Sensors for Integrated Home Systems for the Elderly

By Guy Kasier

Personal safety and ensuring the security of the home are two main concerns for the elderly when they are living at home – the principal equipment that can provide solutions for both issues are sensors; this article reviews many if not all of the types of sensors that can be applied where integrated home systems are used to enable the elderly to live independently for longer. There is a wide range of available sensors and whilst it is either not necessary or perhaps not practical to install all of them in every home, as the type and the number of sensors will greatly depend on the individual’s degree of independence and ability to cope as well as their specific health situation, a joint decision between the resident and the carers will go to compile a check-list of the requirements on which the choice of sensors to be installed or used can be based.

To date, whilst in most cases traditional sensors and some specific sensors will be used, unfortunately many stand-alone systems exist in the sensor world with each manufacturer producing their own system that is either incompatible or not inter-operable with other systems. Certain systems can be acquired to assist with a specific problem, but, when and if a new care requirement presents itself, an additional system may have to be installed. How much better would it be were it to be possible simply to connect an additional component to the existing system. It is therefore also necessary that manufacturers/developers not only work on what they can technically achieve, but also take into account the increasing need for inter-operability and to take into account the whole panorama of what is entailed by independent living for the elderly in the context of the progressive challenges and demands of the ageing process.

If you or anyone you know is affected by or involved in any these issues we would welcome your comments and any further ideas or information about the advances that are being made in this sector, please contact us.