Ethical Considerations Associated with the Usage of ICT “Smart Homes” for Elderly Dementia Patients (EPwD) in the UK

Abstract

"Dementia encompasses a family of chronic-diseases that gradually causes permanent damage to the brain tissue. Its onset disproportionately affects elderly-individuals’ cognitive and motor abilities. Numerous studies have shown that continuous monitorization of the physiological parameters and activities of EPwD is of utmost necessity. It is commonly accepted that utilisation of Smart-Homes as an instance of Ambient-Assisted-Living technology can facilitate the care of EPwDs and improve the quality of their well-being. Smart-homes allow EPwD to lead independent and active lives. Outfitted with environmental and physiological sensors that allow patients to receive continuous, non-invasive, and seamless healthcare-service while staying in their convenient-home-environments, Smart-Homes can facilitate (1) remote monitoring of elderly patients’ homes and (2) efficient communication with traditional healthcare facilities. Significant ethical barriers impede the widespread adoption of Smart-House technology. Many Smart-Houses pose threats to the privacy, safety, and autonomy of elderly-residents. Constant dependence on ICT technology may also undermine EPwDs’ independence and leave them vulnerable to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Acknowledgment and minimization of these ethical challenges are instrumental to boosting acceptance of Smart-House technology and addressing the primary-care needs of EPwDs. Although most existing Smart-House platforms fail to accommodate the specific requirements for elderly dementia care, few notable alternatives have emerged within the UK. This paper will review the effectiveness of Smart-Home technology on current dementia-care platforms in the UK, analyses significant ethical challenges associated with Smart-House technology use, and outline appropriate risk-mitigation proposals. All recommendations will be made in congruence with a public-health prevention-model. "