Today, wearable medical devices are one of the simplest, most effective ways providers can offer help for caregivers. If you’re one of the 53 million people in the U.S. actively engaged in caregiving, you know the need for support is real. What you may not know is how wearable medical devices for your loved one can provide that support — many times for free.
Why wearable medical devices work
Studies show that wearable medical devices offer a way for providers to monitor key health metrics for patients with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Because they’re designed to be unobtrusive, wearable medical devices can easily be worn without disruption to a patient’s daily routine. That offers help for providers because they get the data they need, but also help for caregivers because you no longer have to monitor, record and deliver that data.
Wearable medical devices have been shown to:
- Promote physical activity.
- Enhance clinical care by allowing providers to change care plans as often as needed.
- Improve health outcomes in high-risk patients with chronic conditions.
- Reduce the risk of disease progression, secondary chronic conditions and mortality
5 common wearable medical devices
When it comes to monitoring chronic health conditions, common wearable medical devices include:
- Blood pressure monitors
- Fitness trackers, which keep track of physical activity and heart rate
- ECG monitors, which measure electrocardiograms, aka the heart’s electrical signals
- Biometric patches, which collects data on movement, heart and respiratory rates and temperature
- Emergency watches, which monitor heart rhythms and alert patients of danger
Emergency watch 101
Emergency watches not only monitor patient activity levels, but also changes in heart rate and emergency situations. It enables patients to get help if they’re ill or injured — no smartphone, app, Bluetooth or WiFi required — which offers help for caregivers in one crucial way: peace of mind.
What else can an emergency watch help with?
Falls
Falls are the No. 1 reason seniors end up in the hospital. Being able to call emergency services with one push of a button from anywhere can be lifesaving.
Obesity
For the more than 40% of seniors who suffer from obesity, monitoring activity levels on a daily basis is key to changing behaviors. An emergency watch can stream step count and heart rate so providers can intervene.
Congestive heart failure
Heart rate can help identify early signs of cardiac problems, as can a lack of physical activity. An emergency watch can help providers monitor both without the patient or caregiver doing any additional work.
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