The UK’s population is expected to grow from 67 million (as recorded in 2021) to 74 million by mid-2036, representing an increase of around 10%. In particular, the number of elderly people aged 85 and over is expected to increase from 1.6 million to 2.6 million over the same period. By 2036, this age group will make up about 3.5% of the total population.
As the number of older people increases, several challenges may arise, one of which is the rising healthcare costs. Older people often need more medical attention, leading to higher medical bills. This in turn puts more pressure on healthcare systems and strains public finances. One particular issue that contributes greatly to healthcare costs is discharge delays.
Every day, up to 20,000 people stay in hospitals even though they no longer need to be there. Keeping each person in a hospital bed costs about £395 a night, which adds up to a staggering £6 million each day! Making the discharge process more efficient could save the NHS a lot of money.
Introducing Myra – Revolutionising Hospital Discharge
Myra (My Resources App) is an app specifically designed to address the issues around hospital discharge delays and bed blocking. It collects important information in one place, making it simpler for everyone involved to organise patient care.
By making it easier to manage hospital discharges, myra helps ensure that older ones don’t stay in the hospital longer than they need to. This not only improves their experience but also helps save money on healthcare expenses.
With myra, families can find the support they need without feeling overwhelmed. This app can prevent situations where family members have to stop working in order to look after their elderly relatives, which is beneficial for both families and the economy.
Overall, myra aims to simplify the discharge process and enhance care coordination, leading to better outcomes for patients and substantial savings for the healthcare system. Myra is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, and you are not required to provide your personal details when downloading.
Myra is just one example of the many creative solutions developed to support our ageing population. Let’s explore some of these exciting developments in the rest of this article.
Access Assure: Technology-Enabled Preventative Care
Access Assure is a telecare solution that focuses on preventative care. Therefore it not only offers a way to call for help in emergencies but also keeps an eye on the user’s daily activities to spot any changes in behaviour that might indicate a need for further help. This approach helps ensure that individuals receive the support they need before serious issues arise.
How does it work?
The platform monitors its user’s daily activities, such as how they move around the house, when they wake up, and when they go to bed. This helps to spot any changes that could lead to potential problems. By collecting and analyzing this data, the platform gives valuable insights that assist caregivers in making better decisions about care and planning.
Family members can choose to receive daily updates through the Access Assure app, letting them know that their loved one’s routine is normal. In case of an emergency, users can simply press a panic button or use a home hub to send an alert. This immediately notifies caregivers or emergency services.
With its around-the-clock monitoring and support, Access Assure allows older adults to maintain their independence for as long as possible while providing peace of mind for their families.
Nobi Smart Lamps – Lighting solutions designed to enhance safety.
Nobi Smart Lamps are a smart and helpful lighting solution designed to enhance the safety and well-being of older adults. Here are some of their key features:
- Fall Detection. With the combined use of optical sensors and AI (artificial intelligence), these lamps can sense when someone has fallen and will quickly alert their family members or designated caregivers.
- Circadian Lighting. Nobi lamps adjust their brightness and colour throughout the day, contributing to a natural light environment. By mimicking natural light patterns, these lamps promote healthier sleep and overall well-being by supporting a balanced daily routine that feels in tune with nature.
- Privacy First. The Nobi lamps keep user data secure. They only send images if a fall is detected, and users can customise their privacy settings, ensuring a good balance between safety and privacy.
- Proactive Support. Beyond reacting to falls, Nobi lamps can notify caregivers when someone is getting in or out of bed. This allows them to check in and provide help before an accident occurs.
- Design. The lamps are not only functional but also stylish. Their elegant designs mean they can blend in seamlessly with your home. Some people might feel self-conscious about using a personal alarm system, as they worry it shows their weaknesses or makes them seem frail. These lighting solutions are perfect for anybody who feels such a way, allowing them to feel safer without drawing attention to their needs. There are multiple options such as ceiling or pendant lights to match different room styles.
Overall, Nobi Smart Lamps offer a valuable solution to help older adults stay safe and independent, while also giving peace of mind to their family and caregivers.
As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to many more exciting developments in the telehealth industry. P
At Telecare24, we are dedicated to keeping you updated on our latest developments, delivering clear and honest communication, and maintaining the reliable service you’ve come to expect from us. Together, we can embrace the future of telehealth with confidence and peace of mind.
