The Impact of Health Monitoring Technology
In February 2014, The University of Minnesota School of Nursing was notified of a $1.2 million dollar grant in partnership with The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA) of Belle Plaine, Minn.
The grant is through the Federal Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to study the potential impact that health monitoring technology has on persons with Alzheimer’s/other forms of dementia and their family caregivers.
The goal is to measure the effectiveness of advanced technology that utilizes monitors and sensors to provide remote health monitoring around the clock to help persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia related conditions maintain independence and optimum health. The remote monitoring system uses monitors and sensors to track daily activity and alert caregivers if an incident has potentially occurred, such as a fall, wandering, or missed medication.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia conditions. In 2012, 15.4 million caregivers provided more than 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care to people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia conditions valued at $216 billion.
The study is led by Dr. Joseph E. Gaugler, physician with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and a national leader in dementia caregiver support interventions.
“We anticipate this innovative health monitoring intervention will result in a cost-effective approach that offers robust support for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias at home,” Gaugler said.
TLHA has been implementing health monitoring technology across multiple settings, including private homes, for over six years and has launched technology enabled care models which assist older adults to live independently in their homes. TLHA also offers comprehensive experience in program development and design, advanced health technology implementation, rural health services, rural training development and outreach, program administration and innovative service delivery strategies.
The study, which launched in May 2014, is receiving significant referrals and positive feedback from health monitoring technology users and family caregivers.
“The health monitoring ‘eNeighbor’ system has become an extra set of ‘eyes/ears’ in our home,” said Vonnie H., a family caregiver participating in AHRQ project. “As a caregiver, it’s a concern that I may miss a change in an activity pattern with my mom and not be aware we should be adapting our care plan.”
TLHA is providing the technology assessment, technology installation, training and support for family caregivers. “By partnering with the University of Minnesota, The Lutheran Home Association continues its national movement as an organization leading innovation through the implementation of new technologies that may positively and significantly impact the care giving sector,” said Michael Klatt, president and CEO of The Lutheran Home Association. “We look forward to the outcomes of this study and how the results may positively impact Alzheimer’s/dementia support strategies and the dementia care model.”