VCare Technology

A Fully-Integrated Application for Better In-Home Care

The application is comprised of a Tablet PC and user interface located in the patient’s home. It is connected to a remote monitoring database using Internet broadband communications and has a redundant dial-up solution in the event of network failure.  

An easy-to-use, touchscreen interface helps patients manage their home using smart-home technologies, plus collects health measurements taken from self-assessment tools. These assessments are forwarded to the monitoring database where proprietary algorithms measure the assessments to ensure they are within preset values.  In the event of an assessment outside of the preset value, the call center is notified and can contact the patient as defined in Patient Access Protocols.

Most of the VCare medical devices used in medical monitoring capture data using bluetooth or other wireless technologies.  Many also use cellphone technologies so the patient can also be monitored when away from home. The patient is not required to interact with the gateway or cell phone to add this monitoring data to their electronic record. Data is automatically forwarded over the Internet or dial-up service.

The home is also continually monitored for daily activity to ensure the patients are moving around and not incapacitated in any manner. Lack of movement in the home will be notified to the monitoring call center for follow up. Safety and security alarms are also forwarded to the call center for immediate action.

The system uses a scalable database that allows new features to be added and supports significant growth in clients. The database has proprietary algorithms that monitor medical assessments and will notify the call center of measurements out of range – i.e. glucose too high or too low. The application is HL7 compliant and will interface with any other HL7 compliant Electronic Health Record or applications.

Our research has shown that the greatest fear of most seniors is becoming incapacitated and nobody knowing about it for long periods of time.  They are also concerned about personal safety and security. These two factors were taken into account when designing the system. 

The system is modular in design.  People can install the base system, which provides security and the video door phones, motion detection, heat and lighting management. Other more advanced services can be added at a later time as required.  Medical monitoring can be added at any time.

The VCare solution is invaluable to anyone who has a medical issue that needs monitoring. 

Measurements
Measurements – blood pressure, blood glucose, weight and many others - can be taken using conventional medical devices the client is already familiar with. The VCare Gateway receives data from electronic medical peripherals and sends it to a central database where a complete electronic health record is created and made available for review by health care professionals or family members, as determined by the patient.

VHS also makes 24 hour monitoring available through their nursing call centre. Each time the electronic test is completed by the client, it is registered on their electronic chart and displayed on the monitoring nurse’s PC. If the measurement is outside the parameters set for the patient, the nurse is alerted by an alarm and will deal appropriately with the medical situation. 

Electronic Pill Dispensers
An outstanding feature of VCare is the electronic pill dispenser. Statistically one of the major reasons seniors require emergency services is due to drug-related incidences.  The VCare device is filled with medication by a pharmacist or caregiver and locked. At designated times during the day, an alarm sounds and the appropriate medications are presented.  If these medications are not taken, an alert is flashed onto the monitoring nurse’s PC. The nurse will follow previously agreed upon protocol to find out why the medication was not taken. This effectively acts as double security to the patient if they are incapacitated due to a fall or illness.

The VCare medication dispenser makes it impossible for the client to double dose, underdose or overdose because the device is locked and only the appropriate medication is made available at the prescribed times. The medication is easy to access and does not present a challenge to arthritic fingers as opening pill vials often does.

Alert Pendants and Wristbands
As an added measure of security and to decrease the fear of the client becoming incapacitated and unable to get help, the VCare product suite offers home, cell, and satellite based alert pendants and wristbands. The client simply presses the alert button and the alarm will be displayed on the monitoring nurse’s PC. The nurse will then follow the previously agreed upon protocol for this situation. 

Motion Detectors
Motion detectors are situated throughout the home and set to monitor motion day and night. If there has been no motion detected for an amount of time previously agreed upon for that patient, an alarm appears on the nurse’s monitor. This monitoring alleviates fears that one could be incapacitated in the home and not receive help for hours or even days.

Video Cameras
There is an industry standard compliant video camera on the Gateway that enables the client to consult with the nursing call center, medical staff, or family members. The video system also allows the client to see who is at the door on a one-way video connection for added safety. If they decide they want the caller to enter, they can release the door remotely from the Gateway. In addition to security, this improves the lifestyle of clients with low mobility. 

Hot Stove Monitor
VCare includes a hot stove monitor that monitors for motion in front of the stove.  If there is no movement for a predetermined time, the stove is automatically shut off to prevent fires. This greatly ensures the safety of clients.

Smart Home Features
VCare’s smart home features provide base security as well as advanced functionality to ensure home safety for the elderly. One of the features is automated lighting to ensure adequate lights are on to reduce trips or falls.  The system also manages heating to ensure adequate temperatures and improved energy management by automatically reducing heat when the client leaves their home. The heat is reset to the normal temperature when the alarm is deactivated on the client’s return. Many other standard smart home services can be included such as home theater, automated plant watering and pet feeding, etc.

Portals

The VCare system is comprised of three separate portals: