X
- No products in your cart.
X
- No products in your cart.
The global population is aging rapidly, with the number of people over 85 projected to increase by 351% by 2050. As this demographic grows, the demand for specialized care in long-term care (LTC) facilities is also rising. Transitioning to LTC can be overwhelming for many individuals and their families, with safety and emotional well-being becoming primary concerns. Virtual patient observation, a compassionate and effective solution, is reshaping the landscape of senior care by safeguarding residents against potential risks like wandering and self-harm.
Moving to an LTC facility often involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and routines, which can result in feelings of disorientation and confusion. The resulting loss of independence and control may cause residents to wander, increasing their risk of falling, injury, or getting lost. According to research, 63% of dementia patients in LTC facilities are prone to wandering, posing significant safety challenges. Ensuring the safety of these individuals requires timely and consistent observation.
Virtual patient observation systems leverage strategically placed cameras and motion sensors to detect unusual behavior or distress signals in residents. This system empowers healthcare staff to monitor multiple residents continuously and discreetly, enabling rapid intervention when necessary. Such a system offers several benefits:
A successful virtual patient observation program depends on well-planned implementation. In-person support is essential to provide comprehensive training and workflow adaptation during the go-live period. Clinical oversight is crucial to refine workflow design and minimize downtime, ensuring a seamless transition. Highlighting these strategies shows how implementation empowers staff to intervene quickly and effectively in emergencies, enhancing resident safety.
Virtual observation reduces costs associated with hiring in-room sitters while providing safer care for residents at risk of falls or self-harm. A single fall injury can cost up to $30,000, while multi-patient monitoring optimizes resources. Partnering with Caregility, Capsa Healthcare supplies custom telehealth carts that offer flexible solutions for diverse clinical settings and acuity levels. Collette Health, formerly MedSitter, elevated its patient observation system using the Tryten S5 monitor cart from Capsa Healthcare. This partnership demonstrates how Capsa’s adaptable mobile carts support scalable monitoring across various care levels, empowering staff to intervene rapidly and provide quality care.
While virtual observation provides substantial benefits, privacy concerns must be addressed thoughtfully. Transparency and informed consent from residents and their families are essential. Built-in privacy safeguards and ethical monitoring practices help maintain trust, ensuring residents feel safe and respected.
Remote monitoring is a compassionate alternative to restrictive measures like physical restraints, which may cause distress and isolation. Although telemedicine consultation can provide additional support, many residents are unfamiliar with telehealth tools, which presents an adoption challenge. In 2019, only 21% of retirement home residents used the internet, and only 18% used a tablet or smartphone.
Capsa Healthcare, a leader in telehealth solutions and pharmacy automation, offers innovative tools like the Tryten range of monitor and tablet carts to help LTC facilities implement virtual patient observation. By prioritizing privacy and ethical monitoring, virtual observation systems create a nurturing environment where residents can thrive safely.
Further Reading:
Explore Capsa Healthcare’s telehealth solutions to find out how virtual patient observation can enhance the care provided in your facility.