Are Sensors And Artificial Intelligence The Future Of Ageing-in-place Technology? – Scoop.co.nz

Monday, 6 July 2020, 3:36 pmPress Release: Securely

International research[1]is clearly showing the value of sensors in a privateresidence to extend the amount of time a person can remainindependently in their home for longer.SECURELY is atrust-owned New Zealand company that has a range of productsthat use sensors and artificial intelligence to monitoractivity within a home. These same products can indicateillness or deteriorating health by alerting family andcaregivers to changes in daily routine.

GeneralManager Mark Smith says having infra-red motion detectionsensors installed throughout the residence can let familyand carers know that a person is up and about in themorning. He said unusual patterns of activity, or lack ofactivity, such as not using the kitchen or bathroom can beearly indicators of illness that can be quickly followed upon.

Products like our FAMILY and PRO packs havesensors linked to an APP that enable family to view activityfrom wherever they may be at work or living in adifferent town. Its unobtrusive for those in the home,but it provides greater peace of mind for family andcarers.The resident themselves can summon help at anytime using their medical alarm, through a pendant or simplycalling for help using voice activated emergency calldevice."

Mark Smith says technology is providinggreater independence and peace of mind for family and carersof seniors, but it also has potential for those with mentalillness and conditions like dementia as sensors can beinstalled on doors and gates with a text alert sent tofamily members.

ThefiguresAccording to the Ministry of SocialDevelopments Aging in Place": The Views of OlderHomeowners on Maintenance, Renovation and Adaptationolder people prefer to remain in the familyhome.Statistics NZ, 2013 Census, show that most peopleaged 65+ live in private dwellings but the proportiondecreases with age. In 2013, of people aged 65+ living inprivate dwellings: 59.3 % were aged 6574 years; 31.0 %were aged 7584 years; 9.7 % were aged 85+.

Thereare also sound financial reasons for seniors staying in thefamily home for longer. Compare the cost of a FAMILY or PROpack at a few hundred dollars compared with the cost ofresidential care which can range into the thousands permonth depending on whether you are eligible for theResidential Care Subsidy after being Means Tested, and thelevel of care and service you require.

Fallsin the homeWe know from ACC data that one thirdof people over 65 fall in their home every year. The ACCcost due to fall-related injuries in the home were more than$163milion in 2016, estimated to rise to $418 million by2025.Of those that fall, 60% spend an average of 12hours on the floor before being found. And 88% of thosefalls require hospitalisation[2].

Paintinga different picture with technologyBut forthose that had fallen and lain on the floor unable orunwilling to call for help (only 20% of those with a medicalalarm use it to call for help)[3]this could have been preventedthrough:

For a free in-homeconsultation reach out to us on 0800 865 865 or visit ourwebsite

http://www.securely.nz

formore information.

[1]International Journal of MedicalInformatics Volume 80, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages310-331Randomized Trial of Intelligent SensorSystem for Early Illness Alerts in SeniorHousingMarilyn Rantz 1, Lorraine J Phillips 2,Colleen Galambos 3, Kari Lane 2, Gregory L Alexander 2,Laurel Despins 2, Richelle J Koopman 4, Marjorie Skubic 5,Lanis Hicks 6, Steven Miller 2, Andy Craver 2, Bradford HHarris 5, Chelsea B Deroche 7

[2]Ministry of Health Ageing in Place Conference

[3]Ministry of Health Ageing in PlaceConference

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Are Sensors And Artificial Intelligence The Future Of Ageing-in-place Technology? - Scoop.co.nz