In old age, changes often occur gradually and it can be difficult to recognize them in time. One promising tool that could help here is the "CleverGuard" web app, developed as part of the European AAL (Active Assisted Living) program at the iHomeLab of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in close collaboration with CLEMAP. This innovative application uses advanced technology to identify changes in the behavior of older people based on electricity consumption data.
Relatives and caregivers are often faced with the challenge of noticing subtle changes in the behavior of their elderly family members or care recipients. Whether it's health problems creeping in or an imperceptible shift in their daily rhythm, these subtle signs can easily be overlooked. Especially for parents living at a distance, there is often increased concern: are they still safe and independent at home?
The solution is based on a CLEMAP Energy Monitor, which is installed in the fuse box and monitors power consumption to the minute. The collected data is encrypted and transmitted anonymously to external servers. There it is analyzed to identify patterns and deviations in power consumption. This information is then visualized in a user-friendly web app that gives relatives and carers a clear overview of whether and how behaviour has changed compared to previous periods.
The main purpose of CleverGuard is not to make diagnoses, but to serve as a prompt for valuable conversations. The graphical representation of data can encourage family members and caregivers to address changes that they might otherwise have overlooked. These conversations can help to improve the quality of care and increase the safety of older people by responding to changing needs in a timely manner.
While CleverGuard has already been successfully tested in some environments, it also shows that the application is not universally applicable. Active older people who organize their days differently may show patterns in power consumption that are not indicative of health changes. Nevertheless, the technology remains particularly valuable for people in transition from active to frailer age, as well as for care facilities that enable partially independent living.
The developers of CleverGuard still see many opportunities for further development of this technology. Future research projects could help to expand the areas of application and further improve the accuracy of the behavioral analysis. In the long term, CleverGuard could not only improve the quality of care, but also set new standards for the care of older people.
Overall, CleverGuard represents a significant step towards preventative care and safety for older people by using innovative technology to detect and alert to subtle changes in behavior. This could not only improve the quality of life of those affected, but also provide greater security and reassurance for their relatives and caregivers.
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