Home is supposed to be a sanctuary, a place where comfort and care come first—especially for the aging and vulnerable. But as the landscape of home health care rapidly transforms, it’s revealing both remarkable promise and sobering pitfalls. Two stories published on August 27, 2025—one from Samsung Business Insights and the other from Yahoo News—highlight the dual realities facing America’s elderly as technology reshapes how we care for those who wish to age in place.
On one hand, the rise of connected home health technology is empowering millions to take control of their well-being from the comfort of their living rooms. On the other, the very intimacy of home care can open doors for exploitation and abuse, as a harrowing case in Rockland County, New York, recently underscored.
Let’s start with the good news: The United States is experiencing a seismic demographic shift. According to the most recent census data, one in six Americans is now age 65 or older, with the so-called “geriatric population” reaching a staggering 61 million people in 2024. This trend is only accelerating, and it’s not just a statistic—it’s a transformation that’s reshaping neighborhoods, families, and the entire health care industry.
“The number of states and counties where older adults outnumber children is on the rise, especially in sparsely populated areas,” explained Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Branch, in a press release cited by Samsung Business Insights. And as those numbers climb, so does the desire among seniors to “age in place,” remaining in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This preference is fueling a surge in demand for home-based health solutions, with remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology leading the charge.
RPM is hardly a new concept, but the COVID-19 pandemic turbocharged its adoption as hospitals and clinics sought ways to care for patients at a distance. Now, RPM devices—ranging from connected blood pressure monitors and glucose meters to pulse oximeters and sensor-based rehab systems—are becoming household staples. The global RPM market is expected to balloon to $57.5 billion by 2034, and the number of patients using these devices is projected to hit 115 million by 2027, according to Samsung Business Insights.
What’s driving this explosive growth? In a word: necessity. Chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are on the rise, and traditional models of care—relying on frequent in-person visits—are both costly and logistically challenging. RPM offers a lifeline, allowing patients and their doctors to track vital signs, spot subtle changes, and intervene before minor problems become major emergencies.
The benefits aren’t just theoretical. Research highlighted by Samsung Business Insights shows that combining home monitoring with routine in-person check-ins reduces hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, ultimately slashing health care costs. The American Medical Association has thrown its weight behind telehealth and RPM, citing their potential to ease the burden on overstretched providers and improve patient outcomes.
Personalized care is also getting a boost. For patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions, connected devices can guide physical therapy exercises at home, providing real-time feedback on form and progress. The Department of Veterans Affairs, for example, reported a 28% improvement in functional outcomes for veterans who participated in a remote monitoring program after orthopedic procedures, compared to those who received standard care. That’s a game-changer for both patients and the health system at large.
But while the technology holds enormous promise, the human element of home health care remains fraught with risk. A recent case in Rockland County, New York, throws that reality into stark relief. As reported by Yahoo News, Delores Anderson, a 60-year-old Bronx woman employed as a live-in home health aide, was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison after threatening her 78-year-old client with a knife and stealing nearly $19,000.
The details are chilling. From December 2022 through August 2023, Anderson repeatedly threatened her client with a kitchen knife, demanding thousands of dollars. In May 2023, she coerced the victim into writing two checks for $4,082 each at knifepoint. Just two months later, she pressed the blade to his stomach and demanded three more checks—two for $3,603 and one for $3,602. In total, Anderson pocketed five checks and withdrew $18,972 from her account, according to court documents.
“The defendant abused her position of trust to exploit and terrorize a vulnerable elderly man for her own financial gain,” said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Wals in a statement to Yahoo News. “Today’s sentence ensures that she is held accountable for her crimes. My office will continue to pursue justice for those who target the elderly and prey upon our most vulnerable residents.”
This case is a stark reminder that while technology can revolutionize care, the human factor cannot be overlooked. Even the most advanced sensors and smart devices can’t replace the need for rigorous oversight, trusted relationships, and clear safeguards to protect those who are most at risk.
As more Americans choose to age in place, the challenge is twofold. On one hand, the expansion of RPM and digital health solutions is making it possible for millions to live healthier, more independent lives. On the other, the growing reliance on in-home aides and caregivers—often working with minimal supervision—creates opportunities for abuse and exploitation that can have devastating consequences.
So, what’s the path forward? Experts say it’s about balance. Leveraging technology to empower patients and reduce costs is essential, but so is strengthening oversight, background checks, and support systems for both caregivers and clients. Community organizations, law enforcement, and health care providers all have a role to play in ensuring that the promise of home-based care doesn’t come at the expense of safety and dignity.
The story of connected home health care is still being written. As the market grows and the population ages, the stakes have never been higher. For every success story—like the veterans who regained their independence thanks to remote monitoring—there’s a cautionary tale that reminds us of the work still to be done.
Ultimately, the future of aging in place will depend not just on the devices in our homes, but on the values we bring to caregiving itself. With vigilance, innovation, and compassion, home can remain the safest—and healthiest—place of all.
