New technologies could help patients receive the treatment they need in their own homes

A new report claims that telehealth and telecare methods could radicalise the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's.

Telecare and telehealth methods revolve around the use of electronic equipment to monitor the key indicators of a patient's health in the comfort of their own homes.

The equipment can read signs including the pulse, weight and blood oxygen levels and these can be monitored by patient and doctor alike.

Further instruments such as bed sensors can also be used to gather vital information for doctors when treating patients with Alzheimer's.

Karen Taylor, director of Deloitte's centre for health solutions, said: "Telecare and telehealth can help overcome a number of barriers to accessing health and social care, including geographic distance, cost, elevated demand and a shortage of provider organisations."

Although the report admits that the technology does not come cheap, Deloitte also believes that the methods would prove to be cost-effective in the long term.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.