Assistive Technology in Elderly Care
By Miskelly, Frank G.; Age and Aging, Vol. 30, pp. 455-458Publication Date: November 2001
Article discusses developments in assistive technology (AT) that were designed for older people living in private institutions or in their own homes. The use of video and remote health monitors are discussed, as are electronic sensors and equipment such as fall detectors, door monitors, bed alerts, pressure mats, and smoke and heat alarms. Two available fall detectors are discussed: (1) the Tunstall, and (2) the Tele-Alarm. The Tunstall is an accelerometer and tilt meter that detects impact, and determines the user’s angle of tilt at the time of the fall. If the angle is horizontal (meaning that the user is still lying on the ground), an alarm is sounded after a 15-second warning. The Tunstall cannot, however, be worn to bed. The Tele-Alarm also measures tilt, as an alarm is activated if a 45-degree change is followed by an impact. This device can be worn 24 hours a day. Such technology can often facilitate home living, which is usually much less expensive than living in an institution.
Assistive Products Discussed: TELECOM 4000
Published by: British Geriatrics Society (Website:http://www.bgs.org.uk)
Link to text: http://ageing.oupjournals.org/cgi/reprint/30/6/455
