Recovery from injuries or surgeries will never be the same. For years, patients were forced to remain within the walls of a clinical setting. At times, they would have to rely on large, fixed-base machines to try and regain lost movement. Now, thanks to wearable technologies, patients are able to carry the clinic around with them. Wearable technologies have created a pathway between the confines of a hospital and the comfort of a person’s own home. With wearable technology comes a more reactive, more personal way to reach wellness.
The Transition from Static to Dynamic Recovery
Traditionally, physical therapy is often viewed as a lengthy, arduous process. A patient spends countless hours walking back and forth along a predetermined route, attempting to restore function and strength. However, research has shown us that the largest portion of recovery takes place outside of the clinical environment. Wearable sensors now follow these movements in realtime and collect information that clinicians could not obtain prior to wearable technology.
Tracking Health Data Outside of Clinical Settings
A visit to the clinician provides a snapshot view of a patient’s overall condition. However, wearable technology continues to track each and every step taken by the patient. Each heartbeat, each spike in blood pressure, etc., create a wealth of information that can assist clinicians in developing treatment plans tailored specifically to meet the individual needs of each patient. Clinicians are no longer left to speculate regarding how well a patient is doing at home; instead, they know exactly what type of range of motion a patient exhibits during their morning walk.
Improved Exercise Technique Through RealTime Feedback
- Longitudinal tracking of mobility trends through data logging.
- Notification systems alert users when they exceed their limits.
- Reduced need for multiple trips to clinical environments due to remote tracking.
Moving the Hospital Into Homes
For many families who have had a family member undergo surgery, the biggest concern postsurgery is whether they will send them home or keep them in a hospital bed. The biggest determining factor for many families is cost. Many families consider the hospital bed rental fee a significant factor in their household budget. Rental fees vary depending upon which features are necessary for full recovery.
Finding the Right Balance Between Hardware and Software
Carefully planning and equipping a home-based recovery space is crucial. Depending upon the needs of the recovering individual, there may be the requirement of specialized equipment such as a surface designed for pressure relief. Subsequently, the first step in preparing for their recovery may involve locating a rental hospital bed with a rental mattress. Wearables will track the recovering individual’s vital signs while providing him/her with the proper support. Hardware and software must work hand in hand in order to ensure safety.
- Adjustable frames aid in maintaining healthy circulation.
- Scales integrated into the frame monitor weight fluctuations.
- Side rails serve as additional fall prevention measures.
- Mattresses engineered to redistribute pressure reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Smart Textiles & Soft Exoskeletons
Wearable intelligence extends beyond smart watches alone. Smart fabrics equipped with sensors are emerging as another method of collecting physiological data (i.e., muscle activity) via direct contact with skin. Stroke victims are being assisted with regaining ability to walk using robotic suits that react to the wearer’s intentions. These suits apply gentle assistance only when the muscle begins to fatigue.
Advancements in Neuromuscular ReEducation
To effectively reeducate muscles, the brain requires continuous feedback. Haptic pulses delivered through wearable devices guide limbs toward correct positions. When a patient alters his/her posture, he/she receives a pulse to indicate when he/she is outofposition. Such immediate corrective feedback significantly enhances the learning curve associated with movement patterns. What was previously a passive exercise has become an active experience driven by engagement.
Budgetary Considerations in Chronic Care
As recovery progresses, families must begin evaluating longterm costs associated with recovery. Families should determine the length of time their loved one will be in need of support for recovery purposes. Typically, shortterm recovery periods benefit from renting hospital beds versus purchasing. However, chronic conditions may justify purchasing a bed due to increased longevity.
Determining Which Path Best Supports Your LongTerm Needs
Purchasing may be financially advantageous if your loved one requires longterm use of a hospital bed (over six months). Rentals typically come with included maintenance/repairs, and setup services for your convenience. Such peaceofmind is invaluable for busy caregivers. Additionally, rental agencies will remove and dispose of equipment once it is no longer needed.
- Compare the total cost of rental agreements vs purchasing and verify if there is any “rent-to-own” option available.
- Review potential repair costs for future use.
- Determine the possible resale value of your used hospital bed.
Meeting Specialized Needs for Different Body Types
Medical equipment cannot accommodate all patients equally well. Specifically, patients requiring higher weight capacity beds often struggle finding suitable bariatric hospital bed rentals. Bariatric beds feature larger frames and powerful motors that enable them to easily move heavier patients safely and comfortably throughout their recovery.
Increasing Accessible Technologies for Everyone
The design of wearable intelligence is also expanding its inclusiveness. Wearable sensors are now capable of adjusting their placement on varying body types and sizes. Regardless of size, data accuracy is maintained. Additionally, engineers are designing wearable technology that users can place independently. This promotes independence among the user.
- Wide frames on heavyduty units support individuals weighing up to 1,000 pounds.
- Wide bases prevent accidental falls from occurring.
- Powerful motors produce smooth adjustments.
- Modular sensors are adaptable to differing circumference measurements of limbs.
Role of AI in Predictive Care
AI represents the brains behind wearable intelligence. Rather than simply recording data, AI identifies patterns that may go unnoticed by humans. For example, AI can detect when a patient is likely to fall before they actually do so. AI detects slight variations in gait/balance that signal impending loss of balance/fall risk. Consequently, caregivers can take proactive steps to prevent injury from occurring.
Tailoring Therapeutic Plans
Each body heals differently. Rigidly defined therapeutic plans rarely take into consideration differences in healing rates among individuals. Using AIpowered wearables enables clinicians to adjust the intensity/difficulty level of prescribed activities on an almost daily basis. On days when a patient appears fatigued, the wearable suggests reducing the number of repetitions or load amount. Conversely, on days when energy levels appear elevated, AI will suggest increasing the number of repetitions/loads. This responsive strategy may foster less frustration among patients and possibly decrease feelings of burnout.
Understanding Investments in Wellness
Healthcare delivery models are increasingly decentralizing themselves annually. Hightech wearables and home medical equipment represent today’s standards for healthcare delivery. While initial investments may seem daunting for some families, understanding the costs of renting a hospital bed allows families to establish realistic expectations for their loved ones’ recovery processes. Both technological advancements and hardware investment are imperative elements for successful recovery.
Comparing Costs to Find Appropriate Options Within Your Budget
When considering investing in home care equipment, it is easy to overlook other expenses involved in caring for someone at home (e.g., transportationrelated fees/deposit fees). To minimize unnecessary expenditures, it is essential to thoroughly examine rental hospital bed vs purchasing options and compare costs between providers. Providers should be asked to outline all costs associated with your desired product.
- Confirm if your insurance policy covers rentals.
- Determine if the rental hospital bed and mattress include bedding supplies.
- Verify promptness/response time to address emergencies related to your product.
- Look for discounted pricing for longterm rental agreements.
Challenges Associated with Adopting New Technology
Not everyone finds comfort in utilizing hightech products/gadgets. Some older adults may find wearable sensors uncomfortable or confusing. Designers are taking steps to simplify user interfaces for wearables. Simplifying voice command functionality replaces traditional button functions. In addition, caregivers can manage device functions remotely through simple smartphone applications.
Supporting Therapists
Although technology assists clinicians in gathering data, it should supplement their efforts, not replace them entirely. Wearable technology provides a means for clinicians and patients to communicate effectively. Wearable technology facilitates patients and clinicians having a shared vocabulary of terms describing patient status (e.g., “my mobility improved”) as opposed to simply stating, “I am feeling better.” This collective understanding fosters greater trust/confidence between patients and clinicians.
Identifying Individual-Specific Equipment Requirements
There are situations where certain patients require unique environmental conditions in order to optimize their recovery experiences (e.g., sleep positions). Examples include respiratory complications necessitating an upright sleeping position or other similar conditions requiring frequent positional adjustments for maximum comfort/safety. There are instances where patients may require customized bariatric hospital bed rentals that provide sufficient strength/power for frequent positioning adjustments.
- Motors with high torque handle frequent adjustments smoothly.
- Battery backup systems maintain operation during temporary loss of electricity.
- Easytoclean surfaces eliminate excessive cleaning responsibilities.
- Wheel systems with locks permit convenient transfer throughout rooms.
Conclusion
The future of rehabilitation will incorporate a combination of mobility and reactivity. We are transitioning away from generic medical solutions applicable universally. Wearable intelligence enables personalized care by collecting meaningful data from patients while providing optimal physical support at home.
Together these innovative approaches have created opportunities enabling patients to achieve their goals for returning home sooner than ever before. Ultimately, we are transforming the path to wellness from a rigid road map into a fluid journey enabled by cuttingedge technology.
