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Abstract-Sensing systems embedded in the homes of elders have the potential to monitor individuals for early signs of functional and cognitive decline. However, it is not clear how the data collected from these embedded assessment systems can be useful for elders to support awareness and for their doctors to make better diagnoses. We conduct a concept validation of embedded assessment sensing concepts with elders, family caregivers, and clinicians. We describe their reactions to the sensing concepts, their different information needs, how they would use the information, and what limits its usefulness and provide recommendations for designers of embedded assessment systems.

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Older adults often struggle with maintaining self-aware of their ability to carry out everyday activities important for independence. Unobtrusive sensors embedded in the home can monitor how older adults interact with objects around the home and can provide objective accounts of behaviors to support self-awareness. In this paper, we describe the design and four month deployment of a prototype sensing system that tracks medication taking and phone use in the homes of two older adults. We describe two case studies on 1) how they engaged with the data by looking for and explaining their own anomalous behaviors and 2) how they used the sensor data to reflect on their actions and their own self-awareness of their abilities to remain independent. Finally, we propose recommendations for the design of home sensing systems that support awareness of functional abilities for older adults using reflection.

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