Home sensors help older adults stay independent
TAMPA (FOX 13) - Lana Carter is 76 and lives alone, but there's always someone tracking her every move.
The Villages resident signed up as one of the community participants for a home sensor technology that's being tested by engineers at the University of South Florida.
"It's motion, movement so this was available to seniors that live alone and have no pets," said Carter.
The sensors are placed in spots around Carter's house that aren't intrusive or really noticeable.
"It's a passive sensing system there's no video or audio recording camera it uses pressure contact motion light temperature sensors to actually track people's movements in the home and without having to have someone right on top of them," said Dr. Carla VandeWeerd, an associate professor of engineering at USF.
The sensors are placed in spots around Carter's house that aren't intrusive or really noticeable.
The system is hooked up to a computer so researchers at USF, The Villages Health Care System and Carter's daughters who live out of state can check on her daily.
"It could tell you if I'm not eating for one thing because I'm really regular with how often I use the microwave," said Carter. "If there's excessive toilet flushing, I could have a bladder infection."
"If that person spends too much time in the bathroom, if they're not engaging in good hygiene practices, they haven't gotten out of bed this morning they can let someone know right away in real time that these things have happened so we can do early intervention and prevention," said Dr. VandeWeerd.
"I think people enjoy it. It gives them a sense of security," said Dr. Ali Yalcin, an associate professor and creator on the project.
"I was just interested in it because I want to age in my home but with no caregiver if possible," said Carter.
It could also give the loved ones of aging adults peace of mind.
"You're able to make sure someone that you care about, someone you love is up every day, they are living their normal daily activities of living, that they are enjoying their life," said Dr. VandeWeerd.
Since Carter is a participant in the study, there is no charge to her.
Researchers estimate that the system in Lana's home costs between $500 to $700.
Their goal is to one day make the sensor technology available to the public and in different models in hopes of reducing medical costs and improving health outcomes.