Introduction:
Around 771 million people in the world belong to the elderly age group. Elderly people suffer from different kinds of health disorders due to aging and loss of immunity. Often, these medical conditions lead to medical emergencies. Also, due to physical disabilities, it is often difficult for older individuals to go for a health check-up. As a result, at-home medical check-ups for can be useful to avoid medical emergencies.
What Are the Needs of At-home Medical Devices for the Elderly?
Aging is known for physiological changes in the human body. Aging causes the slowing down of metabolic activity, hormonal dysfunctions, DNA damage, and accumulation of toxic substances. These changes lead to physiological changes. These changes lead to function changes in the various organs like the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes. Also, systemic complications like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are common in elderly people. That is why regular health checkups are necessary for them. However, due to physical disability, it is difficult for them to avail physical checkups outside.
What Are the Different Medical Devices Useful for the Elderly?
Different at-home medical devices are necessary for elderly individuals. These devices can be used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive purposes. These devices are;
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Glucometer: A glucometer measures the sugar content in the blood. This is a rapid method of analyzing blood sugar levels. This device is helpful for regular purposes and provides accurate results with minimum blood loss. It is beneficial for patients taking insulin regularly or persons with physical disability. Also, persons who suffer from kidney disorders, cardiovascular disorders, or stroke may use it. This device is easy to use and can be operated by a single person. It comprises a digital glucometer, measuring strip, needle, and lancing device. The hand should be clean during measurement as contamination may affect the results. The lancet and the needle are used to prick the fingertip. Usually, a needle prick can be achieved by rotating the lancet tip. Pricking the sides of the fingers is less painful than the more sensitive fingertips. Alternate fingers can be used each time. Place a new test strip into the meter and close the cap to prevent exposure to air, which can reduce accuracy. Do not use the strips beyond their expiration date. Gently squeeze out a small amount of blood and hold the test strip to the blood droplet until it has absorbed enough for the test to begin. Once the meter displays the blood sugar level, the test is complete.
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Digital Blood Pressure Measurement: Blood vessel disorders and cardiovascular disorders are caused by alterations in the blood vessels. The loss of elasticity in the blood vessels is primarily attributed to the process of aging. These alterations are often accompanied by the thickening of artery walls and the deposition of collagen in the middle layer of the blood vessels. Consequently, this contributes significantly to the rise in blood pressure as individuals age. Previously, the blood pressure measurement was done with the help of a sphygmomanometer. This procedure is difficult, and proper training is required. An additional stethoscope is also used for this purpose. In the digital blood pressure machine, a piezoresistive transducer is used to detect the blood pressure. The technique for measuring blood pressure depends on the transmission of pulsations within the artery of the occluded arm. To begin, a cuff is placed around the upper arm and inflated rapidly to a pressure of 30 millimeters of mercury higher than the expected systolic blood pressure, effectively blocking blood flow in the brachial artery. Subsequently, the cuff is gradually deflated while a pressure sensor within the detecting system captures the oscillometric signal step-by-step. These oscillations in arterial pressure are then processed to form an oscillometric envelope or curve. The sampling of the signal is adjusted based on the heart pulse value.
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Pulse Oximeter: Oxygen saturation in the blood is useful for determining physiological well-being. In a normal scenario, the oxygen saturation should be 95 percent or above. Reduced oxygen saturation is indicative of low oxygenation in the blood. Severe lung infection, cardiac disorders, and reduced supply of oxygen cause such complications. A pulse oximeter is a useful device to detect oxygen saturation in the blood. The pulse oximeter is based on the principle of the spectrophotometer. This methodology detects the changes in the light absorption of oxygenated (oxyhemoglobin) and deoxygenated blood using different light wavelengths. The machine usually uses light of red and infrared frequency to detect oxygen saturation. The pulse oximeter determines the measure of arterial saturation (SpO2) by calculating and calibrating the ratio of absorbance at these wavelengths with direct measurements of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2).
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Nebulizer: Elderly individuals often face a reduction in lung capacity. Also, they may experience a decline in total lung volume capacity and alterations in the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity. Changes in the alveolar epithelium can result in a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion. Various factors, including lung diseases, inadequate ventilation, limited air exchange in the alveoli, decreased mucociliary transport, weakened cough reflex, and reduced alveolar elasticity, can contribute to an increased vulnerability to lung infections. Chronic lung conditions like emphysema (lung disease caused by damage of the air sac) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders may even lead to right-sided heart failure. That is why delivering medications that can improve their respiratory functions is difficult. The nebulizer is utilized in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. It converts liquid medicine into aerosol droplets, allowing for the direct delivery of medication to the targeted organ. This method is as effective as oral medication but requires a lower dosage. Unlike an inhaler, using a nebulizer does not require breathing coordination, making it particularly suitable for the elderly and children. There are various types of nebulizers available, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for specific needs. One type of nebulizer is the compressor nebulizer, which utilizes compressed air to generate aerosols. It is easy to use, supports a wide range of medication types, and is reliable and affordable. However, it is typically bulkier, has multiple parts, produces more noise, and requires a power outlet. Another type is the mesh nebulizer, which utilizes mesh technology. Mesh nebulizers are portable, quiet, and simple to use. They can also operate at all angles. While superior in terms of technology, mesh nebulizers tend to be more expensive, and the mesh component requires thorough cleaning.
Conclusion:
Home medical devices are beneficial for elderly people. Such devices are used to determine blood glucose level, blood pressure level, and oxygen saturation level. These devices are easy to use and can be operated by a common person. Devices like glucometers, pulse oximeters, and nebulizers can prove to be effective during any emergency.
