Living at home is a priority for many seniors, but staying safe and active requires constant support. A review of 15 studies across 10 countries looked at how nursing staff can use technology, like digital health tools and social robots, to help elderly patients in home-based rehabilitation.
The research found that these technologies are already helpful for monitoring a patient's physical signs and giving early warnings about risks. They also help with mental health by providing social companionship and training for the brain. While some tools are currently used to replace certain tasks, many are being used to enhance the capabilities of the nursing staff.
There are still hurdles to clear before these systems are fully integrated. The study noted that while the technology works well for monitoring, there is still more research needed on how well it tracks movement during physical training. Other challenges include making sure different systems can share data and ensuring staff have the training and payment structures needed to use these tools effectively.
