Seniors Live in Their Home Longer with Health-Monitoring Technology

Early identification of changes in behavior and physical activity with the use of network technology is enhancing "Aging in Place”, allowing older adults to remain active and independent for as long as possible.

Researchers at the University of Missouri (MU; Columbia, USA) are using sensors, computers, communication systems, and supportive health care services to monitor the health of older adults who are living at home. By using motion sensor networks installed in the seniors' homes, researchers can detect changes in behavior and physical activity, including walking and sleeping patterns.

In recent evaluations in Tiger II, a 22-unit addition to the TigerPlace independent living community (Columbia, MI, USA), the sensor networks detected changes in residents' conditions that were not recognized by traditional health care assessments. The MU researchers are perfecting the technology infrastructure at TigerPlace as a model, so that these technologies and supportive health care services can be made available to seniors throughout the United States. Ultimately, the system will issue automatic alerts that notify caregivers of changes in residents' conditions, allowing them to intervene and prevent adverse health events. Additional work is underway to establish the health alerts, improve the reliability and accuracy of the sensor network, implement a video sensor network, and refine a Web-based interface to make it user friendly and meaningful to health care providers.

"The 'aging in place' concept allows older adults to remain in the environment of their choice and receive supportive health services as needed. With this type of care, most people wouldn't need to relocate to a nursing home,” said Marilyn Rantz, R.N., Ph.D., a professor in the MU school of nursing. "Monitoring sensor patterns is an effective and discreet way to ensure the health and privacy of older adults.”

Related Links:
University of Missouri
TigerPlace independent living community