Smart Home Technologies for Assessing and Monitoring Frailty in Older Adults

This project is centred around addressing the impact of frailty on older adults and its correlation with cognitive impairments, particularly dementia. The aim is to develop an effective and non-intrusive at-home monitoring system that can accurately track frailty in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. By identifying frailty in its early stages, interventions can be designed to slow down the progression of cognitive decline and improve the overall well-being of older adults. To achieve this, the project plans to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as high-precision indoor positioning and home-installed sensors, collectively referred to as zero-effort technologies (ZETs). These technologies require minimal user effort and will provide a continuous stream of sensor data. The collected data will be systematically analyzed to identify indicators of frailty, allowing for early detection and intervention. Importantly, the project recognizes the significance of engaging older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals throughout the development process. Their attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions will be taken into consideration to ensure that the monitoring system is meaningful, beneficial, and respects user privacy. By involving older adults and caregivers in the early stages, the project aims to create a monitoring system that can be seamlessly integrated into the lives of older adults dealing with frailty and cognitive impairments. The goal is to provide an affordable and efficient solution that can be implemented within the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The continuous tracking of frailty data will enable healthcare professionals and caregivers to deliver timely interventions and support, thereby potentially slowing down the cognitive decline experienced by older adults. Through the combination of advanced technologies and a user-centred approach, the project intends to bridge the gap between frailty and cognitive impairments in older adults. By identifying frailty at an early stage and tailoring interventions accordingly, personalized and targeted support can be provided to improve the quality of life for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing frailty and cognitive decline, benefiting both older adults and their caregivers, as well as clinicians.