Healthcare Mobility – An Investigation Of Remote Monitoring & Alerting Systems

Does this sound familiar?

My elderly mom was outside getting the mail when she fell and broke her hip. No one was available to help her and her phone was out of reach. She was unable to move and her alert bracelet was unable to communicate with the base station because she was too far from the house.She waited there in the cold for 3 hours until someone finally found her. She could have easily died from this unfortunate accident. Clair R.

This could happen to anyone! Wireless life alert systems are extremely limited, and really require the person to be close to their “base station” which is often located in their home or bedroom.

An automated system to call for help is required by many people with physical or mental challenges!

If your loved one has a handicap that limits their ability to move about and cannot be left alone, then a automated remote monitoring system should be considered. Consideration should be given to the disability and lifestyle of the individual. With the right system, many individuals can still have independence while loved ones can have piece of mind.

Both the needy and the caregiver will benefit from a remote alerting and monitoring system. The physically or mentally challenged, elderly, children or even pregnant women have moments where they require help. In emergency situations these systems are not only invaluable, but also life saving.

Quality of life can be improved by technology providing both the needy and the caregiver relief.

However, technology also introduces other problems. One area in particular is wheelchairs. Wheelchairs can extend an individual’s mobility, but it also means they can potentially travel further from home or available help.

People with limited mobility find comfort in scooters and powered wheelchairs regardless of age. Recent technology developments and cost offsets by insurance companies, have increased the use of scooters and powered wheelchairs. Personal freedom and improved quality of life is provided regardless of the type of mobility device.

A single battery charge will allow for a 10 – 15 mile range by many powered wheelchairs and scooters. This range can put an individual far from home and help. Many people not only use them around the house, but travel to local shopping and to visit family and friends. This convenience adds quality of life to those with limited mobility.

Although a mobile phone should be carried by all wheelchair or scooter users, often the user is unable to use the phone for various reasons.

More effective solutions to the use of cell phones may exist. This investigation looks at these alternatives.

An individual can travel far from home and help with these new mobility vehicles. An accident or other emergency situation can turn into something more serious if help is not immediately available.

What is Alerting and Monitoring?

Monitoring measures information such as physical condition such as blood pressure, sugar levels, etc. Alerting is reporting of the monitored information. The are two different things. Many systems are able to monitor, but few have a robust alerting capability and even fewer provide both.

Alerting is the most critical of the two. Someone needs to be immediately notified when another needs help. The complication of automated alerting, which is required during many emergency situations, is that is requires accurate monitoring.

Monitoring is accomplished by various sensors. For people who are moving the sensors are generally battery-powered. Sensors send data to a computer chip for analyses. If something is wrong then an audible or visible alarm goes off (that alarm is the “alerting” part). Some alerts are more sophisticated and can provide a text message or email. Even more sophisticated are alerts that send messages via telephone.

Monitoring and Alerting Value

Real-time monitoring and alerting for your power wheelchair or any mobile medical device can significantly reduce the danger associated with accidents or physical collapse. A monitoring system can track the user’s location, vital signs, equipment maintenance issues, and can offer a “panic button” all coupled to an automated alert notification system that can be configured to notify the user’s doctor, ambulance, family members, neighbors, local first responders, and other caregivers.

Want to find out more about HealthCare Monitoring and Alerting, then visit this site on how to choose the best wheelchair accessories for your needs.