I recently has the pleasure of reading STATE OF TECHNOLOGY IN AGING SERVICES:SUMMARY by Majd Alwan of the Center for Aging Services Technologies. ( see link ).

http://www.agingtech.org/documents/bscf_state_technoloy_summary.pdf

This summary "...offers a vision for long-term care that includes using integrated information technology systems to support and enhance the health, safety and social connectedness of older people living in their own homes".

According to an article in eHealthNews.eu

"Making telehealthcare an integral part of health and social care delivery gives patients valuable independence and an improved quality of life, as well as promoting increased self care and greater awareness amongst patients of their condition which is a key factor in improving overall outcomes.

The U.S. healthcare industry is a $2+ trillion ecosystem of hospitals, physicians, pharmaceutical companies and insurance providers. Healthcare is expected to grow to $4+trillion by 2016-largely driven by the emerging medical treatment needs of 75 million baby boomers. 

Information technology and telecommunications can play a major role in dealing with the healthcare needs of the age wave. Patients-at-home, their family caregivers, physicians and home care providers will become part of a digital connected care system.