Caregivers are the heart and soul of our nation’s long-term care system, providing essential support for those who cannot care for themselves. From assisting with basic physical needs to offering emotional support, the care they provide is invaluable and impacts millions of lives.
The Significance of the Caregiver Shortage
Unfortunately, our nation’s caregiver shortage has reached a critical point. Today, the caregiver workforce is short over 130,000 workers — and the gap is expected to widen in coming years. All the while, the demand for caregiving is increasing. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65, creating a surge in the need for care and support in the home.
This imbalance is affecting our nation’s senior population and putting a heavy demand on the caregiving workforce and family members. Currently, approximately 43 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. are balancing full-time jobs with caregiving responsibilities. Over half of family caregivers report difficulty managing their careers alongside their caregiving duties, adding stress and risk of burnout.
How Connected Care Technology Can Help Support Caregivers
Addressing this critical shortage and its impact on our aging population will require a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, better support for caregivers, and technological innovation. Fortunately, connected care technology provides a solution to help bridge the gap in caregiving resources while enhancing support at home for both seniors and caregivers.
The following technologies provide critical 24/7 support, monitoring and access to care:
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
RPM programs enable healthcare providers to monitor their patients’ health remotely, alerting providers and medical staff to changes in a patient’s vital signs or conditions. This technology can help identify early warning signs, reduce the risk of hospitalizations, and allow patients to receive more proactive care.
- Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS)
PERS provide seniors with round-the-clock access to emergency and non-emergency support. These connected devices are particularly beneficial for individuals living alone or with limited mobility, as they provide access to help in case of a fall or other health emergency. PERS offer safety and peace of mind for older adults and their families while supporting independence.
- Medication Management Systems
Medication Management technology assists patients with taking medications on time, reducing the risk of missed doses or incorrect usage. Automated reminders and smart pill dispensers can ease caregivers’ responsibilities and help ensure medication adherence while providing peace of mind for caregivers.
- AI Virtual Health Assistants
AI Virtual Health Assistants offer support via phone or SMS, answering questions, delivering health assessments, sending medication reminders, and even offering health education. These digital assistants provide 24/7 support and response, ensuring help is available even when a caregiver cannot be physically present.
- Caregiver Support Apps
Caregiver support applications allow caregivers to track health updates and receive real-time notifications in the event of emergencies, providing peace of mind to families and caregivers alike.
Looking Ahead
While there’s no simple solution to the caregiver shortage, connected care technologies offer promising ways to support caregivers, extend resources, and control costs. As the senior population grows, these tools can help individuals stay independent at home by providing continuous support, monitoring, and access to care. This approach enables older adults to age comfortably and safely in familiar surroundings while easing the demands on caregivers.
By embracing connected care solutions, we can empower caregivers, enhance the quality of care for seniors, and create a sustainable framework for our nation’s long-term care needs.