The use of technology in monitoring elderly patients in palliative care: benefits, challenges, and implications

The integration of technology in palliative care has become a crucial innovation in providing more efficient and personalized care, particularly for elderly patients. With aging populations and increased life expectancy, healthcare systems worldwide face significant challenges in delivering quality palliative care to older individuals, especially those with chronic and terminal conditions. The use of technology—such as telehealth systems, wearable devices, and remote monitoring tools—has shown promise in improving the management of symptoms, enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers, and ensuring timely interventions. By enabling continuous monitoring of vital signs, symptom progression, and medication adherence, these technologies offer elderly patients and their caregivers greater comfort and reduce the need for frequent hospital visits. Moreover, they empower patients to take an active role in managing their health from the comfort of their homes. This article explores the role of technology in monitoring elderly patients in palliative care settings, highlighting its potential benefits and challenges. It discusses the various technological tools being utilized and examines their impact on patient outcomes. Additionally, the article presents insights from recent studies on how technology can be effectively implemented to enhance palliative care for the elderly, ensuring that they receive the dignity and quality of life they deserve at the end of life.