[Use of telemonitoring by elders at home: actual practice and potential].
METHODS
The use of telemonitoring services by elders is increasing. In this regard, occupational therapists have been recommending emergency call systems linked to a central monitoring system.


OBJECTIVE
This study sought to document the actual and potential uses of telemonitoring services with an elderly population in a home support context and the impact of these services on occupational therapy practice.


METHODS
To meet these objectives, a literature review on telemonitoring practices was completed and results were organized according to the Canadian Model of Occupation Performance.


RESULTS
Evidence suggests that new technology and telecommunication is efficacious for monitoring elder's physical and cognitive components, and can have positive impacts on elders' affective component, and social, physical and institutional environment. In regards to monitoring occupations in the home, research and development is promising for personal care such as mobility, sleeping, medication and life routine follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The arrival on the market of new products for telemonitoring services will allow easy and continuous monitoring of elder's progress at home in a non invasive manner, and will enable quick intervention when there is a change in day-to-day occupations.
Caouette
Amélie
A
Centre de Réadaptation Physique de Québec.
Vincent
Claude
C
Montreuil
Benoit
B
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D003071:Cognition; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*