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Project Details


Keywords: [Transport and Travel] [Assisted Living]
Name: Integrating mobility vehicles and devices with smart homes [archived - not updated]
Start Date: 1st Dec 09
End Date: 31st Dec 10
Total Project Fund: 40,000UK Pounds
Background: Assisted living technology enables many older people to choose to continue living independently in their own homes. Systems can range from simple pendant alarms to more complex devices which monitor behaviour and can raise the alarm in the event of falls or medical emergencies. However, there is much less technological support for older people when they go out of the house, so that they can continue living normal lives in the community. Out-of-house activities are important as they contribute to reducing the social isolation and relative lack of self-confidence that many older people experience when they are limited to the boundaries of their homes, especially if they have previously led an active life.
Description: The aim of this project is to develop an electronic device that fits neatly into a standard mobility scooter, and which can monitor the user's location and well-being. The device will connect to the person's care provider using mobile phone technology and a tracker device will be used to locate users. Once people return home, the device will then connect the mobility scooter into the user's home telecare network using a private radio connection.
Objective: The goal is to use mobile technology to provide the support needed to help older people maintain a lifestyle that is as independent as possible. Researchers will explore the support that such technology can offer older people in going out and doing common activities such as shopping. Given the availability of various sensors and assistive home networks, integrating those and effectively communicating with them would provide assistance and encouragement for older people to continue enjoying a healthy social life. The aim is to develop a generic hardware and software interface that could be used in mobile telecare devices to ensure there is an open standard.
Progress: No further information or updates available.
Status: No update information available (Feb 2013)
Web Page: view website

Organisations Involved In This Project


The main contact(s) for this project are:

Organisation Name Type Tel Town Contact
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences - De Montfort University
Academic
 0116 207 8968
 Leicester
Dr Eric Goodyer

Participants:

Organisation Name Type Tel Town Contact
Department of Computing and Informatics - University of Lincoln
 Academic
 (01522 882000
 Lincoln
 Dr Amr Ahmed

Funding for this project includes a contribution from:

Organisation Name Type Tel Town
Transport iNet
 Grant Making Body
Leicester