Care support systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To optimize the body fluid volume of the person receiving care. [Solution] According to one embodiment, the care support system includes an acquisition unit that acquires the biological information of the person receiving care, a setting unit that sets a target value for the amount of water to be provided to the person receiving care based on the biological information, and a display unit that displays the target value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a care support system, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that the amount of body fluid in humans decreases with aging. Therefore, the elderly are prone to dehydration if they do not replenish water properly. Thus, in care facilities, in order to prevent dehydration, the water intake of care recipients (the elderly) is managed. In Citation 1, a care record system for recording and displaying information on care services including water replenishment is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, although the water intake of care recipients is managed, whether the amount of body fluid of care recipients is sufficient or insufficient is not considered. Therefore, it has been difficult to optimize the amount of body fluid of care recipients by managing the water intake.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to optimize the amount of body fluid of care recipients.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment, a care support system includes an acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a care recipient, a setting unit that sets a target value of the amount of water to be provided to the care recipient based on the biometric information, and a display unit that displays the target value.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, the body fluid volume of the person receiving care can be optimized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the care support system 1000. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the care support device 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of caregiver terminal 2. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a care support method. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example of the care record input screen (sc). [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the care support system 1000. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of a care support method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description and drawings of each embodiment, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> First, an overview of the care support system 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described. The care support system 1000 according to this embodiment is an information processing system that sets a target value for the amount of water to be provided to the person being cared for based on the axillary humidity of the person being cared for, and displays the target value. By providing water to the person being cared for according to the displayed target value, the caregiver can optimize the body fluid volume of the person being cared for.

[0011] A person receiving care is someone who is being cared for. A person receiving care may, for example, be an elderly person using a care service or a patient in a medical institution, but is not limited to these.

[0012] Axillary humidity is an indicator of the amount of moisture (degree of dryness) in the armpit and is a type of biological information. Axillary humidity is also called axillary moisture rate, axillary moisture degree, or axillary moisture amount. Axillary humidity is generally expressed as a percentage (%), but the unit of axillary humidity is arbitrary.

[0013] A caregiver is a person who provides care to a person receiving care. A caregiver may be, but is not limited to, an employee of a care facility, an employee of a medical institution, or a family member of the person receiving care.

[0014] Body fluids are the liquid components within the body, including intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid.

[0015] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a care support system 1000. As shown in Figure 1, the care support system 1000 comprises a care support device 1, a caregiver terminal 2, and a biometric information measuring device 3, all of which are interconnected and able to communicate with each other via a network N. The network N is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, the Internet, a public network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination thereof. In the example in Figure 1, the care support system 1000 comprises one care support device 1, one caregiver terminal 2, and one biometric information measuring device 3, but it may comprise multiple units of each. Furthermore, the biometric information measuring device 3 does not necessarily have to be connected to the network N.

[0016] The care support device 1 is an information processing device that sets a target value for the amount of moisture to be provided to the care recipient based on the axillary humidity of the care recipient. The care support device 1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, smartwatch, tablet terminal, server device, or microcomputer, but is not limited thereto. In the example of FIG. 1, the care support device 1 is an information processing device 1, but may be realized as a system composed of a plurality of information processing devices connected via the network N.

[0017] The caregiver terminal 2 is an information processing device used by the caregiver. The caregiver terminal 2 displays the target value for the amount of moisture to be provided to the care recipient set by the care support device 1. The caregiver terminal 2 is, for example, a PC, smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The biological information measurement device 3 is an information processing device equipped with a sensor for measuring the biological information of the care recipient. In the present embodiment, the biological information measurement device 3 is an axillary humidity measurement device capable of measuring axillary humidity. The axillary humidity measurement device is, for example, a device (so-called skin moisture checker) that measures the moisture content of the skin by passing a weak current through the skin and measuring the resistance value, but is not limited thereto. The biological information measurement device 3 preferably transmits the biological information to the caregiver terminal 2 at the timing when the axillary humidity is measured.

[0019] <Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device 100> Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, a communication I / F 104, an input device 105, an output device 106, and a drive device 107, which are interconnected via a bus B.

[0020] The processor 101 controls the various components of the information processing device 100 and realizes the functions of the information processing device 100 by loading various programs, including the OS (Operating System), stored in the storage 103, into the memory 102 and executing them. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), but is not limited to these.

[0021] Memory 102 is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or a combination thereof. ROM is, for example, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a combination thereof. RAM is, for example, DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or SRAM (Static RAM), but is not limited to these.

[0022] Storage 103 stores various programs and data, including the OS. Storage 103 is, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or SCM (Storage Class Memories), but is not limited to these.

[0023] The communication interface 104 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 100 to an external device via the network N and controlling communication. The communication interface 104 is, for example, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, or Ethernet®.

[0024] The input device 105 is a device for inputting information into the information processing device 100. The input device 105 may be, but is not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, microphone, scanner, camera, various sensors, or operation buttons.

[0025] The output device 106 is a device for outputting information from the information processing device 100. The output device 106 is, for example, a display device, a projector, a printer, a speaker, or a vibrator, but is not limited to these.

[0026] The drive device 107 is a device for reading and writing data to the recording medium 108. The drive device 107 is, for example, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, or an SD card reader, but is not limited thereto. The recording medium 108 is, for example, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an FD (Floppy Disk), an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a BD (Blu-ray® Disc), a USB® memory, or an SD card, but is not limited thereto.

[0027] In this embodiment, the program may be written to the memory 102 or storage 103 during the manufacturing stage of the information processing device 100, or it may be provided to the information processing device 100 via the network N, or it may be provided to the information processing device 100 via a non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium such as the recording medium 108.

[0028] <Functional configuration of care support device 1> Next, the functional configuration of the care support device 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the care support device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the care support device 1 comprises a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0029] The communication unit 11 is implemented by the communication interface 104. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives information between the caregiver terminal 2 and the biometric information measuring device 3 via the network N.

[0030] The memory unit 12 is implemented by memory 102 and storage 103. The memory unit 12 stores caregiver information 121, care recipient information 122, care record information 123, biometric information 124, and target value information 125.

[0031] Caregiver Information 121 is information about the caregiver. Caregiver Information 121 includes information such as the caregiver's identification information (caregiver ID), name, age, gender, address, contact information, job title, qualifications, the person they care for, their duties, and work schedule.

[0032] Care recipient information 122 is information about the care recipient. Care recipient information 122 includes information such as the care recipient's identification information (care recipient ID), name, address, contact information, room, and attributes. Attributes include age, gender, height, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), muscle mass, etc.

[0033] Care record information 123 is information that shows the care tasks performed by the caregiver for the person receiving care. Care record information 123 includes information such as the type, amount, and duration of care performed, the caregiver who performed the care, and the person receiving care.

[0034] The biological information 124 is the biological information of the person being cared for, measured by the biological information measuring device 3. In this embodiment, the biological information 124 includes information indicating the axillary humidity of the person being cared for. The biological information 124 is stored in association with the person being cared for.

[0035] Target value information 125 indicates the target amount of fluids to be provided to the person receiving care. Target value information 125 is stored in association with the person receiving care.

[0036] The control unit 13 is realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program from the memory 102 and cooperating with other hardware components. The control unit 13 controls the overall operation of the care support device 1. The control unit 13 comprises an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, and a setting unit 133.

[0037] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the biological information 124. If the biological information measuring device 3 can communicate with the care support device 1 via the network N, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the biological information 124 from the biological information measuring device 3. Also, if the biological information measuring device 3 can communicate with the caregiver terminal 2 via the network N, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the biological information 124 from the caregiver terminal 2, which has received the biological information 124 from the biological information measuring device 3. Furthermore, if the biological information measuring device 3 cannot communicate with the care support device 1 and the caregiver terminal 2, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the biological information 124 from the caregiver terminal 2, which has received the biological information 124 from the caregiver.

[0038] The determination unit 132 determines whether the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume based on the biological information 124 (information indicating axillary humidity). In other words, the determination unit 132 determines whether the care recipient has sufficient body fluid volume based on the biological information 124. Since it is known that axillary humidity decreases when body fluid volume is insufficient, it is possible to determine whether body fluid volume is insufficient based on axillary humidity.

[0039] The setting unit 133 sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care if it determines that the person receiving care has insufficient body fluid volume.

[0040] The functional configuration of the care support device 1 is not limited to the examples above. For example, the care support device 1 may have some of the above functional configurations, with the remaining ones provided by the caregiver terminal 2. Furthermore, the care support device 1 may have functional configurations other than those described above. Also, each functional configuration of the care support device 1 may be implemented by software, as described above, or by hardware such as an IC chip, SoC (System on Chip), LSI (Large Scale Integration), or microcomputer.

[0041] <Functional Configuration of Caregiver Terminal 2> Next, the functional configuration of the caregiver terminal 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the caregiver terminal 2. As shown in Figure 3, the caregiver terminal 2 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0042] The communication unit 21 is implemented by the communication interface 104. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives information between the care support device 1 and the caregiver terminal 2 via the network N.

[0043] The memory unit 22 is implemented by memory 102 and storage 103. The memory unit 22 stores care record information 221, biological information 222, and target value information 223.

[0044] Care record information 221 is information that shows the care tasks performed by the caregiver on the person receiving care. Care record information 221 includes information such as the type, amount, and duration of care performed, the caregiver who performed the care, and the person receiving care.

[0045] The biological information 222 is the biological information of the person being cared for, measured by the biological information measuring device 3. In this embodiment, the biological information 222 includes information indicating the axillary humidity of the person being cared for. The biological information 222 is stored in association with the person being cared for.

[0046] Target value information 223 indicates the target amount of fluids to be provided to the person receiving care. Target value information 223 is stored in association with the person receiving care.

[0047] The control unit 23 is realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program from the memory 102 and cooperating with other hardware components. The control unit 23 controls the overall operation of the caregiver terminal 2. The control unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 231 and a display unit 232.

[0048] The acquisition unit 231 acquires the biological information 222. If the biological information measuring device 3 can communicate with the care support device 1 via the network N, the caregiver terminal 2 does not need to have the acquisition unit 231. Also, if the biological information measuring device 3 can communicate with the caregiver terminal 2 via the network N, the acquisition unit 231 may acquire the biological information 222 from the biological information measuring device 3. Furthermore, if the biological information measuring device 3 cannot communicate with the care support device 1 and the caregiver terminal 2, the acquisition unit 231 may acquire the biological information 222 entered by the caregiver.

[0049] The display unit 232 controls the display device of the caregiver terminal 2 and displays various screens. For example, the display unit 232 displays care records, target values, etc.

[0050] The functional configuration of caregiver terminal 2 is not limited to the example above. For example, caregiver terminal 2 may have some of the above functional configurations and the rest. Also, caregiver terminal 2 may have functional configurations other than those described above. Furthermore, each functional configuration of caregiver terminal 2 may be implemented by software as described above, or by hardware such as IC chips, SoCs, LSIs, microcomputers, etc.

[0051] <Care support methods> Next, we will explain the care support methods performed by the care support system 1000. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a care support method. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the caregiver terminal 2 and the biometric information measuring device 3 are connected to each other via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® as an example.

[0052] (Step S101) The caregiver measures the axillary humidity of the person being cared for using the vital signs measuring device 3. For example, the caregiver measures the axillary humidity of the person being cared for once a day.

[0053] (Step S102) The biological information measuring device 3 wirelessly transmits the biological information indicating axillary humidity obtained through measurement to the caregiver terminal 2, which is connected to the biological information measuring device 3 in a communicative manner.

[0054] (Step S103) The acquisition unit 231 of the caregiver terminal 2 acquires biological information received from the biological information measuring device 3 and stores it in the storage unit 22 as biological information 222, associating it with the person being cared for. Alternatively, the caregiver who has measured the axillary humidity may input the biological information 222 into the caregiver terminal 2 by referring to the axillary humidity measured by the biological information measuring device 3 and operating the input device of the caregiver terminal 2.

[0055] (Step S104) The caregiver terminal 2 transmits biometric information 222 to the care support device 1. The caregiver terminal 2 may transmit biometric information 222 when it is updated, or it may transmit the latest biometric information 222 periodically, or it may transmit biometric information 222 in response to an operation by the caregiver.

[0056] (Step S105) The acquisition unit 131 of the care support device 1 acquires biometric information 222 received from the caregiver terminal 2 and stores it in the storage unit 12 as biometric information 124.

[0057] (Step S106) The determination unit 132 determines whether the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume based on the axillary humidity indicated by the biological information 124. Specifically, the determination unit 132 compares the care recipient's axillary humidity with a first threshold, and determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume if the axillary humidity is below the first threshold.

[0058] The first threshold is an axillary humidity threshold set to determine whether the care recipient's body fluid volume is insufficient. The first threshold may be a fixed value or may be set based on the care recipient's attributes. Since the appropriate axillary humidity for a given body fluid volume depends heavily on age and sex, it is preferable that the determination unit 132 refers to the care recipient information 122 and sets the first threshold based on at least one of the care recipient's age and sex.

[0059] If it is determined that the care recipient has insufficient body fluids (Step S106: YES), the process proceeds to Step S107. If it is determined that the care recipient has sufficient body fluids (Step S106: NO), the process ends.

[0060] (Step S107) If the setting unit 133 determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume, it sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the care recipient. The target value may be a fixed value, or it may be set based on the care recipient's axillary humidity, or it may be set based on the care recipient's attributes. Since the appropriate body fluid volume depends greatly on age, sex, height, weight, BMI, and muscle mass, it is preferable that the setting unit 133 refers to the care recipient information 122 and sets the target value based on at least one of the care recipient's age, sex, height, weight, BMI, and muscle mass.

[0061] Furthermore, since the care recipient's body fluid volume is insufficient, it is preferable to set the target value to be greater than the amount of fluid the care recipient is currently consuming. If the amount of fluid the care recipient is currently consuming is included in the care record information 123, the setting unit 133 should refer to the care record information 123 and set the target value to be greater than the amount of fluid the care recipient is currently consuming. If the amount of fluid the care recipient is currently consuming is not included in the care record information 123, the setting unit 133 should request the caregiver to input the amount of fluid the care recipient is currently consuming via the caregiver terminal 2, and set the target value to be greater than the input amount of fluid.

[0062] Furthermore, the setting unit 133 may set one target value, or it may set multiple target values ​​that increase at predetermined intervals. For example, the setting unit 133 may set a final target value based on the attributes of the person receiving care, and then set target values ​​for each predetermined period so that the amount of fluid the person receiving care is currently consuming approaches the final target value. For example, if the amount of fluid the person receiving care is currently consuming is 1000 ml and the final target value is 1500 ml, it is conceivable to set multiple target values, such as 1100 ml as the target value for the first week, 1200 ml as the target value for the second week, 1300 ml as the target value for the third week, 1400 ml as the target value for the fourth week, and 1500 ml (the final target value) as the target value for the fifth week. The predetermined period and the increment in the target values ​​when setting multiple target values ​​can be set arbitrarily.

[0063] If it is determined that the care recipient's body fluid volume is not insufficient, a default value (for example, 1500 ml) may be set as the target value, or no target value may be set at all.

[0064] The setting unit 133 associates the set target value with the person receiving care and stores it in the storage unit 12 as target value information 125.

[0065] (Step S108) The care support device 1 transmits target value information 125 to the caregiver terminal 2. The care support device 1 may transmit the target value information 125 when it is updated, or it may transmit the latest target value information 125 periodically, or it may transmit the target value information 125 in response to a request from the caregiver terminal 2.

[0066] (Step S109) When the caregiver terminal 2 receives target value information 125 from the care support device 1, it stores it as target value information 223 in the storage unit 22. The display unit 232 displays the target value indicated by the target value information 223 on the caregiver terminal 2 in response to the caregiver's operation.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of the care record input screen (sc). The care record input screen (sc) is a screen used by caregivers to input care records and is displayed on the caregiver terminal 2. The care record input screen (Sc) in Figure 6 displays care record information 221 and target value information 223. Three types of care are displayed: hydration (hydration), meal assistance (meals), and walking assistance (walking), and the amount of fluids ingested (1200 ml), the amount of food eaten (half), and the walking time (20 minutes) are recorded for each. In addition, the target value for fluid intake (1500 ml) is displayed along with the amount of fluids ingested.

[0068] In this way, by displaying the target fluid intake value on the care record input screen (sc), caregivers can easily know the target fluid intake value to provide to the person receiving care while entering care records. Note that the target fluid intake value can be displayed on any screen, not just the care record input screen (sc).

[0069] <Summary> As described above, according to this embodiment, a care support system 1000 can be realized that includes an acquisition unit 131, 231 that acquires the care recipient's biological information 124, 222 (information indicating axillary humidity), a setting unit 133 that sets a target value for the amount of water to be provided to the care recipient based on the biological information 124, and a display unit 232 that displays the target value.

[0070] By using the care support system 1000, caregivers can learn the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care, which is set according to the biometric information 124, i.e., the target value of fluid intake. By providing fluids to the person receiving care according to this target value, the caregiver can optimize the person's body fluid volume.

[0071] In this embodiment, the care support device 2 is equipped with a determination unit 132, but the care support device 2 can also be configured without a determination unit 132. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained by the setting unit 133 setting a default value as the target value or not setting a target value when the axillary humidity of the person being cared for is below the first threshold.

[0072] [Second Embodiment] <System Configuration> Next, an overview of the care support system 1000 according to the second embodiment will be described. The care support system 1000 according to this embodiment is an information processing system that sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the care recipient based on the increase in pulse rate after the care recipient's position is changed while lying in bed, and displays the target value.

[0073] The care support system 1000 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the determination method by the biological information measuring device 3 and the determination unit 132 of the care support device 1. The biological information measuring device 3 and the determination unit 132 in this embodiment will be described below. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0074] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the care support system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the care support system 1000 comprises a care support device 1, a caregiver terminal 2, and a biometric information measuring device 3, all of which are interconnected and able to communicate with each other via a network N.

[0075] The biological information measuring device 3 is an information processing device equipped with sensors that measure the biological information of a person being cared for who is lying in bed. In this embodiment, the biological information measuring device 3 includes a pulse measuring device capable of measuring the pulse rate of a person being cared for who is lying in bed, and a body movement measuring device capable of measuring the body movements of a person being cared for who is lying in bed.

[0076] Pulse rate is the number of heartbeats over a given period and is a type of biological information. Hereafter, pulse rate will be defined as the number of heartbeats per minute. Body movement refers to the movement of the body and is also a type of biological information.

[0077] The pulse rate measuring device is, for example, a device that measures pulse rate based on reflected waves such as infrared rays or millimeter-wave radar irradiated onto the person being cared for, or a mat-type device that is placed under a mattress or the like and measures pulse rate based on the pressure of the person being cared for lying on the bed, but is not limited to these. It is preferable that the pulse rate measuring device transmits the measured pulse rate to the care support device 1 in real time.

[0078] The body movement measurement device is, for example, a mat-type device placed under a mattress or the like to measure body movement based on the pressure of the person being cared for lying on the bed, or a photographic device that photographs the person being cared for using visible light or infrared light, but is not limited to these. It is preferable that the body movement measurement device transmits the measured body movement to the care support device 1 in real time.

[0079] The determination unit 132 determines whether the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume based on the biological information 124 (information indicating body movement and pulse rate). In other words, the determination unit 132 determines whether the care recipient has sufficient body fluid volume based on the biological information 124. Since it is known that pulse rate increases after a change in body position when body fluid volume is insufficient, it is possible to determine whether body fluid volume is insufficient based on body movement and pulse rate.

[0080] <Care support methods> Next, we will explain the care support methods performed by the care support system 1000. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a care support method. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the care support device 1 and the biological information measuring device 3 are connected to each other via the network N as an example.

[0081] (Step S201) The biometric information measuring device 3 measures the body movement and pulse rate of the person receiving care. It is preferable that body movement and pulse rate be measured continuously.

[0082] (Step S202) The biometric information measuring device 3 transmits biometric information, including body movement and pulse rate, obtained through measurement, to the care support device 1, which is connected to the biometric information measuring device 3 in a communicative manner. Preferably, the biometric information is transmitted in real time.

[0083] (Step S203) The acquisition unit 131 of the care support device 1 acquires biological information received from the biological information measuring device 3 and stores it in the storage unit 12 as biological information 124, associating it with the person receiving care.

[0084] (Step S204) The determination unit 132 detects a change in the care recipient's position based on the body movements indicated by the biological information 124. A change in position may be, for example, a change in the care recipient's position due to turning over in bed or a change in the care recipient's position with the caregiver's assistance, but is not limited to these.

[0085] If the body movement measurement device is a mat-type device, the determination unit 132 can detect changes in the care recipient's body position based on the waveform of the care recipient's body movement (pressure), the amount of body movement, and changes in body movement. If the body movement measurement device is a camera, the determination unit 132 can detect changes in the care recipient's body position based on the changes in the care recipient's posture captured in the camera.

[0086] If a change in the care recipient's position is detected (Step S204: YES), the process proceeds to Step S205. If no change in the care recipient's position is detected (Step S204: NO), the process ends.

[0087] (Step S205) The determination unit 132 determines whether the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume based on the pulse rate indicated by the vital signs information 124. Specifically, the determination unit 132 compares the pulse rate before and after a change in body position, and determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume if the increase in pulse rate after the change in body position is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0088] The second threshold is a threshold for the increase in pulse rate set to determine whether the care recipient's body fluid volume is insufficient. The second threshold may be a fixed value or may be set based on the care recipient's attributes. Since the increase in pulse rate corresponding to an appropriate body fluid volume depends heavily on age and sex, it is preferable that the determination unit 132 refers to the care recipient information 122 and sets the second threshold based on at least one of the care recipient's age and sex.

[0089] If it is determined that the care recipient has insufficient body fluids (Step S506: YES), the process proceeds to Step S206. If it is determined that the care recipient has sufficient body fluids (Step S206: NO), the process ends.

[0090] The following steps S206 to S208 are the same as steps S107 to S109 in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0091] With the above configuration, according to this embodiment, a care support system 1000 can be realized that includes an acquisition unit 131, 231 that acquires the care recipient's biological information 124, 222 (information indicating body movement and pulse rate), a setting unit 133 that sets a target value for the amount of water to be provided to the care recipient based on the biological information 124, and a display unit 232 that displays the target value.

[0092] By using the care support system 1000, caregivers can learn the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care, which is set according to the biometric information 124, i.e., the target value of fluid intake. By providing fluids to the person receiving care according to this target value, the caregiver can optimize the person's body fluid volume.

[0093] In this embodiment, the care support device 2 is equipped with a determination unit 132, but the care support device 2 can also be configured without a determination unit 132. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained by the setting unit 133 setting a default value as the target value, or not setting a target value, when the increase in pulse rate after changing the position of the person being cared for is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0094] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described an example where the target water intake value is displayed as the amount of water consumed by the person receiving care (see Figure 6), the method of water intake is not limited to hydration (drinking water). Other methods of water intake include intake from meals and intake via intravenous drip. Therefore, target values ​​may be displayed for each intake method so that the total amount of water taken in through multiple intake methods equals the target water intake value. For example, if the target water intake value is 1500 ml, it is conceivable to display target values ​​for hydration, meals, and intravenous drip, such as 1000 ml from hydration, 300 ml from meals (for example, the number of jelly servings equivalent to 300 ml of water), and 200 ml from intravenous drip. The method of assigning the target water intake value to each method of water intake can be designed arbitrarily.

[0095] <Note> This embodiment includes the following disclosures.

[0096] (Note 1) An acquisition unit that acquires the vital signs of the person receiving care, A setting unit that sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care, based on the aforementioned biological information, A display unit that displays the target value, A care support system equipped with the following features.

[0097] (Note 2) The aforementioned biological information is information indicating axillary humidity. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0098] (Note 3) The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the body fluid volume of the person being cared for is insufficient based on the aforementioned biological information. The setting unit, when it determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume, sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the care recipient. The care support system described in Appendix 2.

[0099] (Note 4) The determination unit determines that the body fluid volume of the person being cared for is insufficient if the axillary humidity is below a first threshold. The care support system described in Appendix 3.

[0100] (Note 5) The first threshold is set based on the attributes of the person receiving care. The care support system described in Appendix 4.

[0101] (Note 6) The aforementioned biological information includes information indicating body movement and pulse rate. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0102] (Note 7) The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the body fluid volume of the person being cared for is insufficient based on the aforementioned biological information. The setting unit, when it determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume, sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the care recipient. The care support system described in Appendix 6.

[0103] (Note 8) The determination unit determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume if the increase in pulse rate after changing the care recipient's position is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The care support system described in Appendix 7.

[0104] (Note 9) The second threshold is set based on the attributes of the person receiving care. The care support system described in Appendix 8.

[0105] (Note 10) The aforementioned target value is set to be greater than the amount of fluid the person receiving care is currently consuming. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0106] (Note 11) The aforementioned target value is set to increase at predetermined intervals. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0107] (Note 12) The aforementioned target value is set based on the attributes of the person receiving care. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0108] (Note 13) The aforementioned biometric information is entered by the caregiver. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0109] (Note 14) The aforementioned biological information is input from a biological information measuring device that measures the biological information. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0110] (Note 15) The device further comprises a biological information measuring device for measuring the aforementioned biological information. The care support system described in Appendix 1.

[0111] (Note 16) A care support method implemented by a care support system, Steps to acquire the biometric information of the person receiving care, The steps include setting a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care based on the aforementioned biological information, The steps include displaying the target value, Care support methods including

[0112] (Note 17) In the care support system, Steps to acquire the biometric information of the person receiving care, The steps include setting a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care based on the aforementioned biological information, The steps include displaying the target value, A program that implements care support methods, including those mentioned above.

[0113] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and is intended to include all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1: Care support device 2: Caregiver terminal 3: Biological information measuring device 121: Caregiver Information 122: Care recipient information 123: Caregiving record information 124: Biometric Information 125: Target Value Information 131: Acquisition Department 132: Judgment section 133: Settings Section

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the vital signs of the person receiving care, A setting unit that sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care, based on the aforementioned biological information, A display unit that displays the target value, A care support system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned biological information is information indicating axillary humidity. The care support system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the body fluid volume of the person being cared for is insufficient based on the aforementioned biological information. The setting unit, when it determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume, sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the care recipient. The care support system according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit determines that the body fluid volume of the person being cared for is insufficient if the axillary humidity is below a first threshold. The care support system according to claim 3.

5. The first threshold is set based on the attributes of the person receiving care. The care support system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned biological information includes information indicating body movement and pulse rate. The care support system according to claim 1.

7. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the body fluid volume of the person being cared for is insufficient based on the aforementioned biological information. The setting unit, when it determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume, sets a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the care recipient. The care support system according to claim 6.

8. The determination unit determines that the care recipient has insufficient body fluid volume if the increase in pulse rate after changing the care recipient's position is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The care support system according to claim 7.

9. The second threshold is set based on the attributes of the person receiving care. The care support system according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned target value is set to be greater than the amount of fluid the person receiving care is currently consuming. The care support system according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned target value is set to increase at predetermined intervals. The care support system according to claim 1.

12. The aforementioned target value is set based on the attributes of the person receiving care. The care support system according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned biometric information is entered by the caregiver. The care support system according to claim 1.

14. The aforementioned biological information is input from a biological information measuring device that measures the biological information. The care support system according to claim 1.

15. The device further comprises a biological information measuring device for measuring the aforementioned biological information. The care support system according to claim 1.

16. A care support method implemented by a care support system, Steps to acquire the biometric information of the person receiving care, The steps include setting a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care based on the aforementioned biological information, The steps include displaying the target value, Care support methods including

17. In the care support system, Steps to acquire the biometric information of the person receiving care, The steps include setting a target value for the amount of fluid to be provided to the person receiving care based on the aforementioned biological information, The steps include displaying the target value, A program that implements care support methods, including those mentioned above.

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