Embedded health systems integrate sensors and microprocessors in appliances, furniture, and clothing which collect data that is analyzed and can be used to diagnose diseases and recognize risk patterns.
Due to the need for more healthcare options for the aging population "there is a significant interest from industry and policy makers in developing these technologies".
[2] For those with disabilities smart homes give them opportunity for independence, providing emergency assistance systems, security features, fall prevention, automated timers, and alerts, also allowing monitoring from family members via an internet connection.
Telehealth promotes the diagnosis, treatment, education, and self-management away from health care providers and into people's homes.
According to the National Institute of Health, "the main threats are non-communicable diseases, including heart, stroke, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and dementia".
[6] Another telemonitoring device is video-conferencing, which can provide patient-provider consultation and electronic delivery of medication instructions and general health information.
Some have found positive telehealth effects including reduction of symptoms and self-efficacy in the elderly population with chronic conditions.
[8] Other studies have found the opposite effect, where telehealth home care produced greater mortality than the traditional hospital setting.
The disabled population requires many self-monitoring and self-management strategies that place a strenuous burden on healthcare providers.
Telehealth technologies include vital sign telemonitoring devices, exercise routines, problem-solving assessments, and therapeutic self-care management tasks.
[16] Home automation for healthcare can range from very simple alerts to lavish computer controlled network interfaces.
Some of the monitoring or safety devices that can be installed in a home include lighting and motion sensors, environmental controls, video cameras, automated timers, emergency assistance systems, and alerts.
Home networks can also be programmed to automatically lock doors and shut blinds in order to maintain privacy.
These systems and tools generate alarms and alerts automatically if significant changes are observed in the user's vital signs.
Another example of this type of system is a Smart Shirt that measures heart rate, electrocardiogram results, respiration, temperature and other vital functions and alerts the patient or physician if there is a problem.
They can prompt about doctor's appointments and taking medicine, as well as everyday activities such as turning off the stove, closing the blinds, locking doors, etc.
Some communities offer free telephone reassurance services[19] to residents, which includes both safety check calls as well as reminders.
Domestic robots, connected to the domotic network, are included to perform or help in household chores such as cooking, cleaning etc.