During my two-hour practicum session with Clay, a comprehensive assessment revealed escalating unmet needs, given his rapid cognitive decline. With over 5.8 million Americans afflicted with Alzheimer’s in 2020 (CDC, 2020), innovative technologies, robust care coordination, and expanded community resources must be leveraged to support patients like Clay. As his nurse, I will research available apps, remote monitoring devices, adult day programs, in-home care services, legal/financial consultations, support groups, and respite subsidies. A customized care plan from local resources can provide Clay dignity and comfort while reducing caregiver burnout. Ongoing advocacy is vital so families facing Alzheimer’s can access affordable services that honor patient values, special needs, and preferences.

Analysis of Healthcare Technology

Implementing GPS tracking devices, home sensors, medication dispensers, and telehealth platforms may enhance Clay’s safety, independence, and care coordination. For example, wearable GPS trackers allow caregivers to locate Clay if he wanders, while fall alert systems can detect if he experiences an unsafe fall at home. Automated pill dispensers can prompt and track Clay’s medications to prevent missed doses and overdosing. Telehealth services enable remote provider consultations, family conferences, and video check-ins to reduce burdensome office visits (Meyer et al., 2022). These technologies offer peace of mind for Clay’s wife and children while limiting the need for constant in-person supervision. They also allow Clay to maintain independence longer while living comfortably at home. From a population health perspective, widespread adoption of these digital health solutions across Alzheimer’s patients may improve outcomes and lower costs if effectively integrated into care delivery models. However, consideration must be given to usability issues, patient privacy concerns, and equitable access barriers that could limit the benefits of technology. Overall, thoughtfully incorporating technology into Alzheimer’s care represents an innovative approach to enhancing safety, quality of life, care coordination, and health system efficiency (Wang et al., 2020).

Advantages and Disadvantages of GPS Tracking Devices

Numerous studies demonstrate how GPS tracking devices can benefit Alzheimer’s patients by quickly locating them if they wander while also giving caregivers peace of mind. Randomized trials reveal that GPS trackers reduced unsafe wandering episodes in dementia patients compared to standard care (Cullen et al., 2022). Observations show that GPS devices can locate patients within 5 minutes on average versus hours of searching without tracking technology. However, disadvantages include high costs, patient discomfort wearing devices, and technical problems with indoor GPS signals (Wojtusiak & Mogharab Nia, 2019). Privacy issues also arise regarding continuous location monitoring. While advantages include reduced search times and improved safety, disadvantages like affordability, usability, and privacy must be weighed (Wojtusiak & Mogharab Nia, 2019).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Telehealth

Telehealth platforms enable convenient virtual consultations and care coordination, demonstrated to improve outcomes in Alzheimer’s patients. Research shows telehealth interventions in dementia lowered hospital visits, reduced costs, and increased caregiver satisfaction versus in-person care alone (Agosta et al., 2022). However, barriers like limited internet access, inability to examine patients physically, and suboptimal provider reimbursement restrict telehealth adoption (Tarani S. P. Grandhi et al., 2023). Ethical concerns also exist regarding privacy breaches during virtual encounters. In summary, telehealth offers advantages like improved access and coordination but also has disadvantages related to usability, costs, and ethics that need consideration (Tarani S. P. Grandhi et al., 2023).

Consistency with Nursing Practice

In my professional nursing practice, I have witnessed the expanding use of wearable sensors, GPS trackers, telehealth services, and mobile applications to support Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Our care team increasingly relies on tools like two-way audio/video systems to perform virtual assessments; electronic medication administration records to ensure adherence, and cloud-based platforms to coordinate care plans across settings. Technology helps consolidate fragmented care delivery and empowers families to participate in care while maintaining their loved ones safely at home. However, training and workflow integration of new technologies remains a challenge. Thoughtful implementation focused on usabi