Harnessing wearable devices for enhanced long-term care: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions

Abstract

The incorporation of wearable devices within long-term care represents a groundbreaking advancement in healthcare. These devices, leveraging sensor and intelligent technologies, possess the potential to revolutionize the supervision and handling of chronic illnesses, enriching the lives of individuals reliant on extended care. One of the primary considerations revolves around the question of whether recent technological advancements have made it feasible to deliver healthcare remotely to the elderly population. This paper conducts an exhaustive examination of wearable devices in the long-term care context, spotlighting their wide-ranging applications. It encompasses devices tailored for monitoring vital signs, mobility, medication adherence, cognitive health, and other critical facets of long-term care. Through an in-depth exploration of their capabilities and limitations, it illuminates their capacity to ease the strain on healthcare systems and enhance patient well-being. Moreover, this paper investigates the hurdles related to wearable device adoption in long-term care, addressing concerns like data security, user acceptance, and interoperability. By tackling these challenges, it endeavors to chart a path for the seamless integration of wearable technologies. Drawing insights from current research and industry trends, it identifies emerging prospects such as personalized care plans, remote monitoring, and data-driven healthcare interventions, fostering collaboration among healthcare stakeholders. By harnessing the full potential of wearable technologies, the quality of life of individuals in long-term care can be improved and also, it can contribute to achieve more efficient and sustainable healthcare systems.