Technologies for long-term care

Abstract

Comments on an article by Alfonso J. Cruz-Jentoft et al. (see record 2009-00279-001). The number of older adults is rapidly growing. Many have chronic illness states and multiple co-morbidities as stated in the European Silver Paper. Informal caregiving by family and friends has helped to meet some of their care needs; however, extended families have become less common. Many older adults may live alone with limited social networks and as their health declines may require residential long-term care (LTC) services. Technology can improve efficiency and quality of LTC services and enhance older adults' quality of life. Existing and emerging technologies in residential LTC may include management systems for wandering, fall prevention, incontinence, assistance call, medication, and delivery products. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)