It's amazing to learn how technology is improving the lives of our aging loved ones as well as caregivers whether at home or in care centers. In my quest for innovative new technologies I've come across the following developments that are addressing both the physical and the cognitive needs of our seniors.
Monitor Wandering with Wandertrack
This wander management system has improved the quality of life in assisted living facilities that use WanderTrack. It's an invisible and wireless system that alerts the monitoring station when a resident, without having to use a GPS, passes through the designated perimeter. Residents can take walks outdoors and their loved ones will have the peace of mind knowing they are cared for without the risk of wandering too far from home. More information is available at silentpartnertech.com
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Dakim BrainFitness
At FrontPorch the Model eHealth Community for the Aging, they started with just a few units and are now a major provider of the Dakim BrainFitness system. Dakim is a touch-screen system of clinically tested brain fitness exercises that through extensive and ongoing research is providing users with fitness exercises for the brain. The system includes more than 300 hours of content and over 100 exercises to keep the brain active, improve memory and help prevent cognitive decline. Complete information is at dakim.com
Carebot by Gecko Systems Helps Seniors recover at home
A fascinating new remote medical monitoring system that reminds me of Rosie the Robot Maid from the Jetsons, is CareBot??MSR (Mobile Service Robot) and is being trialed by Gecko Systems with selected individuals. Typical scenarios where an MSR could be an asset are in the following examples: A patient returns home after major surgery and a complication arises. The Carebot is set up to monitor the patient and transmit alerts of any complications to the Doctor or the Hospital ER and the patient is readmitted quickly.
Carebot's webcam allows caregivers freedom and peace of mind
In another scenario, a senior is staying with family and it's not safe for the caregiver(s) to leave the senior. Carebot attends to the senior with the installed webcam allowing the family to take care of other responsibilities while still being able to see and communicate with the senior at home.
The third scenario is one in which the senior is able to live independently but needs reminders of when to take medications, when Doctor's appointments are scheduled or when visitors are expected. Carebot is set up to remind the user of all of these and more, and is programmed to recognize emergency situations and potentially harmful events. In such situations including a fall, a fire or extended length of time where Carebot has not identified the user in the area, Carebot is programmed with a list of emergency contacts including 911; giving the individual and their loved ones peace of mind. Complete information at geckosystems.com
Gecko makes the wheelchair collision proof
Another innovative invention from Gecko Systems is the Gecko Wheelchair??Upgrade Kit. "This upgrade uses sensor fusion... and sonar range finding in addition to Gecko solid state compass, accelerometer and odometry sensor. The result - an automatic self navigating artificial intelligence software to be collision proof." (From the Gecko Systems Website). They are incorporation the sensor device from Microsoft Kinect in an upgrade kit ideal for placement on most electric wheelchairs.
The collision proof upgrade kit was recently sold to a Japanese wheelchair manufacturer and is being fitted with the joystick operated electric wheelchair. The user of the wheelchair operates the joystick as usual and the GeckoNav system automatically navigates according to the direction the operator wishes to go while avoiding stationary and moving obstacles.
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