Protect Your Loved Ones from Fall Risks 

Assistive Technology: Protect Your Loved Ones from Fall Risks 

Falls can occur in people of any age, but older people are more vulnerable, especially if they have a long term health condition.

Around 1 in 3 adults over 65, and two thirds of them fall again within six months, indicating that the risk of falling increases with age. The number of falls and injuries in this age range will rise as our population ages.  Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury.

Most falls do not result in serious injury. But there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence. Assistive technology can provide support and reassurance to older persons and their families, to reduce their risk of falls, and provide them with immediate assistance if a fall occurs.

 

What Causes A Fall? 

Older people are more likely to have a fall because they may have: 

  • Poor balance and strength
  • Taking multiple medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness
  • Vision problems
  • Foot pain or disorders, such as arthritis
  • A long-term health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or low blood pressure can cause dizziness

Home safety measures are important for reducing the risk of a fall for older adults. Some things that can be done to make a home safer include:

  • Installing grab bars in the bathroom and around the toilet
  • Making sure there are no obstacles on stairs or walkways
  • Placing nonslip mats in the shower and bathtub
  • Ensuring good lighting throughout the home

How To Prevent A Fall 


Falls are the leading cause of accidental death or injury in the elderly, so it is important to take steps to prevent them. Here are some tips on how to help protect yourself and your loved ones from a fall:

1. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve balance, strength, endurance and flexibility.

2. Wear sensible shoes: Wear shoes with good support and a non-slip sole. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers as they can be slippery.

3. Install handrails: Consider installing handrails in hallways and staircases to help steady your balance when walking.

4. Remove clutter: Remove any obstacles from pathways that could contribute to a fall. This includes furniture, cords, rugs and toys.

5. Use assistive devices: A cane, walker or other assistive device can help provide extra balance and stability when walking

6. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause dizziness, which could lead to a fall. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout

Technology to Help Those at Risk of Falling 

Isaac Fall Alarm 

The Isaac Fall Alarm is a smart, easy to use, personal alarm which offers reassurance that your loved one can instantly access help whenever they need it. Isaac Care offers two packages with their fall alarm, Circle of Care Supported and 24/7 Call Centre Supported

The key benefits of the Isaac Fall Alarm includes:

  • Easy to use: The Fall Alarm’s straightforward design is easy to use for all, especially for those with little to no technological knowledge.
  • Mobile: The fall alarm works both in the home and when out and about.
  • GPS Location: Location of fall alerts is instantly shared with relevant people through the Isaac Care app
  • Two-way communication: In the event of a fall the user can speak to their emergency contacts or our dedicated team directly through the device itself.
  • Isaac Care App: The seamless integration with the Isaac care app allows the entire family to be notified of any fall/event, keeping everyone up to date.
  • No Set Up/Installation Required: The fall alarm is pre-configured so it is ready to use straight out of the box.
  • No landline needed: The alarm has a built-in sim card, meaning there is no need for a landline connection.
  • Battery: Long battery life with voice prompts to alert you to low battery levels

The Isaac fall alarm is connected to our free family caring app, Isaac Care. The app is designed around “circles of care” which are groups of people involved in the persons’ care. Each circle of care is kept up to date with instant in app notifications.

The app sends out an instant notification of any SOS alert to the relevant circle of care, while the alarm itself initiates a phone call to the designated emergency contact.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

7 Ways To Help Prevent Falls

7 Tips To Help Prevent Falls

Falls are a major cause of injury among seniors and can easily be prevented with the right precautions. One way to help protect loved ones from falls is by making sure they have access to assistive devices such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, walkers and wheelchairs or through the use of assistant technology. Here are 6 tips to help protect your loved ones from fall risks:

1. Assistive Technology

Isaac Care is an assistive technology device created to help you with daily tasks that have grown difficult. Isaac is there to support you to stay safe and independent in your own home for as long as possible. 

The Isaac Fall Alarm has an accelerometer that can automatically detect the sudden impact of a fall. In this case a call will be initiated to the designated emergency contacts and the same process as above will be followed. When any fall/SOS event happens, each of the nominated contacts are instantly notified through the Isaac Care app

2. Seek Assistance

If your elderly loved one is worried about falling, ask them. Even though they may be aware that falling is a concern, many older adults nonetheless hold onto the notion that they won’t fall or get wounded. Encourage them to speak with their health care practitioner if they have any concerns about falling, light-headedness, or balance so that they can be evaluated for risk and given programs or services that may be of assistance.

3. Discuss Current Health Condition

Find out if your elderly loved one is having any difficulties taking care of their own health. Are they having problems remembering to take their medication? Are the activities they used to do effortlessly becoming more difficult for them to complete? Encourage them to discuss all of their worries with their healthcare physician in an open and honest manner. 

Isaac Care vitals monitoring feature closely monitors the persons health. This data can be used to help assess a patient’s overall health and well-being and can also be helpful in detecting early signs of illness or disease. 

4. Get Their Vision Checked

Make sure your elderly loved one has a current prescription and is using their glasses according to the eye doctor’s instructions if they wear glasses. It’s necessary to exercise caution when using bifocals on stairs. Consult a professional for advice on how to maximize your vision if you already have low vision or attend your local optician for an up to date eye test.

5. Physical Therapy

Notice if they’re holding onto walls, furniture, or someone else when walking or if they appear to have difficulty walking or arising from a chair. 

These are all signs that it might be time to see a physical therapist. A trained physical therapist can help your older loved one improve their balance, strength, and gait through exercise. They might also suggest a cane or walker—and provide guidance on how to use these aids. Make sure to follow their advice. Poorly fit aids can increase the risk of falls. 

6. Safety Assessment Of Their Home

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer. For professional assistance, consult an Occupational Therapist. Here are some examples: 

Lighting: Brighten up the entire home, especially the stairwells’ top and bottom landings. When getting up in the middle of the night, ensure that lighting is readily available. 

Stairs: Ensure that every set of stairs has two secure rails. 

Bathrooms: Add grab bars to the shower/tub and the area around the toilet. Ensure that they are placed where your elderly loved one may utilize them. Consider building a walk-in bathtub or employing a shower chair and hand-held shower for even greater safety. 

 

7. Talk About Their Medication

If your older loved one is having a hard time keeping track of medicines or is experiencing side effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and pharmacist. Suggest that they have their medications reviewed each time they get a new prescription.

Also, beware of non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids—including painkillers. These can lead to balance issues and dizziness. If your older loved one is having sleeping problems, encourage them to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

How Assistive Technology Can Support People Living with Dementia

How Assistive Technology can Support People Living with Dementia

What is Assistive Technology? 

Assistive technology is technology that can be used within the home to help reassure both people living with dementia and their loved ones that help is at hand should they ever need it. As much as we would all like to be available 24/7 we know it’s not possible. 

Assistive technology can support people living with dementia who live alone, or who spend large periods of the day without immediate access to family and friends. It offers reassurance that if the care recipient has a fall or a medical incident, they will be able to reach out for help. It can also help alert family members and loved ones if the person wanders outside of a safe zone. 

Assistive technology also has a social element to it, it can be used to stay in contact with friends and family members, and to keep up to date on local community activities. 

Assistive technology can provide reassurance and peace of mind that help is on hand at the push of a button. It can also help with managing medications and providing reminders about appointments or tasks. 

Isaac Care offers a range of assistive technology including 

  • Our user friendly “Circle of Care” app which allows people to easily communicate and stay connected 
  • Our GPS enabled fall alarm “The Isaac Fall Alarm” which instantly notifies our dedicated 24/7 call centre if a fall is detected. It also provides families with updates if the person wanders outside of safe zones. With built in features such as a fall alarm, GPS and 2 way call, it is all round device to allow those with dementia remain independent for longer 
  • Our easy-to-use health monitoring equipment which allows families to easily keep an eye on their loved ones health  
  • Discreet ambient sensors which track activity throughout the home, alerting to any changes in patterns of activity or activity outside of normal hours e.g. front door opening at 4a

Benefits of Using Assistive Technology

 There are many benefits to using assistive technology for people living with dementia. Assistive technology can improve communication, safety, and independence. It can also reduce stress for caregivers and family members. Assistive technology is an important tool in dementia care and can make a big difference in the lives of those affected by the condition. 

 Assistive technology can also be used for social and recreational purposes, for example, some devices can allow patients to play music or games. This can help people living with dementia patients stay connected with others. 

Finally, assistive technology can act as safety support for people living with Dementia. For instance, GPS tracking devices can help loved ones keep track of a patient’s whereabouts, alerting to wandering risks and unusual patterns of activity which could be a cause for concern. Reminder systems can prompt people living with dementia to take their medications, improving medication compliance. 

How Isaac Care Can Help Support Those with Dementia  

 Isaac Care is a new age provider of assistive technology Some ways Isaac Care can help people with dementia are: 

  • Isaac Care can help people with dementia stay safe by monitoring fall alerts 24/7 and keeping the persons’ circle of care up to date instantly with meaningful notifications   
  • If needed, our GPS tracking feature can be used to locate a person who has wandered away from home.   
  • Isaac Care can also help people with dementia live independently by providing reminders about medications or daily tasks.  
  • Our dedicated clinical team can remotely monitor health trends over time, providing reassurance that they can step in with interventions on the first sign of declining health  
  • Isaac can also promote social engagement by helping people stay connected with loved ones, through circles of care in our app.  

How Myhomecare and Care 24/7 Can Help

Isaac Care is delighted to partner with MyHomecare.ie and Care 24/7 who provide high quality homecare services across Ireland and the UK

Our dedicated homecare partners understand how distressing it is to become aware that an ageing parent or loved one is developing Dementia. A great first step is to have a detailed conversation about your parent or loved ones needs and how we can help support your loved one and your family as a whole.

We are committed to providing carers who are specially trained in expert, person-centred Alzheimer’s and Dementia care at home throughout Ireland. We will take the time to understand the person, learn their life story and meet their family so that we can understand how best to meet their specific needs and most importantly improve their quality of life.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

What is Independent Living

What is Independent Living


There are a number of reasons why older people might choose to live at home rather than in a retirement facility or with family. For some, it’s simply a matter of independence – they want to maintain their own home and their own lifestyle for as long as possible.

At Isaac Care, We believe that people are happiest when effectively cared for in their own homes, and we aim to give families the tools and support they need to enable their loved ones to live safely and independently at home. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and barriers that come with independent living, and how Isaac Care can help you live independently at home.

Benefits of Independent Living

Independent living has many benefits for everyone. One of the most important is that it allows older people or people with additional needs to maintain their independence. Those who live independently are able to make their own decisions about their lives and are not reliant on others for care or assistance. Additionally, independent living can help people stay active and engaged in their communities. It also provides opportunities for social interaction and can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Finally, independent living can be less expensive than other types of living arrangements, such as assisted living or nursing homes.

Independent living is a good option for those who are able or rather to take care of themselves. It offers people the chance to stay where they can be independent, have control over their lives and where they feel most comfortable. If you are considering independent living for yourself or a loved one, be sure to research all of the available options to find the best fit.

Barriers to Independent Living

Independent living skills are those which allow an individual to fend for themselves without the need for regular assistance from others. This can include everything from budgeting and cooking to maintaining a home and keeping up with personal hygiene. For older people, independent living skills are often seen as vital in allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age.

There are many potential barriers to independent living as an older person. These can include physical limitations, cognitive decline and social isolation. Isaac Care has been created keeping in mind all of these barriers of independent living, and as a result we have produced ways to overcome these barriers.

Physical limitations can make it difficult to perform activities during the day, also make it hard to get around the home or go outside. – Isaac Care has a GPS enabled fall alarm which links with our family caring app. This gives peace of mind to the person living alone but also their loved ones that if there was a fall in the home or out and about, help is on the way.

Cognitive decline can make it difficult to remember certain tasks such as taking essential medication – Isaac Care’s reminder feature is there to notify you to take any medication or to remind you on any upcoming appointments or events.

Social isolation can be a major barrier to independent living – Older people who live alone may have little contact with the outside world and may become lonely and isolated. This can lead to depression and other mental health problems. – Isaac Care has a Link Feature for news, games or any areas of interests. This feature allows you to easily bookmark websites of interest, so that people who are not familiar with technology can easily access the websites they want through our easy to use interface.

Difficulty managing chronic conditions from home – Isaac Care provides a remote monitoring service, supporting you to take control of your own health and effectively manage your health from home. We step in with early interventions at the first sign of declining health, allowing you to get any potential problems seen to quickly and get effective and timely care. 

Independent living skills can often be learned through formal programs or classes, or simply by trial and error. However, it is important for elders to have access to the resources and support they need in order to develop these skills. This can include everything from family and friends to professional services.

‘It’s a relief that we have something, my sister lives far away and my brother works full time. We can’t be there all the time but knowing that we have the app and will get a call if something happens is very reassuring. 
 
Isaac Care is helping us avoid going down the carer route, while Mam is still mobile and independent’  

Sharon McQuillan, PRIMARY CARER


How Isaac Care can help you live Independently

At Isaac Care our goal is to support people to live in their own homes as they age. Our range of assistive technology and 24/7 support allows us to do this, while keeping families and loved ones up to date through our circle of care app. 

1. Easy communication through Circles of Care – While the fall alarm gives the care recipient the confidence that they can maintain their independence with help on hand at the touch of a button, the Isaac app provides many benefits to their friends, families and everyone involved in their care.
2. Calendar Management- The calendar feature allows care circles to keep updated on the care recipients’ appointments and events. When adding an appointment you can choose what circle of care will be able to see this event in their calendar.
3. 24/7 Reassurance and Support – Our dedicated team are on hand to monitor any fall or SOS alerts 24/7, 365 days a year.
4. Early Interventions – The health monitoring feature allows you to keep track of vital readings, providing a detailed picture of the care recipient’s health over time. This allows for early intervention if there is a sudden change in the care recipients readings.

Whatever the reason, there are a few things that those who choose to live independently should keep in mind. First, it’s important to stay active and engaged in order to maintain both your physical and mental health. This can be done by joining social groups, taking part in activities you enjoy, and keeping up with your hobbies. Additionally, it’s important to make sure your home is safe and accessible – this may involve making some modifications, such as installing handrails or widening doorways.

Finally, it’s a good idea to have a support network in place in case you need help with things like transportation, grocery shopping, or home maintenance. With the help of Isaac Care, we aim to keep you living independently, safely.

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Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

What Is Vitals Monitoring?

Vitals Monitoring


What Is A Vitals Monitoring?

Vitals monitoring is the process of tracking and recording a patient’s vital signs, which include heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and body temperature. This data can be used to help assess a patient’s overall health and well-being, and can also be helpful in detecting early signs of illness or disease.

There are a variety of ways to monitor vitals, such as taking a pulse and using a wearable device. Patient monitoring is typically performed by healthcare professionals, but there are also some devices and apps that allow patients to track their own vitals at home.

Why is Vitals Monitoring Important?

Patient monitoring is an important part of healthcare because it can provide valuable information about a patient’s health. For example, if a patient’s blood pressure is consistently high, this could be an early sign of hypertension (high blood pressure). If a patient’s respiration rate is consistently low, this could be an early sign of respiratory distress.

Patient monitoring can also help to identify trends in a patient’s health over time and in some cases, vitals monitoring can even help to predict future health problems.. For instance, if a patient’s heart rate tends to spike after meals, this could be indicative of an underlying heart condition.

While patient monitoring is primarily used as a tool for diagnosing and treating illness, it can also be used for preventive purposes. For instance, if a patient’s vitals are monitored closely, healthcare professionals may be able to identify lifestyle changes that could help improve the patient’s overall health.

What are the Different Types of Vitals?

There are four main types of vitals: heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and body temperature.

  • Heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. It can be measured manually by taking your pulse or with a wearable device.
  • Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. It can be measured manually or automatically with a wearable device.
  • Respiration rate is the number of times you breathe per minute. It can be measured manually by counting your breaths or automatically with a wearable device.
  • Body temperature is your internal body temperature. It can be measured manually with a thermometer or automatically with a wearable device.

Who Could Benefit from Vitals Monitoring?

A person monitoring her health vitals by pulse

There are a variety of people who could benefit from vitals monitoring, including:

Elderly patients: Vitals monitoring can help elderly patients maintain their independence and live safely at home.

Patients with chronic conditions: Patient monitoring can help patients with chronic conditions track their health data helping detect and identify potential problems early.

Those with multiple chronic conditions: Vitals monitoring can help patients with multiple chronic conditions track their health data and coordinate their care.

People who are hospitalized: Vitals monitoring can help hospitalized patients stay on top of their health status and avoid complications.

Patient Monitoring At Home with Isaac Care

One of Isaac Care’s unique features is the ability to monitor your health vitals from the comfort of your own home. Isaac Care’s monitoring is simple and easy to use. All the equipment is sent out to you preconfigured to ensure you have a swift set up. Monitoring your vitals at home means less hospital or doctor visits, early detection and the peace of mind your being looked after, without leaving the house.

The main benefit of Isaac Cares Vitals Monitoring feature is that when you go to the doctor, they can see how the patients’ health and trends look like over a long period of time such as blood pressure levels, glucose levels and activity levels. All this information is essential for early intervention, keeping people well .

Information is uploaded to the Circle of Care app which can be viewed by family members, caregivers or the person’s doctor.

Isaac Care allows for easy and effective monitoring of health trends over time. Our unique combination of remote patient monitoring, 24/7 fall response and personal care allows us to ensure the right care, is provided in the right place and at the right time. Allowing for data driven decision making and early interventions at the first sign of deteriorating health, Isaac Care is the ideal solution for effective home health monitoring.
– Lauren Byrne, Isaac Care


Benefits of Vitals Monitoring Include:

people who may benefit from vital monitoring
  • Improved patient outcomes: Monitoring can help improve patient outcomes by providing healthcare professionals with real-time data that can be used to make informed decisions about a patient’s care.
  • Reduced hospitalizations: Health Monitoring can help reduce hospitalizations by helping healthcare professionals identify potential problems early and intervene before a patient’s condition worsens.
  • Lower healthcare costs: Vitals monitoring can help lower healthcare costs by reducing the need for expensive interventions, such as hospitalizations.
  • Improved coordination of care: Patient Monitoring help improve the coordination of care by providing healthcare professionals with a complete picture of a patient’s health status.

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Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

Personal Alarm Guide: What Is A Personal Alarm?

Personal Alarms


If you or someone you love is at risk of falling, lives alone or wants to feel more safe in general, a personal alarm can give you the peace of mind knowing that help is just a push of a button away. In this blog we discuss what is a personal alarm, the benefits of a personal alarm and who can benefit the most from using one. 

What Is A Personal Alarm?

A personal alarm is a small, portable device that contacts a loved one, carer or emergency services in the event of a fall or an emergency.

A personal pendant alarm can alert emergency services or loved ones if you experience a fall or need help. Pendant alarms are an effective way to improve safety for seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone who lives alone or has a history of falls. They can provide peace of mind for both the user and their family or carers, knowing that help is close at hand if needed.

5 Benefits Of A Personal Alarm

A personal alarm can provide a sense of security and peace of mind for people of all ages. For elders, people who live alone or those with disabilities, a personal alarm can be a valuable tool for maintaining independence and safety. Here are some of the benefits of having a personal alarm:

1. Personal alarms can help to reduce the risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults over the age of 65 falls each year.

2. Personal alarms can provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.

3. Personal alarms can help to keep loved ones safe and connected.

4. Personal alarms can give users a sense of independence and empowerment.

5. Personal alarms can be a valuable tool for caregivers and families. They can also help loved ones and caregivers know when someone has fallen or need help, so they can provide assistance if needed.

Who Can Benefit From Using A Personal Alarm?

A young and old man sitting under a tree with a laptop

Most people think that personal alarms are only for the elderly or infirm. However, this is not the case. There are a number of people who can benefit from the use of a personal alarm. Here are just a few:

Seniors:

Seniors can benefit from personal alarms in a number of ways. For instance, if you live alone, a personal alarm can provide reassurance that help is always nearby in case of an emergency. A personal alarm can give peace of mind to both seniors and their loved ones by ensuring that assistance is always close at hand. Additionally, some seniors suffer from conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia, which can make it difficult to remember to call for help in an emergency.

People With Additional Needs:

People with additional needs often face unique safety challenges. For example, if you use a wheelchair, it may be difficult to reach a phone in an emergency. A personal alarm can provide an easy way to call for help, even if you can’t physically reach a phone. Additionally, many personal alarms now offer features like GPS tracking, which can be especially helpful for people with additional needs.

Parents of Young Children

Parents of young children know all too well the importance of being able to call for help quickly in an emergency. Whether your child has a medical condition that requires quick assistance or you simply want a way to reach emergency services if you can’t get to a phone, a personal alarm can be a lifesaver. Many personal alarms now offer features like two-way calling and GPS tracking, which can give parents even more peace of mind.

People Who Work Alone:

If you work alone, whether you’re a delivery driver, a store clerk, or a home healthcare worker, a personal alarm can provide an extra layer of safety. In the event of an attack or accident, a personal alarm can summon help quickly, even if you can’t reach a phone. Additionally, many personal alarms now offer features like GPS tracking, which can be helpful if you work in a remote location or are concerned about being attacked.

No matter your age or lifestyle, a personal alarm can be a valuable addition to your safety plan. Choose the right device for your needs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is always close at hand.

What Makes Isaac Care Different From Other Personal Alarms?

a couple walking beside a lake

There are many personal alarms on the market, but what makes Isaac Care unique? Our focus is on providing a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of people and their families. Here are some of the key features that make us stand out:

  • Our dedicated team are on hand 24/7, 365 days per year to respond to any SOS or fall alert
  • The pendant allows for two way calling through the device itself, allowing the user to speak directly to their emergency contacts or our dedicated call centre in the event of a fall.
  • Easily set up GPS Zones and receive notifications when the device enters/leaves these zones e.g. home, shop, supermarket.
  • Connects to our FREE family caring app “Isaac Care”, where the relevant people will be notified of any Fall/SOS alerts and be able to view the GPS location of the device.
  • The Pendant is not only unnoticeable, it’s very light and is comfortable to wear around the neck
  • Isaac Cares pendant can be used while on the go, the personal alarm works both inside the home and when out and about.
  • Isaac Care is designed to be user friendly, the device simple and easy to use and also works straight out of the box when you receive it.

 “I have confidence in the fact that if something happened, she has the ability to immediately contact me and to alert me to the fact she’s in trouble. It’s confidence inspiring to see that the Isaac Pendant two-way communication system does work, that’s the biggest thing for us.” – Padraig, Primary Carer.



Where Can I Purchase A Personal Alarm?

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is to order an Isaac Care pendant. Check out our website to check out the range of packages we have available. Order a personal alarm today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected.

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Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

Remote Patient Monitoring: How Does it Work?

Remote Patient Monitoring: How Does it Work?


Remote patient monitoring has been rapidly gaining in popularity in recent years. In an age when mobile devices are available to everyone, remote patient monitoring can be convenient and effective, enabling people to take charge of their own health. But what is it, and how does it work?

In this blog post, we will discuss remote patient monitoring, how it works and how it can benefit both patients and healthcare providers.

What is Remote Patient Monitoring?

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a method of healthcare delivery that uses technology to monitor patients remotely. This can be done via phone, computer, or another type of remote device. RPM allows healthcare providers to collect data from patients and then make decisions about their care based on that data.

Health data may be collected manually and entered into a remote patient monitoring system or it may use biosensors, fitness trackers, and other wellness devices to automatically or continuously gather health data. The collected data is then securely sent to healthcare providers in another location for real-time update, assessment, and intervention. Providers may want to measure a patient’s heart rate, vital signs, sleep patterns, and glucose levels, among others. Through this system, clinicians can continue caring for their patients remotely. 

10 Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring

wearable health stats from isaac pendant

There are many benefits to using RPM, both for patients and healthcare providers. Here are just a few.

1. RPM can help to improve patient outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to more closely monitor their patients’ health.

2. Remote patient monitoring benefits not only patients but also their caregivers. The RPM tools of today include the patient’s caregiver in the plan of care by allowing them access to record vital signs and provide progress reports. The caregiver can participate in and influence the care of their loved one with RPM.

3. Remote patient monitoring bridges the barrier of access by providing care to patients where they are, when they need it. It can be used to reach patients in rural areas, and connect patients to specialists who they otherwise would not have access to.

4. RPM can reduce the number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits, as well as the length of hospital stays.

5. RPM can help to lower healthcare costs by reducing the need for office visits and other face-to-face interactions between healthcare providers and patients.

6. As a result of severe staffing shortages, RPM can help reduce the burden of overscheduled in-person visits by enabling clinicians to provide some of that care virtually.

7. Access to healthcare is becoming more difficult for patients. Remote patient monitoring can help physicians provide care for more patients wherever they may be.

8. Remote patient monitoring provides the opportunity for more physicians and clinicians to expand their care and reach more patients, which can lead to an additional revenue stream.

9. Patients and primary carers avoid the inconveniences and expenses of travel, parking, childcare, and/or taking time off work.

10. RPM helps in the prevention of infectious diseases. With RPM, patients do not have to visit the hospital or clinic where they are vulnerable to contract an infection. Avoiding an in-person visit eliminates the risk of unnecessary exposure—particularly for the elderly and those who are chronically ill, pregnant, or otherwise immunocompromised.

How Does Remote Patient Monitoring Work?

a doctor talking to a patient

Even after learning the definition of RPM, there is still some confusion on how RPM actually works.

  • Using a RPM, a provider can collect a variety of patient health data such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight, blood sugar levels and vital signs.
  • To collect health data, the patient is provided with a device. It is necessary for remote patient monitoring devices to be electronically connected, which is most often achieved via cellular networking or Bluetooth.
  • As a result of analyzing this data, the provider can provide health and wellness guidance and directions to the patient. Once the device has been properly configured, health data is captured by the device and is transmitted from the patient to the provider, usually electronically, after it has been set up properly.

How is Remote Patient Monitoring Set Up?

There are a few different ways that remote patient monitoring can be set up. The most common way is for patients to use special devices that measure various health data points. These devices then transmit the data wirelessly to a central hub, where it can be monitored by healthcare professionals.

Another way to set remote patient monitoring is through the use of wearable devices, such as fitness trackers. These devices also collect health data, which can be transmitted wirelessly and used to monitor a patient’s health status.

The setting up of Isaacs RPM feature is easy as it’s all on the Isaac Care app. Catherine a Primary Carer spoke about the peace of mind that it brought her and her mother who uses the Isaac Pendant.

“I’d give the Isaac Care App a five-star rating, I’m really delighted with it, I’m not particularly tech savvy and I find it really easy to use.’’ – Catherine Rogers



Remote Patient Monitoring VS Patient Monitoring

a female doctor on her laptop

There are a few key differences between remote patient monitoring and patient monitoring.

Patient monitoring generally refers to any type of monitoring that is done in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or doctor’s office. This type of monitoring usually requires some type of equipment, such as a blood pressure monitor or heart rate monitor. The data from these types of monitors is then typically recorded on charts or graphs.

Remote patient monitoring, on the other hand, does not require any special equipment. Instead, remote patient monitoring uses technology to collect data from patients who are not in a clinical setting. This data can be collected through devices that the patients wear, such as fitness trackers or smart watches. It can also be collected through apps that the patients use on their smartphones.

One of the key advantages of remote patient monitoring is that it can be done from anywhere in the world. This is a huge benefit for both patients and doctors. Patients can be monitored from the comfort of their own homes, and doctors can monitor their patients without having to be in the same room.

Different Types of Remote Patient Monitoring

Vital signs monitoring is the most common type of RPM. It allows healthcare providers to collect data on a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and other vital signs. This data can be used to detect changes in the patient’s condition and to make decisions about their care.

Disease management is another type of RPM. It uses data collected from patients to help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Disease management programs can help patients better understand their condition, make lifestyle changes, and adhere to their treatment plan.

Medication adherence is another type of RPM. It uses data collected from patients to track whether they are taking their medications as prescribed. Medication adherence programs can help patients stay on track with their medication regimen and avoid potentially harmful side effects.

Behavioral health is another type of RPM. It uses data collected from patients to track mental health symptoms and behavior’s. Behavioral health programs can help patients identify early signs of mental illness, get the treatment they need, and prevent potentially harmful behavior’s.

Michael is an Isaac Care user who also uses the ISAAC Care blood pressure feature. His doctor is part of his Circle of Care on the app, and she has access to the results which assists with managing his blood pressure medication allowing for continuous care without in-person GP visits. 

 
“I wouldn’t be without it. I have returned to meeting friends in my local and once again walking the Cooley mountains. It provides me the freedom to live life without fear just by knowing I am never alone”. – Michael




 

In conclusion, remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a promising tool for improving the quality of healthcare. RPM has the potential to improve the quality of care for both patients and providers. If you’re considering remote patient monitoring for your practice or home, we can help. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of setting up and using this technology to improve the quality of care for you or your patients.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

How Assistive Technology can help those at risk of falls

How Assistive Technology can help those at risk of falls


Falls are one of the biggest problems which occur in advancing years, because of their high frequency and adverse health consequences. According to a study conducted by TILDA, approximately one in five older adults in Ireland (17% of men; 21% of women) experienced recurrent falls in the last four years.

A falls risk factor is something that increases an older person’s chance of falling. Falls commonly result from a combination of risk factors as the risk of falling increases with the number of risk factors that are present. The number of risk factors also increases as a person ages. Falls can put older people at risk of serious injury including fractures, cuts, bruises and even serious brain injuries so it is therefore vitally important to reduce the risk of falls in the home.

Even if there is no serious injury because of a fall, it can still be a frightening experience and may cause an older person to avoid certain activities due to the fear of falling again. As you get older, health conditions, physical changes and sometimes medication can make falls more likely to occur.

Where Isaac Care Can Help

At Isaac Care, we are here to support people to live their lives to the fullest in the comfort of their own homes. The Isaac pendant is the next generation of technology in fall alarms and is a lightweight, discreet and an easy-to-use device. The pendant allows the user to easily call for help and speak directly to a loved one and can be used both at home and out and about. The Isaac pendant connects to our family caring app giving your circle of care real time updates via the app thus providing reassurance that someone is always on hand to help at the push of a button.

Mobility – Keep Moving

Physical activity can assist greatly with preventing falls. Regular physical activity makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination.

Most adults over 65 should try to keep active if possible. There are activities suitable for people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis or diabetes. Activities can improve flexibility greatly, if you avoid physical activity as you are afraid of the risk of falling talk to your doctor or physiotherapist who will recommend a carefully monitored exercise programme.

  • Begin slowly with exercise you feel comfortable doing.
  • Start with walking and increase the distance gradually.

Step trackers like Fitbits can be great motivators to keep moving, at Isaac Care we allow you to sync your Fitbit to your Isaac Care Profile. Allowing you to keep an eye on your activity levels.

Health Monitoring Equipment

Keeping an eye on your overall health is another way to minimise your fall risk. At Isaac Care we also provide simple easy to use health monitoring equipment where all readings feed directly into our app. Easily manage your blood pressure, weight, heart rate, temperature, blood glucose levels, pain levels, steps and blood oxygen readings. This empowers you to always be in control of your own health and wellbeing and to provide accurate readings and insights to your GP.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.

Client Testimonial: Debbie Curtis

“The peace of mind is the big thing!”

Read what Debbie, a Primary Carer has to say after using the Isaac Pendant.

Client Testimonial – Debbie Curtis, Primary Carer

What piqued your interest in the Isaac Pendant? 

I was interested in the pendant from a security point of view and for peace of mind. My mother and father-in-law are both in their 70’s and live quite rural, which is quite a distance away from family members.

What feature of the Isaac Pendant do you value the most? 

The best and quickest feature is being able to speak to her quickly, as opposed to traditional fall alarms that just call you.

When my mother-in-law had been feeling unwell, I could reassure her through the pendant that we were on our way and someone would be with her soon. Thankfully she was fine but just to know that she was ok, lucid and able to speak to me was a big thing.

** Most Traditional Fall Alarms are static alarms and do not allow for two-way communication, a call centre will call should the alarm go off.

“The best and quickest feature is being able to speak to her quickly, as opposed to traditional fall alarms that just call you.”

Debbie Curtis

Primary Carer

What’s the biggest change you’ve found since you started using the Pendant?

You don’t worry about them so much because you know they are ok.

My farther in law loves to do some farming and their grounds are quite large. You know that if something happens to them outside of the house they can still be able to quickly make contact with you and you can locate them via the Pendant and the Family care App if they weren’t in the house.

“You know that if something happens to them outside of the house they can still be able to quickly make contact with you and you can locate them .”

Debbie Curtis

Primary Carer

What’s most valuable to yourself and your family about using the Pendant? 

The peace of mind is the big thing! Since having it, my mother-in-law had been feeling unwell and it was great she has been able to call me through the pendant

Star Rating 

Five Stars!


Call us today for a free consultation.

Begin your journey to peace of mind.

Read more of our client testimonials

Client Testimonial: Padraig O’Hora

“It’s very fast at connecting”

Read what Padraig, an Isaac Pendant User has to say after using the Isaac Pendant.

Client Testimonial – Padraig O’Hora, Primary Carer

What piqued your interest in the Isaac Pendant? 

The person I’m caring for has a disability, she needs support and needs to be able to call on that support if an emergency arises. She lives on her own and has a disability, as a family we want to support her independence and make sure she has the support she needs. This is absolutely the kind of device we have been looking for.

“Within seconds I’m speaking directly to her through the pendant as if I was talking to her through a phone”

Padraig O’Hora

Primary Carer

What feature of the Isaac Pendant do you value the most? 

It’s the very fact that she can press a button and within seconds I’m speaking directly to her through the pendant as if I was talking to her through a phone, it’s a really strong feature.   

What’s the biggest change you’ve found since you started using the Pendant? 

I have confidence in the fact that if something happened, she has the ability to immediately contact me and to alert me to the fact she’s in trouble. It’s confidence inspiring to see that the Isaac Pendant two-way communication system does work, that’s the biggest thing for us.


“It’s confidence inspiring to see that the Isaac Pendant two-way communication system does work, that’s the biggest thing for us.”

Padraig O’Hora

Primary Carer

Star Rating 

Ah sure It couldn’t be anything less, because it does everything I would want it to do it would have to be 5 stars.  


Call us today for a free consultation.

Begin your journey to peace of mind.

Read more of our client testimonials