scholarly journals Reference Architectures, Platforms, and Pilots for European Smart and Healthy Living—Analysis and Comparison

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 1616
Author(s):  
Andrej Grguric ◽  
Omar Khan ◽  
Ana Ortega-Gil ◽  
Evangelos K. Markakis ◽  
Konstantin Pozdniakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Reference Architecture ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Architecture Model ◽  
Core Concepts

Motivated by the aging trend, much effort is being invested into implementing ICT (Information and Communications Technology)-enabled systems to provide a better quality of life and support the independent living of older people. As a result, many systems, often labeled as eHealth or AAL (Ambient/Active Assisted Living), were developed over the years. In creating such systems, which very often serve various needs, different architectures have emerged. This work focuses on analyzing and comparing the work and architectures from seven (six of which are in progress) EU-funded healthcare projects, with a total budget of 126MEUR in which we participate. After establishing the theoretical foundation by defining core concepts, we give a brief background on architectures in eHealth and AAL. We elaborate on the chosen analysis method based on three established healthcare and AAL taxonomies we identified by performing a literature survey and the selected Reference Architecture Model (RAM). Since there is no standard way of describing architectures in the eHealth and AAL domain, we conducted the online survey during August and September 2020 and identified CREATE-IoT 3D RAM as the most appropriate option. We present a classification of selected projects based on established taxonomies and map projects’ architectures to CREATE-IoT 3D RAM, which we also propose as standard RAM for future digital healthcare and AAL projects. During our analysis, we identify the most common types of assistance: communication support, reminders, monitoring, and guidance to address health and communication issues. We conclude that proper ecosystems are critical for lowering entry barriers and facilitating sustainable solutions for smart and healthy living.

scholarly journals Does Visual Speed of Processing Training Improve Health-Related Quality of Life in Assisted and Independent Living Communities?: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredric D Wolinsky ◽  
Michael P Jones ◽  
Megan M Dotson
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Visual Speed ◽  
Speed Of Processing Training

Abstract Background and Objectives Visual speed of processing training had clinically and statistically significant beneficial effects on health-related quality of life among 2,802 healthy community-dwelling adults aged 65–94 years at 2 and 5 years post-training in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly randomized controlled trial. We examined whether that effect would be found among older adults in assisted and independent living communities. Research Design and Methods We conducted a two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial stratified by assisted versus independent settings in 31 senior living communities and enrolled 351 adults aged 55–102 years. The targeted intervention dose was 10 hr at baseline with 4-hr boosters at 5 and 11 months. The intervention group received computerized visual speed of processing training, while the attention control group solved computerized crossword puzzles. The health-related quality of life outcomes were the Short-Form 36-item Health Survey’s mental and physical component T scores. Linear mixed-effect models were used. Results Visual speed of processing, assisted living, and their interaction had no clinically or statistically significant effects on the physical component T scores. However, visual speed of processing (p = .022), assisted living (p = .022), and their interaction (p = .007) had clinically and statistically significant effects on the mental component T scores. The estimated marginal means revealed a small effect-sized positive 2.2 point visual speed of processing training effect in the independent living communities, but a clinically important harmful −4.2 point visual speed of processing training effect in the assisted living communities. Discussion and Implications Given the medium-sized harmful effect of visual speed of processing training among those in the assisted living communities, caution is advised when using these two visual speed of processing training modalities in assisted living communities until further research verifies or refutes our findings and the underlying etiological pathways.

scholarly journals IoT/Sensor-Based Infrastructures Promoting a Sense of Home, Independent Living, Comfort and Wellness

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Cahill ◽  
Raul Portales ◽  
Sean McLoughin ◽  
Nithia Nagan ◽  
Braden Henrichs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
Residential Setting ◽  
Human Machine Interaction ◽  
Resident Wellness

This paper presents the results of three interrelated studies concerning the specification and implementation of ambient assisted living (AAL)/Internet of Things (IoT)/sensor-based infrastructures, to support resident wellness and person-centered care delivery, in a residential care context. Overall, the paper reports on the emerging wellness management concept and IoT solution. The three studies adopt a stakeholder evaluation approach to requirements elicitation and solution design. Human factors research combines several qualitative human–machine interaction (HMI) design frameworks/methods, including realist ethnography, process mapping, persona-based design, and participatory design. Software development activities are underpinned by SCRUM/AGILE frameworks. Three structuring principles underpin the resident’s lived experience and the proposed ‘sensing’ framework. This includes (1) resident wellness, (2) the resident’s environment (i.e., room and broader social spaces which constitute ‘home’ for the resident), and (3) care delivery. The promotion of resident wellness, autonomy, quality of life and social participation depends on adequate monitoring and evaluation of information pertaining to (1), (2) and (3). Furthermore, the application of ambient assisted living technology in a residential setting depends on a clear definition of related care delivery processes and allied social and interpersonal communications. It is argued that independence (and quality of life for older adults) is linked to technology that enables interdependence, and specifically technology that supports social communication between key roles including residents, caregivers, and family members.

scholarly journals Ambient Assisted Living: A Review of Technologies, Methodologies and Future Perspectives for Healthy Aging of Population

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3549
Author(s):  
Grazia Cicirelli ◽  
Roberto Marani ◽  
Antonio Petitti ◽  
Annalisa Milella ◽  
Tiziana D’Orazio
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Points Of View

Over the last decade, there has been considerable and increasing interest in the development of Active and Assisted Living (AAL) systems to support independent living. The demographic change towards an aging population has introduced new challenges to today’s society from both an economic and societal standpoint. AAL can provide an arrary of solutions for improving the quality of life of individuals, for allowing people to live healthier and independently for longer, for helping people with disabilities, and for supporting caregivers and medical staff. A vast amount of literature exists on this topic, so this paper aims to provide a survey of the research and skills related to AAL systems. A comprehensive analysis is presented that addresses the main trends towards the development of AAL systems both from technological and methodological points of view and highlights the main issues that are worthy of further investigation.

Wireless Solutions for Elderly People Assistance

2010 ◽  
pp. 102-115
Author(s):  
Alessia D’Andrea ◽  
Arianna D’Ulizia ◽  
Fernando Ferri ◽  
Patrizia Grifoni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
Wireless Systems ◽  
Wireless Technologies

Wireless technologies are increasingly acquiring a considerable relevance in the field of Ambient Assisted Living. This contributes to independent living and quality of life for many elderly people by reducing the need of caretakers and personal nursing. In this chapter we provide a classification of existing wireless technologies for Ambient Assisted Living based on the role they can have in the assistance to elderly people. Then, we provide an overview of several intelligent wireless systems applied in the Ambient Assisted Living on considering the different wireless technologies used in each of them.

Wireless Solutions for Elderly People Assistance

2012 ◽  
pp. 1078-1092
Author(s):  
Alessia D’Andrea ◽  
Arianna D’Ulizia ◽  
Fernando Ferri ◽  
Patrizia Grifoni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
Wireless Systems ◽  
Wireless Technologies

Wireless technologies are increasingly acquiring a considerable relevance in the field of Ambient Assisted Living. This contributes to independent living and quality of life for many elderly people by reducing the need of caretakers and personal nursing. In this chapter we provide a classification of existing wireless technologies for Ambient Assisted Living based on the role they can have in the assistance to elderly people. Then, we provide an overview of several intelligent wireless systems applied in the Ambient Assisted Living on considering the different wireless technologies used in each of them.

scholarly journals Social Assistive Robots for Assisting Activity Professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Jason Zamer ◽  
Anne Adams ◽  
Jenay Beer ◽  
Xian Wu ◽  
Jane Komsky
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Group Communication ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Black African ◽  
Assistive Robots

Abstract Activity Professionals have high expectations for creating engaging and active resident social programming. A socially assistive robot (SAR) specifically designed for community-based settings has the potential to improve social programming. A SAR is suitable for engagement during times with social contact is restricted, such as COVID-19, other infectious outbreaks, weak immune system, or inability to move. We conducted an online survey to determine how a SAR can best support the responsibilities of Activity Professionals. Activity Professionals (N=19) completed the online questionnaire. Respondents (aged M=48.00, SD=12.87; 95% female, 100% native English speakers, 68% White/Caucasian, 21% Black/African American) were highly educated/experienced: 68% had a Bachelor’s degree or above, and 53% had 10-35 years of experience. Respondents worked in Independent Living (68%), Assisted Living (37%), Memory Care (26%), Skilled Nursing (21%), or Personal Care (11%). Respondents rated their job as very demanding (8 out of 10). Differences existed in terms of physical and temporal demands. Job satisfaction was high (average 8 out of 10; SD= 2). Respondents reported enjoyment in preparing, personalizing, and running activities. Least preferred was gathering residents for activities. Respondents wanted more help, but it depended on the task. Qualitative data analysis showed that help was desired for motivating residents to join activities, group communication, and resident devices. A SAR, equipped with the ability to reach every resident’s living quarter, has the potential to provide group communication, deliver engagement programs, and motivate residents to join events, providing Activity Professionals more time to engage with residents for more personal interaction.

A Review on Ambient Assisted Living in a Maltese Context

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-128
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Zammit
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Residential Care Facility

The number of senior citizens is continually increasing and they are enjoying a longer life span due to improved quality of life and healthcare. Old age brings with it a whole new set of challenges ranging from the physical to the cognitive. Medical advances have made possible a good quality of life, albeit at a high economic cost to relocate to a residential care facility. One of the main objectives is to keep senior citizens living and participating in their local communities where they have lived and contributed for decades. Another issue faced by moving to residential care is the rising cost of such services. Assisted living allows citizens to continue living in the community whilst using technology to provide a set of services that enable independent living while keeping in contact with care providers. This is a rapidly evolving multi-disciplinary area utilizing techniques ranging from smart hardware, communications, data mining, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and ICT technologies. This paper discusses a summary of potential applications and the technological disciplines needed to create an independent living space together with issues arising from the application of such technology. Finally a discussion of the application of assisted living in the Maltese context is presented.

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