Boomers
who can afford home monitoring systems may remain at home longer
In the future, sensor
technology could provide limitless opportunities for preserving the
independent lifestyles of the Baby Boomer generation while
preventing illness and injury. Wearable sensor networks embedded in
clothing, for example, could monitor a person's gait for
irregularity, and address the abnormality prior to a potentially
painful fall. Some clothing sensors could also notify a caregiver if
the wearer falls or experiences another medical problem, prompting
an automatic call for help.
"The aging
Baby Boomer population will likely be able to use an even deeper
level of this technology," comments Patricia Bomba, M.D., F.A.C.P.,
geriatrician and medical director for MedAmerica Insurance Company.
"If they can afford to install wireless sensor networks in their
homes rather than hiring a home health aide for daily visits, they
could prolong independent living," she added. The sensor network
system will consist of a series of "motes," or tiny battery-powered
computers, scattered throughout a home, that silently and wirelessly
collect data to monitor light, temperature, humidity and movement.
The sensors then interpret the information to create an accurate
picture of activity in the home.
In addition
to sensors embedded in the home infrastructure, sensors could be
placed on everyday items like toothbrushes and coffee cups to infer
a person's daily activities, and then determine if the person is
following his usual routine. If he is not, the sensor transmission
alerts a health care provider or family member so they can check on
the patient.
With sensors
providing the monitoring information, nurses and home health aides
would have more time to spend with patients during their visits,
making each visit more thorough and possibly more personal as well.
"These sensor technologies have the potential to make visits more
focused, specifically addressing the patient's greatest needs and
enhancing quality of care," said Dr. Bomba.
However, the
expense of using this technology may limit accessibility to all who
need it. In the future, more and more cutting-edge technologies will
reach the market that are not covered by traditional long term care
insurance policies on the market today that require patients to pay
for services up front, and then submit receipts to the insurer for
approval and, hopefully, reimbursement. That's why MedAmerica
developed an affordable new type of long term care insurance policy
that guarantees a cash benefit for the insured to use however they
decide throughout his benefit eligibility. MedAmerica's
CareDirections® Simplicity product is unique in that an insured
could use benefits to purchase whatever is needed with no
restrictions.
MedAmerica
Insurance Company and MedAmerica Insurance Company of New York are
the long term care subsidiaries of a $5 billion not-for-profit
health insurer that finances and delivers health care to more than 2
million people in New York State. With long term care insurance its
singular focus, MedAmerica brings a depth of expertise to provide
solutions for long term care financing by creating simple to
understand and easy to use products, maintaining fiscal
responsibility, shaping public policy and delivering on its
promises.