Telehealth, or the provision of healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology, has made its way into the headlines lately, especially when it comes to senior living.
While technology companies, such as Apple and Google have offered smart devices that monitor heart health and track falls, more recently broadband or Internet service providers, such as Comcast, are exploring telehealth technology as part of their service offering.
Comcast recently announced that they are working on a new, in-home device that will mainly be used to detect motion by sensors throughout the home, tracking patterns and identifying peculiar activity that may be related to health issues. If an elderly person is using the bathroom more than usual or is staying in bed or stagnant for periods of time, the device would detect these anomalies as perhaps underlying health issues and should be addressed. The smart device is also able to track falls, which could be detrimental or fatal to senior people.
While the functionality of the device makes sense, the information the device collects is still unclear: who will have access to the data collect - doctors, family members, care givers or just the owner of the device?
One thing is clear when it comes to smart health devices: connectivity or Internet is required to make these devices work. Not just in-home, but also at the hospitals or clinics receiving and reviewing the data need to have a solid infrastructure and connectivity network. Comcast may have an edge with this as a video and Internet provider and other telecommunication providers may follow suit. If you would like to learn more about how connectivity is necessary for your smart devices, including telehealth, contact us today. 
