A system for monitoring the elderly using a portable, dedicated terminal.

Abstract

Many elderly people who are perfectly capable of living safely at home are forced to move into care facilities due to a lack of adequate monitoring systems. This restricts their freedom and incurs unnecessary costs. New technologies and collaborative systems are needed to overcome these challenges. [Solution] By using a portable dedicated terminal to obtain data and collaborating with social workers, elderly people living alone, as well as those who previously had no choice but to move into facilities, can live a life with less financial burden and with their freedom respected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for monitoring the elderly through cooperation with visiting nurses using a dedicated portable terminal.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of dedicated terminal, a terminal according to the applicant's proposal is known (Patent Document 1). In that, a stationary dedicated terminal equipped with a human sensor is used, and a mechanism for monitoring the life of the target person has been proposed.

[0003] The life and sleep time are assumed from the cumulative sensor reactions within a certain period of time, and by notifying this information to the caregiver or family, the target person can be monitored.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above proposal, the privacy of the person being monitored is not considered because they are constantly monitored, and the caregiver is also constantly required to respond, resulting in a large burden. In today's diverse working styles, it does not function as a mechanism, which is cited as a problem.

[0006] In addition, there are many cases where the elderly who can originally live safely at home have to enter a facility because an appropriate monitoring system is not in place, and this aspect is not considered either. As a result, the freedom of the individual is restricted, and unnecessary costs are also incurred.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The dedicated terminal 1 according to the present invention is a portable dedicated terminal equipped with a human presence sensor 2, a rechargeable power supply 3 and a communication line 4, and has the function of recording the movements of the person being monitored 5 a specified number of times. Due to considerations of privacy, it is desirable that the number of recordings be once a day.

[0008] The terminal transmits encrypted recorded data via a mobile phone network 6, and the trends of the elderly are shared with social workers who possess advanced expertise and skills in welfare consultation and assistance. The data is collected for a certain period, and social workers periodically review the data 7 and provide advice and guidance 8. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The person being monitored can be monitored while maintaining their freedom of movement within their home, and privacy can be respected through minimal data collection and encryption.

[0010] Furthermore, by linking data with social workers, elderly people living alone, as well as those who previously had no choice but to move into care facilities, can now live with less financial burden and with their freedom respected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a functional diagram of a portable dedicated terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the data linkage between a dedicated terminal and a social worker. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The portable terminal has the function of recording and transmitting data detected by a motion sensor. The data is transmitted from the terminal via an encrypted communication line and stored for a certain period of time. This data is periodically reviewed by a social worker, who then provides advice and guidance. [Examples]

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of the portable dedicated terminal according to the present invention and an implementation by a social worker. The social worker consults with the person being monitored and installs the terminal in a location that suits the person's wishes before starting the monitoring.

[0014] The portable dedicated terminal uses a motion sensor to confirm the presence of the person being monitored only once a day, and transmits that data via an encrypted communication line. By performing only the bare minimum necessary operations, the terminal can operate continuously for about two months on its own.

[0015] The submitted data is reviewed once a day by a social worker, who provides advice and guidance. If deemed necessary, a direct visit to the person being monitored will also be conducted. [Industrial applicability]

[0016] There are many cases where elderly people who could safely live at home are forced to move into facilities because adequate monitoring systems are not in place. The same applies to elderly people who are already living at home and feeling anxious. This system would allow them to live while respecting their wishes to the fullest extent and without incurring unnecessary costs. Considering the ever-increasing social security costs due to the aging population, the introduction of this system, which respects the wishes of individuals while contributing to the reduction of social security costs, is considered an urgent necessity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0017] 1. Portable dedicated terminal 2-person motion sensor 3 Rechargeable power supply 4. Communication lines 5. Persons to be monitored 6. Mobile phone lines 7. Confirmation of monitoring data by a social worker. 8. Advice and guidance from social workers

Claims

[Claim 1] A system for monitoring the elderly through collaboration with social workers using a dedicated portable terminal.

Images