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Ambient Intelligent Systems in the home

For older people living independently, ambient intelligent systems offer the possibility to support their independence as well as promoting social contact and reducing isolation. Services could also be delivered when the user wants them, rather than the current system of what fits in with the scheduling of the service provider. The systems could also learn to predict the user’s needs as well as providing safety monitoring (eg giving a warning if the cooker has been left on).

Current smart home technology is mostly developed from a technological point of view. Therefore the big challenge is to change this process. This not only requires changes from developers but also from all users involved. Developers need to be able to translate user requirements into technological ideas and concepts. Users that aren’t used to playing a role in the design process are suddenly asked for input on the possible role of technology in their life and their requirements for that technology.

For individuals requiring a greater degree of support the system could be set to provide rapid response to changes in medical or social care conditions of the individual. This will require health care organisations to have the appropriate technology as well as the willingness to use it. Also implied is greater communication between various people providing care which may include informal carers as well as professional organisations.

The system could monitor the user’s health and offer appropriate levels of medication in addition to advising the health care organisation of the situation. Such systems are unlikely to cope with a user who picks up a tablet from the container but does not take it. So there must be systems in place to back up any automated service with periodic checks by a medical practitioner.

If a condition of living independently is that the user has an AmI system, then provision should be made for users to be fully aware of what information about them and their activities is available to other people. The problem of informed consent is exacerbated if the user has deteriorating mental capabilities.

 

Chapter 2

Contents

Chapter 4