Technology helps seniors live independently

One of our neighbors has a doctor prescribed scale that phones an office every time she weighs herself. The office calls her or notifies others (as required) if she fails to weigh-in according to the daily schedule or if there are significant weight changes. An Internet connection & a PC or Mac could reduce the cost of this service considerably in addition to performing more services as described in this article.

Aging under a high-tech eye -- chicagotribune.com:
"Carol Roberts' 77-year-old mother is active and mentally sharp, but she suffers from a seizure disorder that requires close monitoring. 'She didn't want to lose her independence, but she was apprehensive about living alone,' Roberts says.

One option was assisted living, but then Roberts heard of an alternative: new technology called the GrandCare System, which uses strategically placed home sensors to record motion in key spots such as the bathroom, entryway and bedroom. 'She can live in her own space, and I don't worry,' says Roberts, who can monitor motion via computer and notice if, say, her mother, who lives in Daytona Beach, Fla., has wandered out the front door, possibly disoriented.

Such technology is just one example of the so-called 'aging in place' movement driven by Baby Boomers who are growing older.
. . .
When Olga Zaffos left her front door wide open, her daughter and son-in-law knew immediately. A video camera strategically positioned in the 87-year-old Oklahoma City woman's living room transmitted an image of the door to a dedicated computer in the couple's nearby home. And if Olga wants to see her loved ones, she doesn't need to be computer literate - - all she has to do is sit in front of the camera if she wants to chat.

Reminders to take her medication are flashed periodically on a computer screen that sits in her living room. If Olga's family wants to check in, or a message is displayed, a distinctive ring that is recognizable even to people suffering from severe dementia sounds.

When Olga's daughter and son-in-law, Deidre and Steve Downham, send photos of family outings, they're displayed on the monitor, which keeps her in touch with grandkids and other family members.
. . .
AT&T's Remote Monitor uses webcams to watch over the living room, kitchen or front door, and motion sensors to register when a door to a room opens. The system, which some use for home security, can even turn lights on and off in the house and check to see if someone left a coffee pot on the stove. If a senior wants some privacy, he or she can turn the cameras off.

"But most people feel the sense of security is a worthwhile trade-off for the loss of privacy," says Steve Loop, executive director of business development for AT&T in San Antonio.

Another system called QuietCare uses five to 10 sensors positioned throughout the home - - near the bedroom door, bathroom, refrigerator door or family room - - to track movement. Sophisticated computer systems are used to establish a person's behavior patterns. If there is a change in habits of daily living, such as when a person gets out of bed or how much time he or she spends in the kitchen or bathroom, the system will send out an alarm to alert caregivers.

In addition to using sensors to monitor daily activities, the GrandCare system that Carol Roberts uses has a small computer that connects to the Internet and plugs into the TV. Family members can share photos, fire off e-mails and send reminders about taking medicine or doctor's appointments on a dedicated TV channel."

See the article for links to these products.