Telecare (computer-mediated social care in the home) and telehealth (computer-mediated home health monitoring and support) have both been widely embraced as promising new technologies. A major driver is the ageing population. The incidence of complex long-term care conditions such as heart disease,…
Telecare (computer-mediated social care in the home) and telehealth (computer-mediated home health monitoring and support) have both been widely embraced as promising new technologies. A major driver is the ageing population. The incidence of complex long-term care conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes and dementia is also rising. As a result, the demands on formal and informal care are rising. It has long been recognised that this care crisis can be addressed only by helping people to age in place, in their own homes and communities, and to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
There is a strong need for technologies that can help to deliver social and health care in the home. These technologies can inform the dialogue of care and can support therapy, rehabilitation and recovery. The technologies can identify trends or anomalies that may require intervention, monitor adverse events such as falls, provide reassurance to family members and informal carers, and relieve carers of routine low-level monitoring tasks.
