Monitoring systems for the elderly
Smart home technology isn’t restricted to the young mavericks of the Computer Age. The elderly and infirm can also benefit from more connected homes, which provide assistance to them and assurance to their family members. Technological advances include both revisions of old products and entirely new devices. For instance, the familiar emergency assistance pendants which elderly people have worn for ages can now be programmed to answer the phone or alert individuals when it is time to take their medication.Now-familiar technology like video phones or Internet webcams are used by long-distance caregivers today to help check in on their elderly clients. According to a study released in January 2011, many caregivers are also interested in using non-home-connected technology, such as electronic organizers and software programs that track medical records.At the Medical Automation Research Center at the University of Virginia, researchers have developed exciting new in-home technology applications to improve the quality of life for the elderly. Consisting of a connected set of sensors, rather than cameras or microphones, the system can track indicators in an elderly person’s life that may give hints to the onset of disease. The system also monitors levels of activitychanges in regular patterns could signal an accident that requires medical attention. The low cost of the sensors makes the MARC Smart In-Home Monitoring System available to the widest possible range of users.The Center for Aging Services Technology (CAST) is an invaluable resource for learning more about the changing ways technology can be used to improve elderly quality of life. Visit the center at http://www.aahsa.org/cast.aspx for more information.