Common health concerns for older people at home

People are living longer than ever before, with Ireland having the fastest growing ageing population in the whole of Europe. The population of over 65-year-olds has grown over 35% in the past decade, which has seen an increase in family members becoming informal caregivers. Health services for older people will need to be able to accommodate the rising demand.

Many older people will make the decision to remain living independently at home, in this blog we will look at some of the most common health concerns for older people living at home and how HaloCare could help.

Common health concerns for older people at home

Mobility Challenges:

Reduced mobility is a common issue among older people, leading to an increased risk of falls at home.  It’s reported that almost 20,000 older people suffer bone breaks each year from low-impact falls, many of which could be prevented.

Home modifications such as stair rails, ramps and non-slip flooring can help create an environment that is safer for the individual living at home.

Memory loss and memory-related conditions:

Memory loss and cognitive decline are common concerns for older individuals in particular if the individual requires daily medication. It’s reported that approximately 55,000 people have been diagnosed with dementia in Ireland. Living at home with a memory condition can be made easier by using visual aids as reminders and creating an engaging and stimulating environment for the individual to live in.

Loneliness and social isolation:

Social isolation can become a problem for older people living at home alone. An EU survey suggests that people in Ireland are the loneliest in Europe with 20% of people saying they felt lonely ‘most or all of the time’. Social isolation not only impacts mental wellbeing but can also affect physical health as well.

Scheduling regular calls and visits, as well as implementing digitally inclusive technology such as HaloCare’s HaloPad into the daily routine of those living independently, can help tackle social isolation.

Chronic Conditions:

Some chronic conditions such as diabetes, dementia and COPD have become more prevalent with age. Living at home with a chronic condition can become a challenge.

Vital Sign Monitoring can be used to support clinicians with the remote collection of client information including blood pressure and heart rate, allowing for real time reporting and timely access to precise health information which makes living independently with a chronic condition possible.

How HaloCare can support

At HaloCare we champion independence and believe that with the correct virtual care solution in place, older people can live safely and independently at home. Our person-centred approach to healthcare means a solution that is tailored to each individual.

The HaloCare solution features a combination of Assistive Technology, an expert team of Care Hub Specialists and digitally inclusive HaloPad technology for a holistic approach to client well-being, empowering the client to live an independent life in the comfort of their own home.

HaloCare works across the three pillars of care; Safety, Social & Wellness, and Vital Sign Monitoring to keep the individual safe and supported at home.

Safety

Living at home with a full-service solution maximises client independence and provides the best long-term solution towards supporting those with additional needs. HaloCare keeps clients safe at home with a combination of Assistive Technology and an expertly trained team of Care Hub Specialists.

HaloCare devices within the home can detect if a tap has been left running, if doors to the home are being opened in the middle of the night, and if appliances have been left turned on in the home, in order to detect potential risks, keeping the client safe and supported at home.

With a HaloCare solution in place, the client’s circle of care can have peace of mind that their loved ones are physically safe in their home environment.

Social & Wellness

HaloCare offer a bespoke service where trained Care Specialists will call clients for a ‘comfort call’, at their request. This service helps to keep clients connected and works in conjunction with family visits and homecare support. The HaloCare solution supports clients, so they can carry out their activities of daily living from the comfort of their own home, while the circle of care has peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving the highest standard of quality care.

HaloCare uses digitally inclusive HaloPad technology for a holistic approach to client well-being, keeping clients connected to their loved ones and the world around them, right from the comfort of their own home.

Vital Sign Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring is vital for early intervention. HaloCare makes it possible for clinicians to virtually monitor client vital signs, reducing the need for home visits as well as acute admissions and readmissions.

Vital Sign Monitoring makes managing chronic illness from home possible, as vital signs such as blood pressure and oxygen levels can be recorded remotely. Capturing these vitals means clinicians can make data-informed decisions around the best process of care for the individual, reducing the requirement for a physical visit.

Conclusion

A better understanding of the common health concerns faced by older individuals at home helps to make the process of providing at-home care a better experience for both the caregiver and those receiving care.

If you are interested in finding out more on how HaloCare can support you or your loved one, get in touch today to speak to a member of our HaloCare team.