Vice President Harris’ proposal to expand Medicare to include home care for seniors and people with disabilities could potentially provide up to 20 hours of weekly in-home care. The eligibility requirements for recipients is that they must face challenges with daily activities or suffer from serious cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s.
Given this could potentially open up access to home care to millions of Americans who currently can’t afford to pay for it, will undoubtedly place an enormous strain on existing public and private home care infrastructure, while also requiring the roll out of new technologies at scale. This could include remote monitoring devices, medication management systems, smart home technology, and more.
Remote monitoring devices
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices are becoming increasingly prevalent in home care, serving as effective tools for collecting real-time information about patients’ physiological conditions. One survey projects that by 2025, approximately 70.6 million U.S. patients, or 26.2% of the population, will utilize RPM technologies. These devices include wearables such as heart rate monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and glucose meters, which allow healthcare providers to track vital signs and other health metrics from the comfort of patients’ homes.
However, the widespread rollout of RPM has faced several challenges, including connectivity issues in remote areas, staffing shortages, and an overwhelming volume of alerts that can lead to caregiver fatigue. For RPM to be effective within a national Medicare home care initiative, increased investments in infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity and data integration across platforms will be essential. Additionally, enhanced staff training and close collaboration with technology providers are recommended for maximizing RPM’s effectiveness and elevating care quality.
Telehealth and online consultations
Closely related with RPM devices, telehealth has brought significant enhancements to in-home patient care. Through secure video consultations and chat platforms, patients can receive medical advice, undergo virtual examinations, and arrange follow-up care, all without ever needing to leave their homes.
Yet despite an 80 percent adoption rate for minor illnesses, chronic conditions, and prescription care, several barriers still limit telehealth use. These include concerns about data security, fear of diagnostic errors, digital literacy challenges, and limited access in rural areas. To overcome these challenges, healthcare providers, local governments, and healthtech companies must work together. By collaborating, they can address these obstacles and improve healthcare access and outcomes for patients nationwide.
Medication management systems
Managing medications is a critical aspect of senior care, particularly for those with complex health needs. Fortunately, technology has greatly simplified this task for healthcare providers by streamlining the prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring of medications. These systems typically include features like automated reminders for patients to take their medications, integration with pharmacy services, and real-time tracking of medication adherence.
Furthermore, many systems offer a centralized platform for caregivers and family members to access medication schedules, ensuring everyone involved in the senior’s care is informed and aligned.
While implementing a medication management system will require an initial investment, the long-term benefits can far outweigh the costs. Experts estimate that medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people every year, resulting in significant healthcare expenditures and adverse patient outcomes. For the healthcare system as a whole, further investment in these systems is a critical need for enhancing patient safety and lowering healthcare costs in the long run.
Smart home technology
The Internet of Things (IoT) has birthed a wide range of technologies that enhance the safety and convenience of in-home care for seniors. Devices like smart thermostats, security cameras, fall detection sensors, and smart lighting can be integrated into daily routines, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
As smart home technology continues to evolve, it holds great promise for improving the quality of life for seniors and enhancing the efficiency of home care services. Further collaboration should be pursued between tech providers and healthcare organizations to ensure these technologies are tailored to meet the distinct needs of seniors.
Seniors undergoing in-home care need a means of staying connected with not just their caregiver, but also their friends and family. As many as one in five adults aged 65 and over experience some type of mental health concern, with many turning to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Social isolation can exacerbate these issues, making it crucial for seniors to maintain relationships that foster emotional well-being.
To that end, more and more companies have developed communication platforms custom-built for seniors, with larger buttons, simplified interfaces, and voice-activated commands to accommodate varying levels of tech proficiency. It’s a notable step in the right direction, but more investment is needed at both the individual and community levels to ensure these technologies are accessible and widely adopted.
Final thoughts
The success of Harris’ proposal hinges on the integration of advanced technologies and robust support systems. As shown, many private home care providers are already utilizing these technologies to enhance their services.
By building upon the lessons learned from these existing models, the Medicare home care program can adopt and integrate these technologies on a wider scale. In doing so, we can create a future where all individuals can age with grace and receive the care they deserve in the comfort of their own homes.
About Dharam Khalsa
Dharam Khalsa Co-Founder of Assisted Living platform Mirador, who are on a mission to remove barriers and increase transparency for consumers within the assisted living industry.