Systems in Operation
The information in this article came from presentations about several systems currently in operation. They include:
Living Independently
http://www.livingindependently.com/
This system was developed by researchers from Drexel University and is now available commercially. The "QuietCare" system uses sensors and no cameras, and caregivers can monitor information from a secure web site. No computer is used in the home of the elderly person, all computing is done on a remote server. The reports show summaries of "activities" colored coded like traffic lights with green, yellow, and red lights to indicate the level of importance of the activity or lack of activity. The caregiver can decide when and how they want to receive alerts for "red light" events -- via phone, cell phone, page, text message, etc.
Xanboo
http://www.shellhomegenie.com
http://www.xanboo.com/
The The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio and Scripps Gerontology Center SAFE (Safety Assistance for Families of Elders) House Project called the service "virtual respite" and they used equipment manufactured by Xanboo, including a combination of cameras and sensors, with data available on a secure web site, and a system to send alerts to caregivers on their cell phones. This project initially used computers installed in the home of the elderly person to control the cameras and sensors, but they are now eliminating the need for a computer in the care recipient's home. This equipment is currently being marketed as the Shell Home Genie system and is also available directly from Xanboo.
Guardian Medical Monitoring
http://www.guardianmedicalmonitoring.com
The Caregiver Respite and Video Monitoring Program is currently being used in Indiana with funds from the Alzheimer's Demonstration Grant using equipment from Guardian Medical Monitoring. This system uses cameras and sensors, along with other medical equipment like medication dispensors. This system is installed on a computer in the recipient's home and caregivers can dial into it to see activity. The equipment company has staff who can monitor the cameras and contact caregivers when necessary.