Smart homes for an independent elderly population

In an effort to help the elderly live in their own homes for as long as possible, British scientists are now working on the concept of “smart” houses. This means that sensors will be installed into homes to tell if an elderly resident has had a fall, is injured, or is otherwise unwell.

The Daily Mail reported that this technology could be available as soon as within the next few years.

The sensors will work by “reading” the health and well-being of residents. The information is then uploaded to a secure website, where a relative or carer can access it from a remote location.

To make this a reality, a research grant of £128,000 has been awarded to a British team for the development of sensors and computer technology.

Dr Jim Briggs from the University of Portsmouth is investigating the technical issues surrounding the advanced sensors that would be required to create smart homes.

This involves helping the team to construct sensors that can tell the difference between states like lying down and falling down.

About the benefits of the technology, Dr. Briggs said: “It is incredibly reassuring for family members to see an elderly relative is safe and well.”

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