New research project to develop independent living technology solutions for elderly people
A new research project called NEX has been launched to explore and develop cost-effective technology solutions that meet the needs of older adults and support them to remain living independently in their own homes.
Researchers at the Centre for e-Integrated Care (CeIC) and the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at Dublin City University are working together on the NEX project and are seeking opinions about how technology can support independent living at home through a national online survey.
Aimed at older people living at home, family caregivers and health and social care workers who provide care to older adults, the information gathered from the survey will be used to inform the research team on the type of technology solutions that are deemed most appropriate.
You can take part in the online survey here: https://dcu-snpch.limequery.com/196223
The person-centred survey takes participants through a series of questions, enquiring about who they live with, whether the individual receives care or not, and what tasks the individual the receives assistance with – such as getting dressed, preparing meals and helping with medication.
In addition, the survey asks participants whether they’ve had a fall in the past 12 months, whether they use any assistive devices currently, and if there are any areas in the individual’s life where they feel assistive technology could benefit them or help them live more independently at home.
Importantly, the survey asks participants to consider how particular assistive devices might benefit them. For instance, individuals are asked about voice-activated assistants and whether this technology could help them communicate more easily with other people, remind them about medication and combat loneliness.
In the same way, the survey asks participants about the disadvantages or barriers to using assistive technology. For example, when looking at voice-activated assistants, older people might feel concerned about how easy the device is to use, whether the technology is secure and the cost of the product.
Dr Catriona Murphy, Assistant Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health and one of the project Principal Investigators of the NEX project, said: “Imagine a future in which we live longer at home with assistance from technology that can enhance communication, assist self-monitoring and securely share information with our network of caregivers in order to improve our quality of life. That is the future we are imagining with the NEX system.”
According to Age UK, there are nearly 12 million people aged 65 and above in the UK and in the next 50 years, it is predicted that there will be an additional 8.6 million people aged 65 years and over.
Additionally, older adults who live alone are more likely to have multiple long-term conditions when compared to those who live with others.
The researchers hope that assistive technology will help people remain independent and well at home by monitoring their health conditions, enhance communication and help them with tasks around the home.
The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics is a joint initiative between researchers at University College Dublin, NUI Galway, University College Cork, and Dublin City University (DCU), as well as other partner institutions. It brings together over 400 researchers from Ireland’s leading ICT centres to develop a new generation of data analytics technologies in a number of key application areas.
The Center for eIntegrated Care (CeIC), based in the Faculty of Science and Health in DCU, provides a platform for nursing researchers working in partnership with other cross-disciplinary researchers, citizens, health professionals and industry partners to lead out on the design of new models of integrated care using digital and eHealth resources.
https://thiis.co.uk/new-research-project-to-develop-independent-living-technology-solutions-for-elderly-people/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tunstall-Connected-Care-Homes-Assistive-tech-elderly-woman.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tunstall-Connected-Care-Homes-Assistive-tech-elderly-woman-150x150.jpgNewsroomReports & ResearchSector Newsassistive technology,CeIC,Centre for e-Integrated Care,DCU,Dublin City University,independent living,independent living innovation,independent living research,Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics,NEXA new research project called NEX has been launched to explore and develop cost-effective technology solutions that meet the needs of older adults and support them to remain living independently in their own homes. Researchers at the Centre for e-Integrated Care (CeIC) and the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data...Sarah SarsbySarah Sarsbysarah@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine