Caring for seniors is not easy and needs lots of attention and even specific training in some cases, caregivers can often succumb to stress, physical, emotional and financial pressure. Caregivers often spend many hours of their day tending to their patients, usually their parents; they also have to take care of their own children if they are parents themselves apart from their work and chores. They are often looking for new ways to make life easier and manage things, yet it remains difficult.
This is where technology startups come in, In the U.S. there are many digital products available to help caregivers, from pill reminders to appointment management and monitoring systems. However, in Canada we don’t really have such a large supply of such technology aimed at caregivers of seniors and the seniors themselves.
This could be a new business opportunity for the budding entrepreneur; it is an untapped niche in the technology sector while being part of the health care sector as well.
Now is the time for entrepreneurs to invest in businesses that use technology to assist seniors and their caregivers. Caregivers of today are comfortable with technology and would be willing to pay a small charge if it makes their life easier in the long run. An increasing number of seniors too are using technology, with data suggesting that three out of every five seniors use the internet.
The Smartphone using, Fitbit wearing caregivers would find it natural to use an app for scheduling their parent’s doctor visits, or using reminder software about pills or other medical necessities.
Some entrepreneurs are already recognizing the value of technology in healthcare for the elderly. Sudbury, Ontario based John Whitehead started CareLink Advantage in 2009, the company specializes in home-monitoring elders and installs sensors around the patient’s home that notify caregivers of falls, night-time wandering and sleep irregularities. Demand for the services have grown over time and as more Canadian public health agencies fund it, the business is posed to expand further.
“Our goal is to support caregivers and enable seniors to be safe and continue living independently,” Whitehead said.
With technology being an important part of the healthcare sector, patients and caregivers are more than ready now to embrace innovative forms ways to deal with healthcare situations.
