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Nursing Homes Go High-Tech

Posted by michael on from the I've-fallen-and-I-can't-get-my-LAN-up dept.

mattlary writes "Here's an interesting article about a tracking system being installed in a retirement community. The system can track where residents are anywhere in the campus, and also uses cameras to keep an eye on residents. The community also contains numerous sensors so staff can track residents' activity."

6 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Can't wait until I get old... by nametaken · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Sensors on refrigerator doors that automatically notify staff when residents are up and active each day, replacing older methods such as "check-in" buttons or paper cards on doorknobs."

    I hope when I'm that old I'll still keep bizarre hours. It'll keep the staff on their toes.

  2. Absolutely.... by acceber · · Score: 5, Insightful
    ....nobody wants to have their privacy invaded with cameras, tracking devices, sensoring of activity... even if it's got a fancy name like "Personal Emergency Response System".

    Just gives more reasons for our grandparents to fight against being shoved into nursing homes.

  3. I just hope... by Gamma_UCF · · Score: 5, Funny

    ..that the nursing home never gets any retired slashdotters there. I'm sure the tin foil would be missing from the tops of the dinner trays and quickly turned into hats...

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    -Gamma
  4. what TFA didnt mention by ErichTheWebGuy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    is whether it can trigger an alarm if a patient wonders offsite. It's a bigger problem than most people realize -- an Alzheimer's patient wonders off, gets lost, sometimes for days on end wondering the streets. IMHO the most valuable part of a system like this would be the ability to trigger an alarm if patients cross a pre-defined boundary.

    It did, however, mention that it records the exact time employees enter and leave the facility, so that they only get paid for the time they actually work. The infrastructure and underlying components seem to be there, but it seems to me like they are more interested in protecting their money than their residents.

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    bash: rtfm: command not found
  5. Re:Obligatory Simpsons quote by PeterPumpkin · · Score: 5, Informative

    Well, the older people you and I see on a regular basis are the sharp ones that can still live like normal.

    However there are those like the Alzheimer's patients who are given some element of freedom, and when they wander off don't remember where they came from or don't know they are lost and keep wandering. Ever try to find someone who doesn't know where they are going or that they are lost? It is more difficult than you might think.

  6. Freedom. by starphish · · Score: 5, Insightful
    I'm a libertarian, am all about freedom, liberty, and keeping people's noses out of my business.

    However, something that is orwelian used in one way, can have the opposite effect used another way.

    My Dad is in a fairly advanced stage of dementia. He hardly talks, and no longer recognizes family. He is currently in long term care in a locked ward to keep him from wandering off. It would be a great danger to him if he was allowed to go where he wants. Currently, he can only leave if a family member comes and takes him for a walk. I did this today actually.

    Something like this would give him greater freedom, and would improve his quality of life. I would love it if my dad could roam freely. If his whereabouts could be monitored, he could gain at least a shred of freedom.

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    Yeah, yeah, yeah. The story is a dupe, the topic is boring, the facts weren't checked. WE GET IT!!