Monitoring the activities and habit changes of the elderly in a non-intrusive way can be challenging, but several approaches can help:
Smart Home Sensors: Smart home sensors can be used to monitor the activities of elderly people without intruding on their privacy. For example, sensors can be placed on doors, windows, and appliances to monitor when they are opened or closed. This can help caregivers or family members track the elderly person's movements and daily routine without the need for intrusive cameras or microphones.
Wearable Devices: Wearable devices like smartwatches or fitness trackers can be used to monitor the elderly person's physical activity levels without constant supervision. These devices can track steps taken, calories burned, and heart rate and can be synced with a smartphone app to provide regular updates on the elderly person's health and well-being.
Video Monitoring: While video monitoring can be intrusive, it can also be done in a non-intrusive way by limiting the scope of the cameras. For example, cameras can be placed in common areas of the home, such as the living room or kitchen, to monitor the elderly person's movements without invading their privacy in the bedroom or bathroom.
Personal Assistants: Smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home can be used to set reminders and provide information without constant monitoring. This can be especially helpful for elderly people who value their privacy but still need assistance with specific tasks.
The key to monitoring the activities of the elderly in a non-intrusive way is to respect their privacy while still providing the necessary support and care. Using technology to monitor their activities and health, caregivers and family members can help ensure that the elderly person is safe and healthy without invading their privacy.
How can NILM help?
NILM stands for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring. It is a technique used to identify and monitor the electrical consumption of individual appliances or devices in a household or commercial building without requiring the installation of additional sensors on the appliances or devices themselves. NILM uses algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze a building or household's overall power consumption data and break it down into individual appliance-level usage data.
Electric appliance usage can provide insights into the activities of daily living (ADLs) of the elderly, as certain appliances may be used more frequently or at different times depending on the elderly person's daily routine and needs. Here are some examples:
Kitchen Appliances: Using kitchen appliances like the stove, oven, and microwave can provide insights into the elderly person's meal preparation habits and overall nutrition. For example, if the stove or oven is not being used regularly, it may indicate that the elderly person is not cooking or eating full meals regularly.
Television and Entertainment Systems: The use of television and other entertainment systems can provide insights into the elderly person's social and recreational activities. For example, suppose the television is on constantly throughout the day. In that case, it may indicate that the elderly person spends much time alone or does not engage in other social activities.
Bathroom Appliances: Using bathroom appliances like the shower, toilet, and sink can provide insights into the elderly person's personal hygiene and self-care habits. For example, if the shower is not being used regularly, it may indicate that the elderly person is not bathing regularly or has mobility issues.
Medical Devices: The use of medical devices like nebulizers, oxygen tanks, or blood glucose monitors can provide insights into the elderly person's medical needs and overall health. Regular usage of these devices can indicate that the elderly person may need additional medical attention or support.
Monitoring the usage of electric appliances can help caregivers and family members understand the activities of daily living of the elderly and identify any potential issues or concerns. By identifying patterns in appliance usage, caregivers can help ensure that the elderly person is safe, healthy, and receiving the care they need.
CleverGuard brings insights into seniors’ habit changes in a non-intrusive way, supporting them to stay longer at home independently and fostering meaningful discussions between seniors and their carers.
Know more about CleverGuard: https://www.cleverguard.care/