Challenges Amidst a Greying Society
Elder care is a multifaceted domain that encompasses a wide range of services and support systems. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions, are prevalent among the elderly. NCDs kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally. Each year, 17 million people die from an NCD before the age of 70.
Statistics paint a stark picture of the healthcare burden posed by an aging population. For instance, Japan, with one of the highest life expectancies in the world, has nearly 30% of its population aged 65 or older.
Today, 20% of the French population is over 65, and in the United States, by 2030, 20% of the population will be 65 and older.
Cognizant of this change, several markets are already pioneering innovative approaches to elder care. In Japan, a “Health and Welfare” plan for the elderly was introduced, which includes support for the aging population. Hospice care and home-based palliative services are becoming more widespread due to investments, ensuring that the elderly can spend their days with dignity and comfort.
Singapore has implemented the “Successful Aging” policy, which includes free health screenings for seniors, fitness classes, and educational workshops on nutrition as well as chronic disease management. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of tailored policies to address the unique needs of aging populations.
While these systems allow elderly individuals to receive care within their communities, reducing the burden on hospitals and improving access to services, the region still has a complex mix of challenges that remain prevalent.
The pandemic has intensified the role of healthcare for both governments and patients, resulting in a 9% increase in investment. Patient numbers have risen by 15% to 30% across various diseases, indicating a substantial uptick in demand for healthcare products and services.
Healthcare facilities are struggling with overcrowding, declining physician-to-population ratios, limited medicine availability, and insufficient funding. The shortage of healthcare workers worldwide is also worrying with an estimated shortfall of 10 million by 2030. This underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and workforce development.
The current model, which often emphasizes acute, hospital-based care, is ill-suited for the chronic and long-term nature of elder care. Instead, a shift towards integrated, community-based care models is essential. As the aging population often lives with chronic diseases, managing them requires a coordinated approach involving various healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the patients themselves.
Innovative Approaches
One of the most promising solutions is the adoption of value-based care (VBC). Unlike traditional fee-for-service models that incentivize quantity over quality, VBC focuses on providing better health outcomes at lower costs.
This approach aligns well with the needs of the elderly, who often require comprehensive and continuous care rather than episodic treatment. However, for VBC to truly realize its potential, it cannot operate in isolation; it must be blended with other innovative healthcare solutions.
Integrating VBC Into Digital Solutions
Telemedicine and digital health solutions are playing an increasingly important role in disease management and can work in tandem with VBC to help elder care. Telemedicine allows elderly patients to access healthcare services without leaving their homes, reducing the need for travel and exposure to hospital environments. This is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions.
Wearable devices and remote monitoring tools also enable continuous tracking of vital signs and health metrics, providing real-time data to healthcare providers. This continuous monitoring can lead to early detection of health issues and timely interventions. Coupled with electronic health records (EHRs) that consolidate a patient’s medical history, treatments, and medication, this allows healthcare providers to view the patient’s health holistically.
Comprehensive data enables more accurate tracking and management of health conditions. Additionally, advanced data analytics can pinpoint elderly patients at higher risk for specific conditions, enabling proactive interventions and personalized care plans. This approach ensures that interventions are effective and aligned with the patient’s health goals.
Digital health platforms can also offer educational materials and resources to the elderly, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health. This engagement is crucial for improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
For example, DKSH Healthcare has implemented its patient solutions hybrid platform that provides continuous monitoring and follow-ups via its in-app tools. This makes it easier for patients with chronic conditions to monitor and access their health data. Such telemedicine software solutions empower clients and partners in the biopharmaceuticals and medical device sector, ensuring affordability and high standards of care when managing senior healthcare challenges.
Collaboration With Multi-Disciplinary Teams
VBC must also be supported by the collaboration of multi-disciplinary healthcare teams. The elderly often require a variety of healthcare services, including medical, psychological, and social support. Integrating VBC with coordinated care involving physicians, nurses, social workers, and caregivers ensures that all aspects of an elder's health are addressed. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the quality of care but also supports the holistic well-being of the elderly.
A notable initiative that DKSH Healthcare has taken on is the “Homecare Project” in Thailand, serving as an incubator for elderly care solutions. Through this service, healthcare professionals can conduct blood tests directly in patients’ homes, with samples processed in labs, and results and medications delivered to them. This approach reduces the need for the elderly to visit hospitals or care facilities, enhancing convenience and accessibility. Given its positive uptake, DKSH Healthcare plans to extend this model to other markets within the next few years.
The disparity in elder care accessibility is stark. While some markets are leveraging technology and policy reforms to address the needs of their aging populations, others struggle with basic healthcare provision. VBC represents a significant advancement in improving elder care, but it cannot succeed in isolation. By integrating VBC with technological innovations, multi-disciplinary collaboration, preventive care, patient education, and supportive policies, we can drive healthcare innovations that address the complex needs of the aging population.