New initiative aims to let caregivers remotely monitor health of seniors

A new initiative being trialled aims to allow caregivers to remotely monitor the health of vulnerable senior citizens, such as those living on their own, ensuring they receive more timely care and support.

- Zhaki Abdullah

Under the Remote Monitoring and Support Programme for Seniors, seniors use devices like oximeters and blood pressure monitors to measure their vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure daily. The devices have wireless capabilities to transmit the data in real time to the Caregiving Welfare Association's (CWA) care team.

Caregivers can intervene if the readings are unusual, or if the seniors fail to record such measurements. This allows for proactive monitoring of the seniors' health, reducing hospitalisation while allowing them to age in their own homes rather than in aged care facilities.

Under the programme, devices will also be used to monitor those at higher risk of falls.

This was announced at the Caregiving Fest, an event held at Sengkang Grand Mall on Sept 21 for caregivers and seniors to engage and connect.