Tech Gadgets Could Replace Caregivers for the Elderly

May 11, 2006 — -- Every morning John and Virginia log on to their computer. They are not reading e-mail but instead checking up on Virginia's 80-year old mother, Louise, who lives across town, alone.

By visiting a designated Web page, John and Virginia can tell exactly when Louise got up this morning,

"Within five minutes we can know if my mother has been up to the bathroom in the night, or if she has fallen," says Virginia, staring at the computer screen.

Across town, Louise -- who uses a walker to get around -- shows us how the system works. Her apartment is rigged with a series of motion detectors that track her movements and then transmit that information over the Internet to her family members.

She gestures toward one of the sensors perched atop her television, and tells us to smile.

"I know it can't take my picture," she jokes, "But when you get in the shape that I'm in, you want all the protection you can get."

Louise is using a system called Quiet Care, an arm of security systems makers ADT, which uses motion detectors in its burglar alarm systems.

If Louise fails to leave her bedroom by the time she and her family have agreed upon, or if she goes into the bathroom and doesn't come out, the system sends a text message to her son-in law's cell phone. It has happened only once, and it was not an emergency.

"I was a little slow in getting out of bed," she admits.

Another system, due on the market this year, is called e-Neighbor. It uses motion detectors to determine a typical pattern of activity for a senior living alone. If there is an abnormal period of inactivity, the system will call the resident, a family member or neighbor for help. It can also dial 911.

These gadgets are part of a growing number of new technologies helping senior citizens live independent lives.

Dr. Eric Tangalos, a geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic says, "Smart technologies give us an opportunity to keep people at home longer and safer and better."

They may also become a necessity.