BRIEF: Create a strategy for using sensors and analytics to monitor mobility and memory (SAM³) in INSTITUTIONS for persons with dementia.
APPROACH: PRESERVE independence AND PROMOTE PHYSICAL HEALTH
OUTCOME: A PRESSURE SENSING floor mat, bed mat, and support bar work together with an app to streamline assistive care practices and UNOBTRUSIVELY promote wakefulness, physical activity, and BETTER SLEEP. The system TRACKs HABITS AND SCHEDULED COMMITMENTS, AS WELL AS CHANGES IN STRENGTH, POSITION, AND TEMPERATURE.
STATUS: CONCEPT
COLLABORATORS: SAM³, Bruyère Research Institute, Carleton University
FOCUS: RESEARCH, UX, CMF, STRATEGY
COLLABORATORS: SAM³, Bruyère Research Institute, Carleton University
FOCUS: RESEARCH, UX, CMF, STRATEGY
THREE COMMON HEALTH TRENDS ARE OF SPECIAL CONCERN IN PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA: INCREASED DAYTIME SLEEPING, LACK OF MOVEMENT, AND LOSS OF PHYSICAL STRENGTH.
THE PRESSURE-SENSITIVE FLOOR MAT TRACKS CHANGES IN GAIT AND TRIGGERS SECONDARY FUNCTIONS (E.G. GUIDE LIGHT TO BATHROOM WHEN AWOKEN IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT). CORDLESS CONTACTS PREVENT TRIPPING HAZARDS AND ENSURE NO WIRES ARE VISIBLE, WHICH COULD BE SOURCES OF CONFUSION TO PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA.
THE ARM SUPPORT BAR DETECTS CHANGES IN STRENGTH WHEN GETTING IN OR OUT OF BED BY RELAYING PRESSURE ONTO THE FLOOR MAT. TACTILE, COMFORTABLE MATERIALS PREVENT ASSOCIATION WITH MEDICAL HARDWARE AND ALLOW THE DEVICES TO FIT SEAMLESSLY INTO THE HOME.
THE PRESSURE-SENSITIVE BED MAT DETECTS LACK OF MOVEMENT (WHICH COULD CAUSE BED SORES) AND INCREASES IN MOVEMENT (WHICH COULD INDICATE PAIN). IT IS CUSHIONED WITH A FAMILIAR MATTRESS-LIKE QUILTED MOTIF.
THE UX IS STRUCTURED AROUND THREE PILLARS: SLEEP, WAKE, AND MOVE. BECAUSE PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA SOMETIMES HAVE DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING, SENSORS CAN BE USED TO MONITOR ACTIVITY REMOTELY AND MAKE INFERENCES ABOUT WHEN TO INTERVENE.
THE AESTHETICS OF THE PRODUCTS ARE INTENDED TO FEEL COMFORTABLE, FAMILIAR, AND HUMAN. SOFTNESS, TACTILITY, AND SUBDUED COLOUR TONES WERE USED TO EVOKE A SENSE OF CALM, AND THE PRODUCTS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM EVERYDAY HOME OBJECTS, SUCH AS RUGS, CHAIRS, AND MATTRESSES.
