Due to the deterioration of their cognitive functions they may be unable to operate the common alarm systems. This means they are incapable of alerting anyone if something happens. Therefore, De Wever Foundation is testing 15 innovative personal alert and alarm systems among these client groups.
Programmable per separate living space
In this new, third generation home automation (‘domotica’) system the house is equipped with sensors. These sensors perceive if someone has fallen, has not been moving for a longer time or wanders off and leaves the house. The sensors have a per (living) space programme. In the living room, it might be considered normal that a motion sensor does not pick up any motion for a quarter of an hour. Yet for the corridor, where people normally just pass through, a time slot of one or two minutes of immovability is considered the norm. Does anyone leave the house while that is not the intention, the alarm immediately sounds.
Cameras
The reports of this 'monitoring and signaling technology’ UAS (Unattended, Autonomous Surveillance) are sent to the Mobile Care Team of De Wever Foundation. This team receives a text message containing the client's name and a concise sketch of the situation. The members of the Care Team take the appropriate measures. In some cases they even perform a remote initial assessment. This is possible due to the cameras that are strategically installed in the houses. These cameras can be activated by the Care Team. Captured images can be viewed on their palmtop.
Experience
Previous trials with this type of domotica with a group of more severe patients in Baarn and Soest show that UAS indeed contributes to the postponement of admission and to a more comfortable and safer feeling for the patient's housemate. Over the coming period, De Wever will examine the actual need for this service among the target groups.
Realization
Until September 1, 2011 in Tilburg 15 systems are offered to volunteer caregivers of people with dementia still living at home and to clients of the Mobile Care Team of De Wever. This team, in cooperation with dementia consultants, supports people from an early stage of dementia to prolong their independent living at home. If the system proves successful, a social business case and a plan for implementation will follow.
Partners: De Wever Foundation (organization for geriatric care), Avics ICT B.V. and Fontys University of Applied Sciences, dept. of Nursing; with the support of Vilans (knowledge institute for long-term care)