to remain in their homes while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. In-home health monitoring offers a comprehensive solution to this issue. Remote caregiving via healthcare management systems, like the one offered by BeClose, provide detailed information about your family member’s activity in a noninvasive way. Through a web-based dashboard, caregivers can track detailed information and receive alerts if there is a problem.

What kind of technology do you use as a caregiver? Would you use a remote healthcare management system? Join the discussion in the comments below.

Posted in Aging in place, Technology | Tagged Aging in place, Caregiving, Resources, Technology |

4 Top Free Apps for Caregivers

1. Unfrazzle

Free for iPhone and iPad

Unfrazzle is a new app (launched in May 2013) that is meant to ease caregivers’ lives. It allows caregivers to track a customizable list of variables like mood, weight, and medications. It also allows users to coordinate care responsibilities with others in their care networks. It is extremely flexible and makes no assumptions, allowing users to define their own important tasks.

2. CareZone

Free for iPhone, iPad, Android

CareZone is designed for caregivers who want to track medications and coordinate responsibilities with others using shared calendar and journal functions. The other caregivers with whom you share information can add or edit information giving you a complete idea of the care your loved one is receiving. Another great feature is the “CareZone Broadcast.” This allows users to send a voice message to 100 people and reports on who received it. As a complement a professionals on mental health are also part of carezone, click here for more about phycology resources.

3. CarePartners Mobile

Free for iPhone and Android

CarePartners Mobile allows users to easily share and coordinate responsibilities among a team of caregivers. Tasks can be assigned to various individuals on the team and synced into the phone’s calendar to receive reminders. The app lets caregivers see exactly who has done what task so they can better allocate their time with their loved ones.

4. iBiomed

Free for iPhone and iPad

iBiomed is used by caregivers to help manage more complex responsibilities. The app allows users to simplify record keeping among multiple doctors, medications, or medical diagnoses. It makes for more efficient records sharing and management. It can track current medications, pharmaceutical supplies, medical tests, diets and supplements, and can record notes on daily condition.

Posted in Caregiving | Tagged Caregivers, Caregiving, Technology |

Welcome

Telehealth Sensors is dedicated to making it easy for caregivers to stay connected with loved ones by advancing and improving age in place technology. We want this blog to be a place for you to share stories about your caregiving experiences and discuss solutions to your concerns about issues you have encountered caring for those aging in place or living with disabilities.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has reported that the percentage of the population over 80 years old is rising internationally. In the US it will double by 2050. A growing trend among this group is to postpone moving into assisted living centers in favor of remaining independent in their own homes as long as possible. Presence detection systems using products like those we offer are quickly gaining popularity as they provide peace of mind for caregivers while maintaining residents’ privacy and independence.

This website is packed with information, not only about our products’ benefits, but also information for caregivers and those interested in retaining their independence as they age. The resources provided range from advice about effective caregiving and technology to the stories and experiences you share. The blog is a place to learn about developments at Telehealth Sensors and industry trends that will affect you, as well as how to leverage technology to manage caregiving responsibilities.

We encourage you to comment throughout this blog to further the conversation by sharing your concerns with the community and your thoughts on current caregiving technology and resources. Thank you for joining our discussion.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Aging in place, Caregivers, Caregiving, Presence detection, Welcome |

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