AI-Based Video Analytics

 

The United States is currently experiencing a demographic shift from an "aging society" (wherein 7% or more of the population is 65 years or older) to an "aged society" (wherein 14% or more of the population is 65 years or older). This trend is expected to continue, and within the next six years, the U.S. may even become a "superaged society," wherein 20% or more of the population is 65 years or older. As medical care continues to advance, more and more older adults are able to live longer despite chronic conditions, comorbidities, or disabilities. However, this demographic shift has created a number of challenges for the senior healthcare system, which must be addressed in order to prepare for the predicted surge in the number of older adults over the next 15 years.

Challenges in Senior Healthcare

Increasing life expectancy and senior healthcare

 

Over centuries, the average life expectancy has increased significantly, driven by a combination of factors, including advances in medical science, improved public health measures, and changes in social and economic conditions. Today, the average life expectancy in most developed countries is around 80 years, with some countries reaching an average of over 85 years. This is a remarkable achievement and one that would have been unthinkable just a few centuries ago. 

While increasing life expectancy is undoubtedly a positive development, it also presents several challenges for healthcare systems around the world.
One of the most significant concerns with increasing life expectancy is the strain on healthcare systems. As people live longer, they require more medical attention, such as regular check-ups, medication, and diagnostic tests. This places a significant burden on healthcare providers, as they must allocate more resources to the care of elderly patients. The result can be longer wait times for appointments, overcrowded hospitals, reduced access to specialized care, underfunded healthcare programs, and overburdened healthcare staff. In some cases, these issues can result in a decline in the quality of care, which can have serious consequences for patient outcomes.

Another challenge associated with increasing life expectancy is the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions. These conditions are often complex and require ongoing management, which can be both time-consuming and costly. For example, patients with diabetes may need to check their blood sugar levels multiple times a day, take medication, and make significant changes to their diet and lifestyle. Similarly, patients with heart disease may need to take multiple medications, undergo regular check-ups, and make significant changes to their diet and exercise habits. As the number of people living with chronic conditions continues to rise, healthcare systems will need to find new and innovative ways to provide high-quality care and support to these patients.

As the demand for healthcare services increases, healthcare workers are often required to work longer hours, take on additional responsibilities, and manage a larger caseload. This can lead to burnout, high levels of stress, and reduced job satisfaction, which can have serious consequences for the quality of care provided to patients. In some cases, it can also lead to a shortage of qualified healthcare staff, which can further exacerbate the challenges associated with increasing life expectancy.

While the aforementioned challenges are significant, they can also provide opportunities for healthcare systems to innovate, finding new and better ways to provide care and support healthy aging for all. 
 

Elderly caregiver shortage issue 

One of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system in the United States is the shortage of caregivers, particularly in the area of elderly healthcare. With the baby boomer generation entering retirement age, the demand for healthcare services for seniors is increasing rapidly, while the supply of trained caregivers is struggling to keep pace. At the same time, younger generations are having fewer children, which means that there are fewer family members available to provide care for their aging parents and grandparents. This puts more pressure on the professional caregiver workforce.

There are several reasons for the caregiver shortage in elderly healthcare. First, the aging population is simply putting a greater demand on the healthcare system than ever before. As more people live longer, they require more care, which puts a strain on the entire healthcare system. Additionally, many caregivers are themselves aging, which means that they are leaving the workforce or reducing their hours, further exacerbating the problem. 

Another issue is the relatively low pay and difficult working conditions that many caregivers face. Caring for elderly patients can be physically and emotionally demanding, and many caregivers receive low wages, minimal benefits, and few opportunities for advancement. This makes it difficult to attract and retain skilled and experienced workers in the field.
In addition to these factors, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult to train new caregivers and to provide the necessary support and resources for those who are already in the field.
The shortage of caregivers has serious implications for the elderly and for the healthcare system as a whole. Without enough caregivers, many seniors may not receive the care they need, or they may receive care that is substandard or even dangerous. Additionally, when seniors don't receive adequate care, they may be more likely to experience health problems, which can result in more hospitalizations and higher healthcare costs.
The shortage of caregivers in elderly healthcare has serious implications for patient care. When there are not enough caregivers available, patients may not receive the level of care they need and deserve. This can result in poor health outcomes, hospital readmissions, and lower quality of life for seniors.

 

Improving the Quality of Senior Healthcare Using AI-based Behavior Monitoring Technologies

To address the caregiver shortage in elderly healthcare, it is important to focus on several areas. 

• Working conditions improvement. Improved working conditions and pay improvement for caregivers can have a huge positive impact on elderly healthcare. Higher wages, more flexible schedules, and better benefits, as well as training and support to help caregivers build their skills and advance their careers, benefit both caregivers and their charges.
• Caregiver support programs. Another approach is to increase funding for caregiver programs and support family caregivers. Helpful programs provide respite care and other types of support to family members who are caring for their aging loved ones increasing funding for community-based care programs, such as adult daycare centers and home health services, benefits caregivers and those for whom they are responsible.
• Technology. Finally, technology can play a role in addressing the caregiver shortage. For example, telehealth and remote monitoring technologies can help to extend the reach of caregivers and enable them to provide care more efficiently. AI, robotics, and other assistive technologies can help to supplement the work of human caregivers and make it easier for them to perform their duties. The use of AI in healthcare is rapidly expanding, and healthcare professionals are generally optimistic about its potential benefits for the field of medicine.
   

AI Technologies in Senior Care

AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and senior care, improving patient outcomes, reducing medical errors, and enhancing the quality of care.

One of the key applications of AI in healthcare is in the development of personalized medicine. By analyzing large amounts of patient data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and predict outcomes, allowing physicians to tailor treatments to each patient's unique needs. This can lead to more effective and efficient treatments, as well as reduced costs.

AI is also being used to improve medical imaging, a critical tool for diagnosing and treating many conditions. With the help of AI algorithms, medical imaging devices can produce more accurate and detailed images, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Another application of AI in healthcare is in the development of predictive analytics. By analyzing data from electronic health records and other sources, AI algorithms can identify patients who are at high risk of developing certain conditions. This allows physicians to intervene earlier, potentially preventing serious health problems.

In the senior care industry, AI technologies are being used to address the challenges of an aging population. One of the most promising applications of AI in senior care is in the development of assistive technologies, such as AI-based video analysis and behavior monitoring. These technologies can help seniors remain independent and stay in their homes longer, reducing the need for expensive and often disruptive institutional care.

 

How behavior monitoring technologies benefit elderly care

Behavior monitoring in healthcare involves the collection and analysis of data related to a patient's behavior and lifestyle. This data can be used to identify patterns and trends that may be indicative of certain health conditions or risk factors, and can be used to inform treatment and prevention strategies.

There are many different types of behavior monitoring that are used in healthcare, including

• Sleep monitoring. This involves tracking a patient's sleep patterns, using devices such as wearable sleep trackers, smartphone apps and AI-based video analytics. This data can be used to identify sleep disorders or other conditions that may be affecting a patient's health, and to develop treatment plans to improve sleep quality.
• Diet monitoring. This involves tracking a patient's dietary habits, using methods such as food diaries and smartphone apps. This data can be used to identify patterns in a patient's diet that may be contributing to certain health conditions or risk factors, and to develop personalized nutrition plans.
• Substance use monitoring. This involves tracking a patient's use of substances such as drugs or alcohol, using methods such as self-reporting and urine tests. This data can be used to identify substance abuse disorders or other conditions that may be affecting a patient's health, and to develop treatment plans to address these issues.
• Physical activity monitoring. This involves tracking a patient's physical activity levels over time, using devices such as wearable fitness trackers and pedometers. This data can be used to identify patterns and trends in a patient's activity levels, and to encourage them to increase their physical activity as part of a treatment or prevention plan. 

Camera-based behavior monitoring is helpful in identifying physical activity patterns as well, allowing the detection of physical function difficulties seniors develop over time. Moreover, AI-based video analytics can recognize falls and notify family members or caregivers of an accident. Falls are a significant danger for older adults, and can lead to serious injuries, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among older adults in the United States. Thus, rapid falling detection and quick response can save lives. 

Read our previous post for further information on AI-based technologies used in elderly care 

By monitoring a patient's behavior over time using standard and emerging technologies, healthcare providers can identify areas where lifestyle and environmental changes may be necessary and can work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address these factors.

 

AIIR Scout: AI Solution for Senior Care by ALCHERA

AIIR Scout is an AI-based video analytics solution by ALCHERA that uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to monitor indoor spaces in real-time. 

AIIR Scout is designed to help individuals and organizations maintain a safe and secure environment. ALCHERA's solution uses a network of cameras and sensors to monitor indoor spaces and detect when people behave abnormally. Abnormal behavior includes actions, that are not usually performed by individuals in healthy physical and psychological states, as well as dangerous behavior, as when an individual presents an imminent threat of physical harm to self or others. 

AIIR Scout uses AI and computer vision algorithms to identify individuals in a space and track their movements; this observation can be used to generate data and analytics. 
ALCHERA's solution is designed to be easy to set up and use: AIIR Scout has a user-friendly dashboard featuring an alerts and notifications set-up system. 

Both individual users and organizations can benefit from integrating AIIR Scout, a user-friendly and affordable tool that is constantly improving. Compared to other solutions in the market, AIIR Scout offers a range of features that can help users take care of their elderly: It can track and analyze activities, sleeping patterns, and potentially harmful or dangerous behaviors, notifying caregivers when something is wrong. 

Get in touch with our sales department if you are interested in providing better care for your patients or loved ones.