scholarly journals Meal-Monitoring Systems Using Weight and Temperature Sensors for Elder Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 808
Author(s):  
Yu Hu ◽  
Ji-Eun Joo ◽  
Eunju Choi ◽  
Leeho Yoo ◽  
Dukyoo Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Elder Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Temperature Sensors ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Wireless Communication Networks ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Crucial Information

This paper presents a few meal-monitoring systems for elder residents (especially patients) in LTCFs by using electronic weight and temperature sensors. These monitoring systems enable to convey the information of the amount of meal taken by the patients in real-time via wireless communication networks onto the mobile phones of their nurses in charge or families. Thereby, the nurses can easily spot the most patients who need immediate assistance, while the families can have relief in seeing the crucial information for the well-being of their parents at least three times a day. Meanwhile, the patients tend to suffer burns of their tongues because they can hardly recognize the temperature of hot meals served. This situation can be avoided by utilizing the meal temperature-monitoring system, which displays an alarm to the patients when the meal temperature is above the reference. These meal-monitoring systems can be easily implemented by utilizing low-cost sensor chips and Arduino NANO boards so that elder-care hospitals and nursing homes can afford to exploit them with no additional cost. Hence, we believe that the proposed monitoring systems would be a potential solution to provide a great help and relief for the professional nurses working in elder-care hospitals and nursing homes.

scholarly journals Dementia Patient’s Meal Monitoring Systems Using Weight and Temperature Sensors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Eun Joo ◽  
Haewon Hwang ◽  
Yujin Jeon ◽  
Jaewon Jung ◽  
Yu Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Elder Care ◽  
Senile Dementia ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Temperature Sensors ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Wireless Communication Networks ◽  
Dementia Patients ◽  
Crucial Information

: This paper presents a couple of meal monitoring systems for senile dementia patients by using electronic weight and temperature sensors. These monitoring systems enable to convey the information of the amount of meal taken by the patients in real-time via wireless communication networks onto the mobile phones of their families or nurses in charge. Thereby, the nurses can easily spot the most desperate patient to take care of while the families can have relief to see the crucial information for survival of their parents at least three times a day. Meanwhile, the senile dementia patients tend to suffer the burn of their tongues because they can hardly recognize the temperature of hot meals served and therefore avoid the burn of tongues. This phenomenon can be discarded by utilizing the meal temperature monitoring system which displays alarm to the patients when the meal temperature is above the reference. These meal monitoring systems can be easily implemented by utilizing low-cost sensor chips and Arduino UNO boards so that elder-care hospitals and nursing homes can afford to exploit them with no additional cost. Hence, we believe that the proposed monitoring systems would be a potential solution to provide a great help and relief not only for the professional nursing nurses working in elder-care hospitals and nursing homes, but also for the families of the dementia patients.

scholarly journals Risk Management in nursing homes: an Italian experience in 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M F Furmenti ◽  
F Bert ◽  
M Rucci ◽  
U Fiandra ◽  
A Scarmozzino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract Background The ageing of the European population leads to an increasing demand for Long-Term Care services. The security and well-being of the elderly population hosted in nursing homes (NHs) needs an effective Risk Management policy, officially sanctioned in Italy by the so-called “Legge Gelli” n.24 (March 8th, 2017) and the Directive 2011/24/EU on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. In order to verify the effective application of common “best practices” in terms of Risk Management in NHs, a tool useful to analyse risk management attitudes in Northern Italy was conceived and applied in a sample of NHs. Methods The tool, developed in collaboration with the health insurance company SHAM Italia, is composed of 124 items (with a dichotomous answer -YES/NO) on topics related to various Risk Management practices. This tool was submitted in a face-to-face interview to several Directors (Health Directors or Nursing Coordinators) of NHs in the Piedmont Region. A list of randomly-chosen NHs was contacted: 4 of them were selected for the pilot study and compiled the questionnaire. Answers were gathered and analyzed through Microsoft Excel. Results Only the 25% of NHs has a Risk Management plan with objectives and indicators of effectiveness and uses Risk Analysis instruments for a pre- and post-” risk detection. Only one has employees working mainly on Risk Management alone. The 75% of the reported events were “Adverse Events”, and all the NHs (100%) have a protocol for a patient voluntary departure or for fall prevention or for bedsores prevention; while 50% have a protocol for prevention of aggressions towards operators or for patients' suicide prevention. Conclusions This work provides a starting point to face new challenges that are looming on the European Health-care Systems: the care for the elderlies needs to be perfected to reduce inefficiencies, cut useless costs and improve safety of patients in the NHs setting. Key messages Despite safety of older patients in nursing homes is not only important but mandatory in Italy, risk management tools for this setting are lacking in literature. A new tool applied in Italian nursing homes showed that risk management needs to be implemented in practice and these results can be extended to European context.

Security, Privacy, and Trust for Pervasive Computing Applications

2016 ◽  
pp. 327-342
Author(s):  
Sheikh I. Ahamed ◽  
Mohammad Zulkernine ◽  
Munirul M. Haque
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Pervasive Computing ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Wireless Communication Networks ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Embedded Devices ◽  
Trust Models ◽  
Networks Structure ◽  
Privacy Issues

Pervasive computing has progressed significantly during this decade due to the developments and advances in portable, low-cost, and light-weight devices along with the emergence of short range and low-power wireless communication networks. Pervasive computing focuses on combining computing and communications with the surrounding physical environment to make computing and communication transparent to the users in day-to-day activities. In pervasive computing, numerous, casually accessible, often invisible, frequently mobile or embedded devices form an ad-hoc network that occasionally connects to fixed networks structure too. These pervasive computing devices often collect information about the surrounding environment using various sensors. Pervasive computing has the inherent disadvantages of slow, expensive connections, frequent line disconnections, limited host bandwidth, location dependent data, and so forth. These challenges make pervasive computing applications more vulnerable to various security-related threats. However, traditional security measures do not fit well in pervasive computing applications. Since location and context are key attributes of pervasive computing applications, privacy issues need to be handled in a sophisticated manner. The devices in a pervasive computing network leave and join in an ad-hoc manner. This device behavior creates a need for new trust models for pervasive computing applications. In this chapter, we address the challenges and requirements of security, privacy, and trust for pervasive applications. We also discuss the state-of-the-art of pervasive security, privacy, and trust along with some open issues.

scholarly journals COVID-19 management in nursing homes by outbreak teams (MINUTES) — study description and data characteristics: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e053235
Author(s):  
Lisa S van Tol ◽  
Hanneke J A Smaling ◽  
Janneke M Groothuijse ◽  
Arno J Doornebosch ◽  
Sarah I M Janus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
National Study ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Term Care ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesNursing homes are hit relatively hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dutch long-term care (LTC) organisations installed outbreak teams (OTs) to coordinate COVID-19 infection prevention and control. LTC organisations and relevant national policy organisations expressed the need to share experiences from these OTs that can be applied directly in COVID-19 policy. The aim of the ‘COVID-19 management in nursing homes by outbreak teams’ (MINUTES) study is to describe the challenges, responses and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dutch nursing homes. In this first article, we describe the MINUTES Study and present data characteristics.DesignThis large-scale multicentre study has a qualitative design using manifest content analysis. The participating organisations shared their OT minutes and other meeting documents on a weekly basis. Data from week 16 (April) to week 53 (December) 2020 included the first two waves of COVID-19.SettingNational study with 41 large Dutch LTC organisations.ParticipantsThe LTC organisations represented 563 nursing home locations and almost 43 000 residents.ResultsAt least 36 of the 41 organisations had one or more SARS-CoV-2 infections among their residents. Most OTs were composed of management, medical staff, support services staff, policy advisors and communication specialists. Topics that emerged from the documents were: crisis management, isolation of residents, personal protective equipment and hygiene, staff, residents’ well-being, visitor policies, testing and vaccination.ConclusionsOT meeting minutes are a valuable data source to monitor the impact of and responses to COVID-19 in nursing homes. Depending on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, data collection and analysis will continue until November 2021. The results are used directly in national and organisational COVID-19 policy.

scholarly journals A multicomponent exercise intervention to improve physical functioning, cognition and psychosocial well-being in elderly nursing home residents: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the PROCARE (prevention and occupational health in long-term care) project

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Cordes ◽  
Laura L. Bischoff ◽  
Daniel Schoene ◽  
Nadja Schott ◽  
Claudia Voelcker-Rehage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Background Older adults, who are living in nursing homes that provide a high level of long-term nursing care, are characterized by multimorbidity and a high prevalence of dependency in activities of daily living. Results of recent studies indicate positive effects of structured exercise programs during long-term care for physical functioning, cognition, and psychosocial well-being. However, for frail elderly the evidence remains inconsistent. There are no evidence-based guidelines for exercises for nursing home residents that consider their individual deficits and capacities. Therefore, high-quality studies are required to examine the efficacy of exercise interventions for this multimorbid target group. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a multicomponent exercise intervention for nursing home residents that aims to improve physical and cognitive functioning as well as quality of life. Methods A two-arm single-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including 48 nursing homes in eight regions of Germany with an estimated sample size of 1120 individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a training or a waiting time control group. For a period of 16 weeks the training group will meet twice a week for group-based sessions (45–60 min each), which will contain exercises to improve physical functioning (strength, endurance, balance, flexibility) and cognitive-motor skills (dual-task). The intervention is organized as a progressive challenge which is successively adapted to the residents’ capacities. Physical functioning, cognitive performance, and quality of life will be assessed in both study groups at baseline (pre-test), after 16-weeks (post-treatment), and after 32-weeks (retention test, intervention group only). Discussion This study will provide information about the efficacy of a multicomponent exercise program in nursing homes (performance, recruitment). Results from this trial will contribute to the evidence of multicomponent exercises, which specifically focus on cognitive-motor approaches in the maintenance of mental and physical functioning. In addition, it will help to encourage older adults to actively engage in social life. Furthermore, the findings will lead to recommendations for health promotion interventions for frail nursing home residents. Trial registration The trial was prospectively registered at DRKS.de with the registration number DRKS00014957 on October 9, 2018.

scholarly journals Cellular Network Infrastructure: The Future of Fog Monitoring?

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. 1687-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noam David ◽  
Omry Sendik ◽  
Hagit Messer ◽  
Pinhas Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Theoretical Simulation ◽  
High Data ◽  
Data Rates ◽  
Crucial Information ◽  
Current Monitoring ◽  
Commercial Microwave Links

Abstract Severe visibility limitations resulting from fog may lead to acute transportation accidents and high losses of property and lives. Thus, reliable monitoring facilities are of extreme importance. Nevertheless, current monitoring instruments suffer from low spatial resolution, high costs, or lack of precision at near-surface levels. It has, however, recently been shown that the commercial microwave links that form the infrastructure of cellular communication networks can provide crucial information regarding the appearance of dense fog and its intensity. Typical microwave systems currently in operation make use of frequencies between 6 and 40 GHz and, thus, can only monitor heavy fog. However, there is a growing demand for high data rates and expanded bandwidth in modern mobile radio networks. As a result, higher frequencies (e.g., around 80 GHz) are being implemented in order to fulfill these increased requirements. Notably, the attenuation induced as a result of fog at a given intensity increases as operating frequency rises, allowing, for the first time, the possibility of using this system to monitor typical fog intensities, at high resolution and low cost. Here, a theoretical simulation is presented in which simulated fog patches are introduced into an area where a network of links is deployed. Two-dimensional maps are generated utilizing the simulated microwave network to represent sensitivity thresholds for fog detection at three different frequencies: 20, 38, and 80 GHz. Real-data measurements of fog are also demonstrated using 38-GHz band links. The results indicate the vast future potential of commercial microwave links as an opportunistic system for monitoring fog.

scholarly journals Person-Centred Care Transformation in a Nursing Home for Residents with Dementia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Peiyan Ho ◽  
Rachel Chin Yee Cheong ◽  
Siew Pei Ong ◽  
Carol Fusek ◽  
Shiou Liang Wee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Term Care

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Conventional nursing homes in Singapore adopt an institutional and medical model of care with a focus on safety and risk management. As such, less regard is placed on upholding the dignity and autonomy of the resident, which compromises quality of care and the well-being of the resident. Today, person-centred care (PCC) has become synonymous with high-quality care that sustains the well-being and personhood of the care recipient. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To describe the model of PCC adopted by a nursing home, Apex Harmony Lodge (AHL), with a logic model and evaluate outcomes on residents’ well-being, care quality, and staff attrition by comparing pre-PCC initiation (2015) to post-implementation (2016). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Male residents in a 30-bed assisted living facility for persons with dementia in AHL were assessed using Dementia Care Mapping. Residents’ well-being and staff attrition were measured before and after PCC implementation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were statistically significant improvements in resident well-being (Δ = 0.44, <i>p</i> = 0.029), Positive Engagement Potential (Δ = 0.17, <i>p</i> = 0.002), and Occupational Diversity (Δ = 0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.014) in 2016. Withdrawal and Passive Engagement in the residents were reduced significantly as were Care Detractors. There was also a 55% reduction in staff attrition rates post-PCC. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Post-PCC implementation, the outcomes indicate a superior quality of care, enhanced resident well-being, and better staff retention. The AHL PCC model could serve as a roadmap for other nursing homes aspiring to raise the quality of care and influence long-term care standards and regulations for policy makers and legislators.

scholarly journals Implementing Non-Pharmacologic Interventions for People Living with Dementia in Long-Term Care Settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 691-692
Author(s):  
Emily Ihara
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Model ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Person-centered dementia care is a best practice recommendation by the Alzheimer’s Association, and non-pharmacologic interventions that emphasize well-being and quality of life as defined by the individual are important to preserve personhood. Non-pharmacologic, person-centered interventions have been shown to effectively address various neuropsychiatric symptoms, commonly known as behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD), which include a wide range of behaviors such as verbal or physical aggression, agitation, wandering, and pacing. Interventions that are focused on an individual’s holistic needs and preferences can stimulate positive emotions and behavior regardless of the stage of dementia. Person-centered care emphasizes a social model of care, rather than a medical model, by focusing on an individual’s emotional needs and care preferences that are consistent with their previous lifestyle. This symposium explores four different non-pharmacologic interventions for individuals living with dementia and discusses challenges and best practices for implementation in long-term care settings. For example, a best practice includes “buy-in” from facility staff who ultimately are responsible for implementing interventions that follow a social care model. A challenge found includes creating consistency and adherence to non-pharmacologic interventions so they are sustained over time, potentially replacing additional doses of medication. Symposium presenters will discuss the Mason Music & Memory Initiative (M3I), the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project, Birdsong, and TimeSlips, which are all interventions that are relatively low-cost and easy to implement by non-specialists. Strategies for intergenerational programming and adaptability of these programs to different contexts will also be discussed.

scholarly journals ELDER CARE COMPLEXITIES AND OUTCOMES: A MANDATE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY GERIATRIC CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S502-S502
Author(s):  
Peter S Reed ◽  
Zebbedia Gibb
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Clinical Assessment ◽  
Elder Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Interdisciplinary geriatric assessment has long been considered best practice to identify the full range of elder care needs. In 2015, the Sanford Center for Aging launched an interdisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment clinic. This team-based assessment includes a geriatrician, social worker and pharmacist meeting together with each client to review all aspects of their health and well-being, resulting in a comprehensive care plan to coordinate care with the client’s primary care provider. To assess this approach, a survey was conducted with 415 randomly-selected clients prior to the clinical visit, with a 6-month follow-up survey completed for 170 clients (41%), gathering data on hospitalizations, long-term care utilization and quality of life. Combining these data with clinical assessment data provides a picture of clinical complexities of elder clients and offers a mandate for comprehensive interdisciplinary care. Baseline data showed 44% hospitalized in the prior year; an average of 4 chronic conditions and 10 medications; 44% with dementia or MCI and 29% with frailty. At 6-months post-assessment, 29% reported being hospitalized, 3.5% reported moving into long-term care, and there was a slight, non-significant decrease in quality of life. These data demonstrate the profound complexities that can be identified and addressed through comprehensive assessment and care, as well as the potential to reduce hospitalizations, enable people to age-in-place and maintain quality of life. Despite the well-documented value of these approaches, Medicare and other payers have not fully embraced the opportunity to achieve these positive outcomes and remain hesitant to adequately fund comprehensive approaches to care.

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