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Improving Health in Canada Through Access and Digital Tools

Posted by Origin Active Lifestyle Communities on May 15, 2020 | 3 minute read

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According to Canada Health Infoway, “Digital health refers to the use of information technology/electronic communication tools, services and processes to deliver health care services or to facilitate better health.”

Caregivers, older adults, and family members can make more educated decisions regarding care if they are provided all the information. It is reported that 80 to 90 per cent of Canadians want access to their health records and information, but only six to ten per cent actually have access.

Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, with locations throughout Canada, believes in treating every community member as a whole person, to nurture mind, body, and spirit. We want to learn what is meaningful and valuable to each person, and their family, so that we can create an environment and care plan to meet those needs.

Origin understands that having access to digital health records and tools can help an individual determine what he or she wants their care plan to look like.

Person or Patient-Centered Care

The benefit of digital health access is that it focuses on patient-centered care, or the practice of caring for patients and their families in ways that are meaningful to the individual. The goal of platforms like Canada Health Infoway is to help “improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health solutions across Canada.”

In fact, Canada Health Infoway has created “ACCESS 2022, a movement aimed at improving Canadians’ access to their personal health information and to digitally delivered health services.” Research shows that those who are engaged in their care have better health outcomes. By being more informed, you can better manage your health. Visit their website to learn more about ACCESS Health and what it means for Canadians.

Easy-to-Use, Health-Focused Mobile Apps

As organizations and healthcare providers work to make digital health more accessible, there are mobile applications and tools that you can download on your phone to be proactive in managing your health.

MediSafe is a medication reminder and digital organization app. If you or someone you know takes multiple medications (common among older adults), this easy-to-use app provides personalized medication and refill reminders. MediSafe can also warn against potential drug interactions, and you can assign a designated caregiver to the app who is notified should a dose be missed. This app can provide a user with knowledge and peace of mind surrounding their medication regimen.

ParticipACTION is a fitness tracker, research-based app. According to their website, “regular movement can help older adults age well and maintain independence.” The app provides fitness guidelines for those 65 and older (as well as other age groups) to ensure the user is getting the most benefits. Set personal goals, watch instructional videos, and keep track of your progress. This app allows the user to educate themselves regarding their physical activity guidelines and meet and exceed their fitness goals.

Kardia, for those who may be concerned with a heart condition, is an app that when paired with KardiaMobile, is recommended by leading cardiologists. “Just hold KardiaMobile in your hands for 30 seconds to capture a medical-grade EKG anytime, anywhere... KardiaMobile will wirelessly communicate with the Kardia app to let you know if your EKG is normal or if atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected (play.google.com).” This app can put a user’s health in the palm of their hands and provide information he or she needs to make informed decisions regarding their care.

Beyond mobile or tablet apps, there are smartwatches and wearable technology that allows an individual to track day-to-day activity, behavior, and health changes.

READ: NEW TECHNOLOGY IN SENIOR CARE

Origin Active Lifestyle Communities is committed to making positive changes in our Communities and throughout the Senior Living industry in the way people view aging, living, and healthy lifestyles. We encourage our community members and their families to take an active role in their health, and as technology advances, it will become easier than ever to do this.

We encourage you to contact us or find an Origin community near you to learn how active living the Origin Way can improve your health and wellness.