Advances in telecare over the past 10 years

• Main Authors: Turner KJ, McGee-Lennon MR
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2013-11-01
• Series: Smart Homecare Technology and TeleHealth
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/advances-in-telecare-over-the-past-10-years-a14978

Kenneth J Turner,1 Marilyn R McGee-Lennon2 1Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK; 2School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK Abstract: This article reviews advances during the past decade or so in telecare (ie, computer-supported social care at home). The need for telecare is discussed along with how it relates to social and health care. The expected benefits of telecare are also discussed. The evolution of telecare technology is reviewed, covering various system generations. The capabilities of present day telecare are covered, along with its advantages, limitations, and barriers to uptake. Recent evaluations and exemplars of telecare are discussed. The user requirements for telecare are presented, complemented by a discussion of the issues in user and professional acceptance. The article concludes with a summary of past developments in telecare and the prospects for the future. Keywords: assisted living, health care, home care, independent living, social care, telehealth