Pilot project to monitor health of the elderly using technology launched at Chai Chee

SINGAPORE - A pilot project that uses technology to monitor the health of the elderly was launched by Sata CommHealth in Chai Chee on Sunday (Aug 21).

Bluetooth-enabled devices will collect information such as the blood pressure, blood glucose level and the pulse rate of 60 seniors in their homes every day. The data will be monitored by Sata CommHealth as it tracks chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension in the elderly over a period of six months.

Sata CommHealth is a voluntary welfare organisation that focuses on community healthcare. It provides regular health checks and screenings for residents in the community.

More than 200 Chai Chee residents received free health checks, including specialised tests for glaucoma, at the SATA CommHealth Uttamram Medical Centre along Chai Chee Street on Sunday.

Telehealth, or the delivery of healthcare using infocomm technology, has been gaining traction here, as public hospitals get on board in offering it as a form of treatment for chronically ill patients. It allows patients to be monitored in the comfort of their own homes.

However, MP for Marine Parade GRC Tan Chuan-Jin, who was guest-of-honour at the event, said telehealth needs to be scaleable in order for the community at large to benefit.

To overcome cost constraints, community organisations can consider putting the relevant equipment at senior activity centres instead of individual households, said Mr Tan. Seniors can then go down to take their readings with the help of volunteers.

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