Creating home, high-tech home for frail seniors
By Jane Adler | Special to the Chicago Tribune
July 6, 2008
Imagine an 85-year-old widow who lives alone. She can't get around too well, stairs are a problem, and she sometimes forgets to take her medication. She no longer drives, making her increasingly isolated.

Her daughter, who lives in another city, knows her mom isn't managing as well as she should be. The daughter wants her mom to move to an assisted-living building, but her mom doesn't want to go. What to do?

Technology may be an answer. Sensors placed strategically around the home can monitor whether a senior takes her medication or gets out of bed in the morning. A home-health monitor can chart blood pressure and other vital signs.

The information can be sent via computer to a family member or a physician. Other new systems can help those with memory loss cook or remind them of the last time they spoke to a grandchild.



"These technologies might keep people from having to move to a nursing home or assisted-living facility," said Rich Schutt, chief executive at Rest Haven Christian Services, a senior housing and home-care provider in Tinley Park. "People will be able to stay independent longer."

Schutt is one of the founders of the Center for Aging Services Technologies. Its mission is to encourage the development of devices related to safety, health and social interaction to help seniors remain independent.

Rest Haven is testing products at its retirement buildings and also in people's homes. The GrandCare system uses sensors to monitor activity in the house, such as when the senior gets up or takes medication. Caregivers receive activity reports via e-mail. Caregivers also can send messages to the senior on a special TV channel. If the system works well, Schutt plans to add GrandCare and other devices to more settings. "These technologies will touch every aspect of aging services."

Other experiments are under way. In Portland, Ore., about 700 households headed by elders are being outfitted with assistive technologies. Another 700 in Ireland also will get the devices.

"We are creating the world's largest independent-living lab," said Eric Dishman, national chairman of the center and director of product research and innovation at computer chip-maker Intel.

The devices can be customized for the senior. Take medication reminders. One senior might prefer to have a device in the bathroom mirror show whether medication has been taken that day. Another might want a phone call.

A screen can be installed in the senior's home with a direct connection to a caregiver. Schutt says two-way communication is on the way that will be more like a video conference call.

"The elderly have to be empowered," said Dishman.



Technologies also may help those with memory loss. The Chicago-based Alzheimer's Association is funding research, along with Intel and Agilent Technologies, called Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer's Care.

"There are ways to help seniors maintain their independence at home," said Maria Carrillo, director of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association. One device being developed is a pocket-size personal computer. It gives reminders to the senior and also can be used by caregivers to chart the senior's progress. The data are accessible on the Web for family, friends and health-care providers.

Another device is a global-positioning belt. It helps people who wander find their way home through a series of prompts.



But experts say it could be years before the technologies are refined and offered at a price many people can afford.

Also, some worry about the "big brother" aspect of monitoring. But Schutt says seniors appreciate the help as long as it's unobtrusive. "It gives people a sense of security," he said.

Jane Adler is a Chicago-area freelance writer. Write to her at Senior Housing, c/o Chicago Tribune, Chicago Homes, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Or e-mail realestate@ tribune.com. Answers will be supplied only through the newspaper.
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