Elderly care monitoring system

Abstract

To enrich the services of the elderly care business and enable elderly people living alone to receive care and assistance that is less than an emergency but more than what family members or relatives can provide. [Solution] The elderly care monitoring system 1 includes a transmitting device 10 installed in the home of an elderly person living alone, a care-side terminal device 20 at a care facility, a relative-side terminal device 30 on the side of the elderly person's relatives, and a communication device 40 on the side of a shared center that receives information from the transmitting device and transmits information to the care-side terminal device and the relative-side terminal device. The transmitting device is equipped with a "need assistance" email button 13 that is pressed when requesting assistance, a "reassurance" email button 12 that is pressed to notify that the person is healthy, and an NCU 15 that transmits a combination of ID information, type information of the pressed button, and a press signal. The communication device is equipped with a distribution transmission means that sends a "need assistance" email to the care-side terminal device 20 when button 13 is pressed, and sends a "reassurance" email to the relative-side terminal device 30 indicating that the person is fine when button 12 is pressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a care monitoring system that enriches the services of the care business for the elderly living alone and enables the elderly to enjoy care assistance services beyond emergency situations and beyond family and relatives without psychological burden.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various monitoring services for the elderly living alone have been provided. This is, for example, a service in which a security company goes to check when the use of water or gas in the home of an elderly person living alone has not occurred for a certain period of time.

[0003] However, conventionally, there have been the following problems. Most of the conventional monitoring services assume major life-threatening events such as an elderly person living alone falling down and are centered on first aid. On the other hand, from the perspective of the elderly living alone, for example, when they wish for a little assistance such as having trouble getting up or rising, or being unable to move to a posture of lying on the floor due to muscle pain, there is a problem that they have psychological resistance to having a security guard come to their home. Also, there is a problem of deviation in the provided services in that security guards are specialized in security and are not trained for assistance. In addition, in the case of a security company that is not large in scale, there is not always an emergency dispatch related to security, and effective utilization of personnel has been desired. Conversely, in order to establish a system that can immediately respond to emergency dispatch at all times, it is necessary to increase the corporate scale of the security company, and it is structurally difficult for a security company that is not large in scale to be formed. As a result, there is a problem that security services do not reach every region.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to enrich the services of elderly people living alone and to provide a care monitoring system that allows elderly people to enjoy care services that are less than emergency situations but are more than those provided by family members or relatives, without psychological burden. Furthermore, the aim is to encourage the formation of smaller security companies, thereby enabling the provision of a broad base of monitoring, care, and security services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elderly care monitoring system described in claim 1 includes a portable transmitter installed in the residence of an elderly person living alone, a care-side terminal device installed in a care facility, a relative-side terminal device installed on the side of the elderly person's relatives, and a communication device installed on the side of a shared center that receives information from the transmitter and transmits the information to the care-side terminal device and / or the relative-side terminal device, wherein the transmitter incorporates a "need assistance email" button, which is pressed when requesting assistance, and a "safety email" button, which is pressed when notifying that the person is healthy, in different colors, and the communication device is provided with ID information that uniquely identifies the transmitter and the press buttons. The communication device is equipped with a transmission means that transmits a combination of type information and a press signal, and when the type information of the press signal is a "need assistance email" button, the communication device is equipped with a distribution means that, based on the ID information, sends a standard "need assistance email" indicating which dwelling unit the request is from to the caregiver terminal device, and when the type information of the press signal is a "reassurance email" button, the caregiver terminal device is equipped with a notification means that notifies the communication device that it has received a "need assistance email" and a display means that displays the "need assistance email".

[0007] In other words, the invention described in claim 1 allows elderly people living alone to carry and regularly use a portable transmitter with them, and under normal circumstances, they can easily inform their family that everything is normal simply by pressing a button, and in the event of needing assistance, they can receive support from a care facility simply by pressing an adjacent button, which is placed next to the transmitter, without any psychological resistance. For care facilities, this allows them to provide additional services through staff who are experienced in providing care. Furthermore, this system is particularly suitable when elderly people living alone are using the day care services of a care facility, as both parties are already familiar with each other's procedures, making the system's operation smoother. Furthermore, since the number of bits of information sent and received is small, and only standardized emails are sent and received, system implementation and operating costs can be kept low, enabling the provision of an inexpensive service.

[0008] Needless to say, there are numerous transmitting devices connected to the shared center. The number of buttons to press is not limited to two; other buttons with different functions may be introduced as needed. If the caregiver's terminal device is a PC, the notification method may include not only an audible notification via email, but also a notification lamp, such as a rotating light, that is linked to the email to prompt the user to check their email. Furthermore, the care terminal device may be a smartphone owned or provided to each staff member of the care facility, and the display method may be in the form of displaying emails on the smartphone. Furthermore, nursing care facilities can also implement operations that involve transferring and amplifying the received signal as needed.

[0009] The elderly care monitoring system described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the elderly care monitoring system described in claim 1, the care facility further comprises a means of communication to receive notification from a staff member that they will be dispatched to the site in response to an email indicating that assistance is needed.

[0010] In other words, the invention according to claim 2 can achieve a smooth and comprehensive response.

[0011] Communication can be done via email on smartphones, or by telephone from the caregiver to the care facility using internal or external lines.

[0012] The elderly care monitoring system according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the elderly care monitoring system according to claim 1, the transmitting device incorporates an NCU that performs wireless communication to a base station.

[0013] In other words, the invention according to claim 3 allows for the construction and operation of a system at low cost by effectively utilizing existing infrastructure without impairing the portability of the transmitting device.

[0014] Furthermore, it is sufficient to utilize the existing large number of base stations, and it goes without saying that the base stations and communication equipment are naturally connected via a network.

[0015] The elderly care monitoring system according to claim 4 includes a portable transmitter installed in the residence of an elderly person living alone, a caregiver-side terminal device installed in a security company that falls under the category of a small or medium-sized enterprise or small business as defined in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Basic Act, a relative-side terminal device installed on the side of the elderly person's relatives, and a communication device installed on the side of a shared center that receives information from the transmitter and transmits the information to the caregiver-side terminal device and / or the relative-side terminal device, wherein the transmitter incorporates a "request for assistance" email button, which is pressed when requesting assistance or emergency response, and a "safety email" button, which is pressed when notifying that the person is healthy, in different colors, and the transmitter is connected to the communication device. The communication device is equipped with a transmission means that transmits a combination of uniquely identifiable ID information, button type information, and a press signal. The communication device is equipped with a distribution transmission means that, if the type information of the press signal is a button requiring action, sends a standardized email requiring action to the caregiver terminal device, specifying which dwelling unit the request originated from, based on the ID information. If the type information of the press signal is a button for reassurance, the communication device is equipped with a distribution transmission means that sends a standardized reassurance email to the corresponding relative terminal device, indicating that the person is doing as usual, based on the ID information. The caregiver terminal device is equipped with a notification means that notifies the caregiver that an email requiring action has been received from the communication device, and a display means that displays the email requiring action.

[0016] In other words, the invention according to claim 4 allows elderly people living alone to carry and regularly use a portable transmitter with them, and under normal circumstances, they can easily inform their family that everything is normal simply by pressing a button, and in the event of needing assistance, they can receive support without psychological resistance by simply pressing an adjacent button that is placed next to it. For security companies, this allows them to effectively utilize their personnel in addition to security services, enabling them to provide a wide range of monitoring, care, and security services. Furthermore, since the number of bits of information sent and received is small, and only standardized emails are sent and received, system implementation and operating costs can be kept low, enabling the provision of an inexpensive service.

[0017] Needless to say, the configurations of claims 2 and 3 can be made dependent on the configuration of claim 4.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a care monitoring system that enriches the services of the care business for the elderly living alone and allows the elderly to enjoy care assistance services that are less than emergency situations and provided by people other than family members without psychological burden. In addition, it promotes the formation of a security company of not large scale, and makes it possible to provide a wide range of monitoring, care and security services.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram of the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of the transmitting device that constitutes the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a functional configuration diagram of the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the mail content of the assistance required mail (a) displayed on the care side terminal device and the reassuring mail (b) displayed on the family side terminal device. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the transmitting device that constitutes the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. Specifically, an aspect in which a certain elderly person living alone uses day service during the day and the system is operated including the care business office will be described. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the transmitting device that constitutes the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the elderly care monitoring system of the present invention.

[0021] The elderly care monitoring system 1 includes a transmitting device 10, a caregiver-side terminal device 20, a relative-side terminal device 30, and a communication device 40, forming its basic configuration. These devices also form a network N for communication. The network N also includes a base station K.

[0022] Next, I will explain each component. The transmitter 10 is a box measuring 9cm x 15cm x 4cm, with a handle 11 on top. On the front, there is a circular light blue push button (light blue button 12) with a diameter of 3cm and a yellow push button of the same shape (yellow button 13). The light blue button 12 is labeled "Family," and the yellow button 13 is labeled "Day Service."

[0023] The transmitter 10 is equipped with a wireless type NCU 15 and a processing unit 16, and is connected to the light blue button 12 and the yellow button 13. When either button is pressed, the processing unit 16 combines the press signal, the type of button pressed, and the ID information of the transmitter 10, and transmits the information to the communication device 40 via the NCU 15.

[0024] The caregiver terminal device 20 is a personal computer and includes a main unit 21 that pushes care request emails from the communication device 40, and a monitor 22 that displays care request emails. The main unit 21 also controls the device to send a signal to turn on a rotating light 25 installed in the care facility when it receives a care request email. Furthermore, the main unit 21 also receives a notification from a responder indicating that they will be heading to the site to respond to an assistance request email, and in this case, it sends a signal to turn off the rotating light 25. It also controls the system to add an indication that the assistance request email has been addressed. The display method is not particularly limited, but such a function can be added to the mailer.

[0025] The relative's terminal device 30 is a so-called smartphone, which receives and displays safety emails from the communication device 40.

[0026] Figure 4 shows the contents of the emails displayed on the caregiver's terminal device 20 (indicating the need for assistance) and the emails displayed on the relative's terminal device 30 (indicating reassurance).

[0027] The communication device 40 is located in a central monitoring center or other shared center that receives communications, and is configured as a server device, but may be configured as a personal computer as appropriate depending on the specifications. The communication device 40 includes a receiving unit 41 that receives information from the transmitting device 10 via a base station K or network N, a distribution sending unit 42 that sends standard emails, and a database 43 in which customer information linked to ID information (such as the name, address, medical history of elderly people living alone, the name of the day service provider if they use such services, and the email addresses of family members and relatives that send reassuring emails).

[0028] The receiving unit 41 sequentially receives information from the transmitting device 10, which consists of a pressed signal, type information, and ID information. If the type information of the press signal received by the receiving unit 41 is the assistance request email button (yellow button 13), the distribution transmission unit 42 extracts customer information from the database 43 based on the ID information received together with the press signal, and sends a standard assistance request email to the caregiver terminal device, specifying the name, age, medical history, etc. of the elderly person living alone, including the address of the residence where the assistance request was made (see Figure 4a). Furthermore, if the type information of the press signal received by the receiving unit 41 is that of the safety email button (light blue button 12), the distribution transmission unit 42 extracts customer information from the database 43 based on the ID information received together with the press signal and sends a safety email to the relatives of the elderly person living alone (towards the relative's terminal device 30) (see Figure 4b).

[0029] The Elderly Care Monitoring System 1 has the above configuration and can enhance care services for elderly people living alone. Specifically, on a daily basis, for example, if an elderly person living alone presses the light blue button 12 every morning, they can notify their family that everything is normal with just one press, without having to make a phone call. For the family, being able to confirm their safety every morning provides peace of mind. On the other hand, if you feel a little unsure about standing up, simply pressing the yellow button 13 next to the usual "reassurance email" button will bring a day service staff member to assist you, which is ideal. Since you are already familiar with pressing the button, there is little psychological resistance to pressing the adjacent "need assistance email" button. Also, since a familiar day service staff member will come, there is no hesitation in pressing the button, which is also ideal. The staff member is also familiar with the day service user and is aware of their medical history, enabling high-quality assistance and care. Furthermore, families recognize this as an additional service offered by the care provider, and it is ideal as it increases the options available in their contract. Care providers can also improve their performance by offering additional services. Furthermore, because it utilizes existing infrastructure, system construction and implementation can be carried out at a low cost.

[0030] Furthermore, while the Elderly Care Monitoring System 1 is a bottom-up service that combines day care services with additional services, it can also be used by security companies to expand their service offerings and build systems to provide monitoring and care services. In other words, in the example above, the caregiver terminal device 20 could be provided by the security company (in this case, the caregiver terminal device 20 could also be called the security company terminal device). For the security company, this increases the workload of the security guards, allowing them to establish a security company even on a small scale, and enabling them to build or expand their business as a security service + monitoring service or security service + caregiving service, even in areas with low population density where it is difficult to make a profit. In the above case, the transmitter 10 at the home of an elderly person living alone may be replaced with a red button 17 displaying "Emergency" instead of the yellow button 13, and with a white button 18 displaying "Contact / Email" instead of the light blue button 12. Depending on the specifications, pressing the red button 17 may be controlled so that the base station K (communication device 40) can immediately detect that a press signal has been received, along with sending an email, and to illuminate the security company's rotating light 25. [Industrial applicability]

[0031] This invention is an elderly care monitoring system that connects elderly people living alone with care facilities and their relatives. For example, by replacing the terminal device on the relatives' side, or by installing terminal devices in addition to the relatives' terminal device, it can also be constructed as a community monitoring system. In particular, housing complexes and apartment buildings constructed during the period of rapid economic growth were initially occupied by households of roughly the same age, and recently there has been a rapid increase in single-person households. Therefore, these can be effectively utilized as community watch systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 1. Elderly Care Monitoring System 10 Transmitter 11 Handle 12. Light blue button (safety email button) 13. Yellow button (Assistance Request Email button) 15 NCU 16 Processing Unit 17. Red button (emergency button) 18. White button (Contact / Email button) 20. Caregiver terminal device 21 Main unit 22 monitors 25 Rotating beacon 30. Relative's terminal device 40 Communication equipment 41 Receiving unit 42 Distribution and Transmission Unit 43 Databases K base station N Network

Claims

1. A portable transmitter installed in the residence of an elderly person living alone, The caregiver terminal device installed in the care facility, A terminal device for relatives of elderly people living alone, A communication device installed on the shared center side receives information from a transmitting device and transmits the information to the caregiver's terminal device and / or the relative's terminal device, A nursing care monitoring system for the elderly, The transmitter is The "Assistance Needed Email" button, which is pressed when requesting assistance, and the "Reassurance Email" button, which is pressed when notifying that one is healthy, are incorporated in different colors. The device comprises a transmission means that transmits to a communication device a set of ID information that uniquely identifies the transmitting device, type information of a push button, and a push signal. Communication equipment, If the type information of the pressed signal is that of an assistance request email button, a standard assistance request email specifying which dwelling unit the request originated from will be sent to the caregiver's terminal device based on the ID information. If the type information of the pressed signal is that of a safety email button, the system is equipped with a distribution sending means that sends a standard safety email to the corresponding relative's terminal device based on the ID information, indicating that the person is behaving normally. The care terminal device is A notification means that notifies the recipient of an email requesting assistance from a communication device, An elderly care monitoring system characterized by being equipped with a display means for displaying the email indicating the need for assistance.

2. In nursing care facilities, The elderly care monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising a means of communication for receiving notification from a staff member that they will be dispatched to the site in response to an email requesting assistance.

3. The elderly care monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitting device incorporates an NCU that performs wireless communication to a base station.

4. A portable transmitter installed in the residence of an elderly person living alone, A caregiver terminal device installed in a security company that falls under the category of a small or medium-sized enterprise or a small business as defined in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Basic Act, A terminal device for relatives of elderly people living alone, A communication device installed on the shared center side receives information from a transmitting device and transmits the information to the caregiver's terminal device and / or the relative's terminal device, A nursing care monitoring system for the elderly that includes, The transmitter is The system incorporates two buttons, one in a different color, for requesting assistance or emergency response via email, and another in a different color for notifying that the user is healthy. The device comprises a transmission means that transmits to a communication device a set of ID information that uniquely identifies the transmitting device, type information of a push button, and a press signal. Communication equipment, If the type information of the pressed signal is that of a button requiring action (email), a standard email requesting action will be sent to the caregiver's terminal device, clearly indicating which dwelling unit the request originated from based on the ID information. If the type information of the pressed signal is that of a safety email button, the system is equipped with a distribution sending means that sends a standard safety email to the corresponding relative's terminal device based on the ID information, indicating that the person is behaving normally. The care terminal device is A notification means that notifies that an email requiring action has been received from a communication device, An elderly care monitoring system characterized by having a display means for displaying the email requiring action.

Images