Too old for the digital revolution? Not at all!
Help, the robots are coming! When it comes to digital technologies, senior citizens often have fears. However, there are already many technical possibilities that increase the well-being and safety of older people, facilitate communication with relatives and relieve the burden on caregivers. And this is just the beginning.
Research is in full swing, and the prospects of living independently for a long time and feeling comfortable are improving all the time. Senior citizens and their relatives who are open to technical solutions will benefit. Digital technologies can now be found in almost every household. Smart speakers such as Alexa or Google Home, which play music on demand, set alarms or timers, answer all kinds of questions and control heating and lighting, are currently booming. Thanks to their ease of use, they are also a great help for older people.
Assistance systems for a self-determined life
People with age-related limitations require intelligent solutions that take their special situation - and that of their relatives - into account. Two aspects play a key role here: safety on the one hand and smooth communication with other people on the other. In the SELBST project ("Self-determined living in old age with microsystems technology"), the pme Familienservice worked with research and technology partners to develop a system solution for tablet PCs that facilitates communication between people in need of care and their (working) relatives, while at the same time making everyday living safer. The result is a user interface that resembles a slate. It allows two people to write or draw on a page simultaneously from different locations using their pads. Sensors were also installed in the homes of senior citizens on a trial basis to provide feedback on certain movements and the use of selected household appliances.
Many other age-appropriate solutions can make life at home easier and safer:
- Control of energy management and room temperature using sensors in the house
- Communication and social contact via simplified video telephony or smartphones/tablets with extra-large buttons
- Smart floors detect falls, unsteady gait or confusion and sound the alarm.
- Sensors in mattresses trigger an alarm if you get up in the middle of the night or if the temperature of the mattress drops.
- Emergency buttons on walls or smartwatches can be used to inform the ambulance or relatives at the touch of a button.
- Smartwatches record the vital data of senior citizens and transmit it to the doctor or care service providing treatment.
- Pill boxes are equipped with timers and audible alarms to remind you to take your pills.
- Open doors using remote control or fingerprint (e.g. in an emergency)
Relief for relatives
Intelligent technology and networking solutions also simplify the lives of older people and their relatives beyond their own four walls. The mentor+ project, for example, has developed a digital network for caregivers. The idea behind it: As a person gets older, the number of people who support them in their everyday lives also grows - long before care becomes necessary. The mentor+ project focused on developing an application that provides information about the commitment and support services of different people. This makes it easier for the people involved to coordinate their commitment to a person in need of help. In this way, tasks are spread across several shoulders and the network is strengthened.
Innovative e-learning
The pme Familienservice is currently working with five research partners to further develop a web-based platform on the topic of housing as part of the "LivingSmart - Rethinking Living Quarters" research network. E-learning training courses are being developed specifically for people with high levels of stress in the areas of work and private life, providing knowledge about how and how stress can be reduced. In addition, the platform will offer the opportunity to find out about support services via chat/video communication and to book relief services directly.
Relatives of people in need of care are entitled to care courses, which are paid for by the care insurance fund. However, there are not always suitable courses nearby, and there is often a lack of time. Here too, the future lies in digital solutions, such as Curendo's interactive online care courses. Thanks to a cooperation, this offer is now also available to customers of pme Familienservice .
Overview of research projects with pme participation
- We are currently (2018 to 2021) participating in the "LivingSmart - Rethinking residential districts" research network
- mentor+: Digital network for helpers (2014 to 2016)
- Project "SELBST - Self-determined living in old age with microsystems technology" (2009 to 2012)
- ALIAS - Adaptable Ambient Living Assistant (2010 to 2013)
