Detecting fall at home: User-centered design of a pervasive technology

Abstract

Falling is the main cause of domestic accidents and fatal injuries to seniors at home. In this paper, we describe the design process for a new pervasive technology (CIRDO). The aim of this technology is to detect falls (via audio and video sensors) and to alert the elderly's family or caregivers. Two complementary studies were performed. Firstly, the actual risk situations of older adults were analyzed. Secondly, social acceptance was investigated for the different homecare field stakeholders. Our results highlight the tensions among social actors towards the tool and their impacts on technology acceptance by the elderly. Also, we show a significant change in the fall process due to the device. In actuality, the social functions associated with CIRDO implementation and the necessity of iterative design processes suggest that the CIRDO system should be more flexible and versatile to better fit the risk behaviors of seniors that evolve using this device.

Mapping ethical issues in the use of smart home health technologies to care for older persons: a systematic review

“…40 papers mentioned autonomy of the older person with respect to the use of SHHTs. The first sub-theme categorized was in relation to (A) control, which encompassed positive aspects like (possible) empowerment through technology [ 25 , 26 , 73 , 74 ] and negative aspects such as the possibility of technology taking control over the older person, thus increasing dependence [ 55 , 75 ] or decreasing freedom of decision making [ 48 ]. Several studies reported the wishes of older persons to be in control when using the technology (e.g.…”

“…Additionally, studies reported (B) continuous negotiation between (formal) caregivers’ (professional) responsibilities of care and the opportunities that smart technologies could provide [ 26 , 47 , 55 , 70 , 82 ]. For example, increased need for cooperation between informal and formal caregivers due to technology was foreseen [ 81 ] and fear expressed that over-reliance on female caregivers was exacerbated [ 71 ].…”

“…Because of this growth in the aging population, the demand for and financial costs of caring for older adults are both rising [ 2 ]. That older persons generally wish to age in place and receive healthcare at home [ 2 ] may mean accepting risks such as falling, a risk that increases with frailty [ 3 ]. However, many prefer accepting these risks rather than moving into long term care facilities [ 4 – 6 ].…”

Mapping ethical issues in the use of smart home health technologies to care for older persons: a systematic review

“…Other social points were related to self-esteem, meaning that older persons needed to reach a certain threshold rst to publicly admit that they need technology (85), or doubts by caregivers if they were able to use the devices (36). This possibly led older persons to prefer unobtrusive technology and those that could not be noticed by visitors (22,55,88).…”

“…Autonomy 40 papers mentioned autonomy of the older person with respect to the use of SHHTs. The rst sub-theme categorized was in relation to (A) control, which encompassed positive aspects like (possible) empowerment through technology (25,26,73,74) and negative aspects such as the possibility of technology taking control over the older person, thus increasing dependence (55,75) or decreasing freedom of decision making (48). Several studies reported the wishes of older persons to be in control when using the technology (e.g.…”