Welfare service provision system and method for supporting care recipients

Abstract

To provide a welfare service provision system capable of providing services which can watch a health state, ensure safety, and enable a care receiver or a person needing a care such as the aged to lead an energetic daily life.SOLUTION: A welfare service provision system 100 comprises: a provision side communication body 10 that provides welfare services through the Internet IN; and user side communication means 50 owned by one or more users of the welfare services. The provision side communication body 10 is provided with a serve providing function unit 20 that transmits welfare service information to the user side communication means 50, and a user monitoring function unit 30 that receives user state information obtained through monitoring and transmitted from the user side communication means 50. The user side communication means 50 is provided with a welfare service using function unit 60 that receives and uses the welfare service information transmitted from the provision side communication body 10, and a user state notification function unit 70 that transmits the user state information to the provision side communication body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a welfare service provision system and a method for supporting care recipients, and in particular to a welfare service provision system that uses information and communications technology to monitor the health of elderly people and provide services that enable them to live their daily lives in good health. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, various technologies for monitoring the health status of elderly people and others using communication devices have been provided and proposed along with the development and enhancement of necessary equipment and information infrastructure. For example, Patent Document 1 (see below) discloses a support system that enables two-way communication between a monitoring device for elderly people and a family device for relatives who wish to monitor the elderly, with the aim of providing monitoring technology that contributes to making exercise and conversation a part of daily life for elderly people and others. This support system checks whether the elderly people and their family members are making improvements to their lifestyles via the monitoring device, and also checks whether the relatives are making improvements to their lifestyles via the family device. Points are awarded based on the efforts of both the elderly people and their family members to motivate them to make exercise and conversation a part of daily life for elderly people and others. This provides an opportunity for communication between the two parties and contributes to promoting lifestyle improvements for elderly people and others. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-87040 "Support system and computer program" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Now, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, elderly people who require supervision and care have had their opportunities to go out significantly restricted, forcing them to stay at home and unable to use day care services, even if they were previously able to attend day care facilities such as day care centers. Under these circumstances, measures are needed to help maintain the health and safety of elderly people and help them maintain active lives.

[0005] As with the technology disclosed in the above literature, promoting communication between elderly people who need to be watched over and their relatives and other related parties can be said to be one such measure. On the other hand, it is also very meaningful to provide services such as day care provided by nursing and welfare businesses to elderly people who are now spending most of their time at home, and by incorporating a watching service into this, it is possible to further support the health status of elderly people at home and to lead healthy daily lives.

[0006] Therefore, the problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a welfare service provision system that takes into account such conventional technology and is capable of monitoring the health status and checking the safety of care recipients and those in need of care, such as the elderly, who generally spend most of their time at home, and providing services that enable them to live their daily lives in good health. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of studying the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present application found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by having elderly people, who normally spend their days at home, carry a communication means, and that this communication means has both a function to receive via the Internet the menus offered at day service centers run by care and welfare businesses, and a function to constantly transmit vital signs of the elderly person, etc., who carries the communication means, to the business side, and based on this, they have completed the present invention. That is, the invention claimed in this application, or at least the invention disclosed therein, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.

[0008] [1] A welfare service providing system comprising a provider-side communication entity that provides welfare services via the Internet and a user-side communication means that one or more users of the welfare services have, the provider-side communication entity having a service providing function unit that transmits welfare service information to the user-side communication means, and a user-side communication unit that transmits welfare service information to the user-side communication means. side The welfare service information includes at least facility audiovisual information, which is audiovisual information about welfare services provided at welfare service facilities. The user-side communication means is composed of a welfare service utilization function unit for receiving the welfare service information transmitted from the provider-side communication body and providing it for use, and a user status reporting function unit for transmitting user status information, which is information about the user's status obtained by monitoring, to the provider-side communication body. The user status information includes the following: <a1> ~ <a3> At least one of the following is included:< / a3> < / a1> <a1> Vital information consisting of at least one of the user's heart rate, blood oxygen level, or other vital sign measurements< / a1> <a2> Posture information related to the user's fall or other posture information< / a2> <a3> Your geographic location< / a3> In addition, the user status information can be transmitted to related party communication means of related parties who have a predetermined relationship with the user either via the providing side communication body or without the providing side communication body. A welfare service provision system characterized by: [2] The welfare service providing system according to [1], characterized in that the welfare service information includes information on online exchange opportunities using a video conferencing system. [3] The welfare service providing system according to [2], characterized in that the facility audiovisual information includes live video or video of physical exercise.

[0009] [4] A welfare service provision system as described in any one of [1], [2], or [3], characterized in that the user-side communication means is composed of multiple communication means, and the welfare service usage function unit and the user status reporting function unit are shared by these means.

[0010] [ 5 The provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device that functions as both the service providing function unit and the user monitoring function unit, and one or more sub-communication means that function as the user monitoring function unit, and the sub-communication means is configured to receive the transmission from the user-side communication means. In contrast, reception via the main device and reception without the main device are both possible. A welfare service provision system according to any one of [1], [2], and [3]. [6] A method for supporting care recipients using the welfare service provision system described in [1], characterized in that the care recipient carries the user-side communication means, so that the user monitoring function unit of the provider-side communication body constantly acquires the user status information, and the service provision function unit of the provider-side communication body transmits welfare service information including at least the facility audiovisual information to the user-side communication means at any time, allowing the user to use welfare services. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The welfare service providing system and care recipient support method of the present invention are configured as described above, and therefore, for elderly people and those requiring care who generally spend most of their time at home, it is possible to monitor their health and safety and provide what is called "virtual day care services" to help them lead active daily lives. In particular, it is possible to simultaneously monitor and provide virtual day care services to elderly people living alone.

[0012] According to at least a part of the present invention described above in various patterns, the elderly person or the like is provided with a communication terminal device that stores application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app"), and by the elderly person or the like using this device, family members or other relatives of the elderly person or the like who live far away can keep track of the elderly person or the like's physical condition, and it also becomes possible for the elderly person or the like to use online day care services from the comfort of their own home, thereby promoting and supporting an improvement in their quality of life.

[0013] According to at least some of the various patterns of the present invention described above, when a user of the system and method of the present invention, such as an elderly person, wears a functioning user-side communication means, vital information such as heart rate and blood oxygen level is constantly sent to a terminal of a staff member of a care facility providing welfare services, or to a related party such as a family member living separately. Therefore, if there is an undesirable change in the user's physical condition, the person receiving the vital information can rush to the user's aid.

[0014] According to at least some of the various patterns of the present invention described above, users of the system and method of the present invention, such as elderly people, who wear a functioning user-side communication means, can continuously transmit posture information, such as whether or not they have fallen, and geographical location information via GPS to terminals of staff at the care facility providing welfare services, or to related parties such as family members who live separately. Therefore, if an abnormality in the user's posture or position, such as a fall, is suspected, or if the geographical location information suggests the possibility of wandering due to dementia or other reasons, those receiving this information can rush to the user's aid.

[0015] Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of elderly people are unable to use day care services provided by care providers. Even in this environment, the "virtual day care" provided by the present invention allows users to participate online in welfare services provided by care providers, whether they are day care centers or residential facilities, such as yoga and other exercises, and opportunities for users to interact with each other. In other words, users can connect to a video conferencing system with a single touch from their own devices and enjoy exercise, conversation, and other activities via the screen. Thus, the present invention can maintain users' health and the safety provided by the aforementioned monitoring, even under strict restrictions on going out, effectively supporting elderly and other users of the present invention to coexist with society and live their lives as they wish.

[0016] As mentioned above, the pillars of the welfare services provided by this invention are "virtual day services" and monitoring of health and safety, but the provider communication entities that provide these are assumed to be operated by any of the following parties: welfare service providers such as nursing care facilities, individuals such as staff members belonging to said providers, individuals such as nurses and helpers who are independent of said providers but have a cooperative relationship, and related organizations such as local governments that are independent of said providers but have a cooperative relationship. Of these, provider communication entities that are operated by welfare service providers are the focus. Provider communication entities that are operated by other parties can be configured to have appropriate overlapping properties, but can be primarily responsible for the monitoring service, i.e., the user monitoring function. This allows for the following to be done depending on the degree of overlapping properties: Users Monitoring can be carried out carefully and without any omissions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the basic configuration of a welfare service providing system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the basic operation of the welfare service providing system of the present invention shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the contents of welfare service information provided by the welfare service providing system of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the contents of user status information communicated in the welfare service providing system of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a first configuration example of a welfare service providing system of the present invention including a related party communication means as an element. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a second configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention including a related party communication means as an element. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a third configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention including a related party communication means as an element. [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of a user-side communication means of a welfare service providing system according to the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a first configuration example of a welfare service providing system of the present invention in which a provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device and a sub-communication means. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a second configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention in which the provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device and a sub-communication means. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a third configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention in which the provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device and a sub-communication means. [Figure 12] 1 is a flow chart showing the configuration of a care recipient support method of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a welfare service providing system of the present invention, mainly showing in pictogram form those involved in the implementation of the system. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating components of another embodiment of the welfare service providing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. As shown in the drawings and the explanations using them, the welfare service provision system of the present invention can take multiple patterns, but in all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the basic configuration of a welfare service providing system according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the basic operation of the welfare service providing system of the present invention shown in Figure 1. As shown in these figures, the welfare service providing system 100 is a system comprising a provider-side communication entity 10 that provides welfare services via the Internet IN and user-side communication means 50, 50, ... owned by one or more users of the welfare services, in which the provider-side communication entity 10 is basically composed of a service providing function unit 20 that transmits welfare service information S to the user-side communication means 50 and a user monitoring function unit 30 that receives user status information R transmitted from the user communication means 50 and obtained by monitoring the user's status, the welfare service information S including at least facility audiovisual information Sa that is audiovisual information about the welfare services provided at welfare service facilities, and the user-side communication means 50 is basically composed of a welfare service utilization function unit 60 that receives and utilizes the welfare service information S transmitted from the provider-side communication entity 10 and a user status reporting function unit 70 that transmits the user status information R to the provider-side communication entity 1.

[0019] With this configuration, in this welfare service provision system 100, welfare services are provided from the provider communication body 10 to one or more user communication means 50, 50, ... via the Internet IN, while user communication means 50 transmits user status information R, which is information about the user's status obtained through monitoring, and when this information is received by the provider communication body 10, welfare services including monitoring, or watching over, are provided from the provider communication body 10 to the user communication means 50.

[0020] Specifically, the provider-side communication unit 10 transmits welfare service information S to the user-side communication means 50 via its service provision function unit 20, and the user-side communication means 50 receives this via its welfare service utilization function unit 60, thereby enabling the provision and use of predetermined welfare services related to the welfare service information S. Since the welfare service information S includes, at a minimum, facility audiovisual information Sa, the user-side communication means 50 receives this, thereby enabling the user to view audiovisual information about welfare services provided at welfare service providing facilities such as day service centers and residential facilities.

[0021] Meanwhile, in the user-side communication means 50, user status information R, which represents the status of the user who carries or wears it, is formed, and this information is transmitted via the Internet IN from the user status reporting function unit 70 provided in the user-side communication means 50 to the provider-side communication entity 10, i.e., to the user monitoring function unit 30. The user monitoring function unit 30 of the provider-side communication entity 10 receives the user status information R, begins monitoring (watching over) the user, and uses the information appropriately after receiving it. This user status information R is continuously generated and transmitted as long as the user carries, wears, and has the user-side communication means 50 functioning.

[0022] 1 and 2, as well as the following figures, are basically conceptual and illustrative, and the present invention is not limited by the number or specifications of the elements in each figure. The basic elements constituting the system of the present invention explained using Figures 1 and 2 will be itemized and explained below.

[0023] · Provider communication entity 10 In the welfare service provision system 100 of the present invention, this refers to a communication means related to the operation and management of the welfare service provider. The "welfare service provider" may include all parties providing welfare services from the perspective of the user of this service, such as care and welfare service providers, their staff, individuals and businesses such as nurses and helpers who are independent of but cooperative with the care and welfare service providers, and even cooperative and support organizations such as local governments. Specifically, the "communication entity" may broadly include computers such as host computers, as well as devices capable of communication via the Internet, such as smartphones and tablets. The "welfare service provider" and the "communication entity" each comprise one or more of the listed components, constituting the system 100 of the present invention.

[0024] User communication means 50 In the welfare service providing system 100 of the present invention, this is a communication means related to operation and management on the welfare service user side. Specifically, it is a communication terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or a wearable device such as a wristwatch. The number of specific communication devices constituting the user-side communication means 50 is not limited, and may be one type or two or more types, but the overall configuration is provided with a welfare service utilization function unit 60 and a user status reporting function unit 70. In particular, the user status reporting function unit 70 is intended to monitor the user's health condition, posture, and behavior, and is therefore intended to be worn or carried on the user's body at all times or when necessary. The specific configuration of the user-side communication means 50 is designed to meet this requirement.

[0025] Welfare services In addition to the services related to the <virtual day service> provided by transmitting the "welfare service information S", the service also includes monitoring of the user's status by the user monitoring function unit 30, that is, the <watching service>. Welfare Service Information This is information about services related to <Virtual Day Service>, and may include information about online interaction opportunities, which will be described later, and facility audiovisual information Sa, such as live footage or videos of physical exercise.

[0026] Service provision function department 20 This is one of the functions of the provider-side communication entity 10, that is, an element that performs the provision function. ·User monitoring function section 30 This is one of the functions of the provider communication entity 10, that is, an element that performs the monitoring function. User status information R This is information on the status of the user's health condition, posture, and behavior that is monitored by the provider-side communication entity 10. Details will be described later.

[0027] Welfare service facilities These are day service centers and residential facilities run by nursing care and welfare providers (nursing care facilities). Facility Audiovisual Information Sa This is audiovisual information from welfare service providers, via video conferencing systems or video distribution, etc., about the welfare services actually provided at the facility.

[0028] Welfare Service Utilization Function Department 60 It is one of the functional parts that make up the user-side communication means 50, and any communication device that has the specifications to receive and use welfare service information S transmitted from the provider-side communication body 10 can be used, without limitation, including smartphones and tablets. User status reporting function 70 Any communication device that is one of the functional units constituting the user-side communication means 50 and has specifications that enable it to acquire user status information R and transmit it to the provider-side communication entity 10 can be used without limitation. For example, a wristwatch-type wearable device can be used.

[0029] 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the content of welfare service information provided by the welfare service providing system of the present invention. As shown in (a) of the figure, the welfare service information S can include facility audiovisual information Sa as well as online exchange opportunity information Sb using a video conferencing system. This can include information on invitations to conferences using a video conferencing system such as ZOOM (registered trademark), as well as the provision of a "place" for such conferences and all other information related thereto.

[0030] As a result, the user's communication means 50 can receive, in addition to the facility audiovisual information Sa, online exchange opportunity information Sb using a video conferencing system, and the user can use the facility audiovisual information Sa to watch the services provided at the welfare service provider facility, such as physical exercise, either at the same time as the services are being provided or afterwards, and can then engage in activities such as physical exercise in line with the services.In addition, the online exchange opportunity information Sb enables more proactive, outgoing, independent, and cooperative activities, activities that can strengthen relationships, such as two-way or multi-directional interactions with people at the welfare service provider facility.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1B, the facility audiovisual information Sa may include at least one of a live broadcast video SaL of physical exercise or a video SaV of physical exercise. Physical exercise may include yoga, gymnastics, stretching, dance, and any other physical exercise. This allows the user's communication means 50 to receive the facility audiovisual information Sa, allowing the user to perform yoga, gymnastics, stretching, dance, or other physical exercise simultaneously with the exercise or by viewing it afterward, thereby engaging in physical exercise activities of their own accord. In the case of the video SaV of physical exercise, it may also be possible to configure it so that the user can view it on demand at their own convenience.

[0032] 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the contents of user status information communicated in the welfare service providing system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the user status information R includes the following: <a1>Vital information R1 consisting of at least one of the user's heart rate, blood oxygen level, or other vital sign measurements <a2>Posture information related to the user's fall or other posture information R2 <a3>User geographic location information R3 As shown in the figure, it is most desirable for the user status information R to include all of the above information.

[0033] By including vital information R1 in the user status information R, the providing communication device 10 can confirm, monitor, and notify the user's health condition using predetermined indicators, and can prompt immediate action if an abnormality is detected in those indicators. Furthermore, by including posture information R2 using an appropriate detection method such as an angular velocity sensor, the providing communication device 10 can confirm, monitor, and notify the user's posture, such as whether the user has fallen, based on the detected values ​​measured, and can prompt immediate action if an abnormality is detected. Furthermore, by including geographical location information R3 using GPS, the providing communication device 10 can confirm, monitor, and notify the user's geographical location, and can prompt immediate action if an abnormality is detected due to wandering, etc.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a first configuration example of a welfare service provision system of the present invention that includes a related party communication means as an element. As shown in the figure, the welfare service provision system 100 can include a related party communication means 80 in its configuration. The related party communication means 80 is a communication means operated by a related party who has a predetermined relationship with the user, and can be a smartphone or other communication means as appropriate. Specifically, the related party is a person who is responsible for watching over the user, such as a family member or relative living separately from the user, a person who needs watching over the user, or a person who requests watching over the user. Needless to say, there is no limitation on whether the number of related party communication means 80 is one or more.

[0035] As shown in the figure, in this system 100, user status information R to be communicated via the Internet IN is also sent directly to the related party communication means 80 without going through the provider-side communication entity 10. This allows the related party to directly monitor and watch over the status of the user without relying on indirect communication from the provider-side communication entity 10.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a second configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention including a related party communication means as an element. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a third configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention including a related party communication means as an element. As shown in these figures, the transmission of the user status information R to the related party communication means 80 may be indirect via the provider-side communication entity 10 in whole (pattern of FIG. 6) or in part (pattern of FIG. 7).

[0037] In this case, the communication from the provider communication entity 10 to the related party communication means 80 can be configured as appropriate, such as by immediately transmitting the information received from the user communication means 50 as is, or by processing the received information before transmitting it. For example, if the user status information R is more technical or is raw data that is difficult for the average person to immediately understand, it is desirable to process it somewhere in the communication process to make it easier to understand, and if this is to be done in the provider communication entity 10, it is useful to send it via the provider communication entity 10.

[0038] 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of the user-side communication means of the welfare service providing system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the user-side communication means 50 of this system 100 can be configured to consist of multiple communication means 56, 57, with the welfare service utilization function unit 60 being handled by the communication means 56 and the user status reporting function unit 70 being handled by the communication means 57. As a result, the user can utilize welfare services by receiving welfare service information S via the function-specialized communication means 56 equipped with the welfare service utilization function unit 60, while the user can enjoy the watching service related to the user monitoring function by transmitting user status information R to the provider-side communication entity 10 via the function-specialized communication means 57 equipped with the user status reporting function unit 70.

[0039] A single communication means having both the welfare service utilization function unit 60 and the user status reporting function unit 70 can cover the communication means 50 with a single device. However, considering that a display of a certain size is desirable for the welfare service utilization function unit 60 to utilize welfare services, and that the transmission of user status information by the user status reporting function unit 70 should be as continuous as possible, and therefore it is desirable for the user to wear the device as much as possible, it is optimal to configure the communication means 50 with function-specific communication means 56 and 57 divided into two by function, as shown in Figure 8. A smartphone, tablet, or personal computer can be suitably used as the function-specific communication means 56, and a wristwatch-type communication device such as an APPLE WATCH (registered trademark of Apple Inc.) can be suitably used as the function-specific communication means 57.

[0040] 9 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a first configuration example of a welfare service provision system of the present invention in which a provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device and a secondary communication means. As shown in the figure, the provider-side communication entity 10 of this system 100 is composed of a main device 14 that functions as both a service providing function unit 20 and a user monitoring function unit 30, and one or more secondary communication means 40, 40, ... that function as the user monitoring function unit 30, and the secondary communication means 40 can be configured to receive transmissions from a user-side communication means 50 directly via the Internet IN without going through the main device 14.

[0041] Of the two functions provided by the welfare service providing system 100 of the present invention, namely, the welfare service providing function and the user monitoring function, the former welfare service providing function, which provides welfare service information S such as facility audiovisual information Sa, by the welfare service providing function unit 20, can be performed by a single device operated, managed, and managed by a single party (i.e., a care / welfare provider), and does not require the involvement of multiple parties. Such a single device is the main device 14, for example, a host computer operated, managed, and managed by a care / welfare provider.

[0042] On the other hand, it is more desirable that the user monitoring function performed by the user monitoring function unit 30 be performed by multiple parties, not just one party. For example, the service provider personnel, such as individual staff employed by care and welfare businesses, nurses, helpers, local governments, local government officials, and other support staff, can be provided. If some or all of these people each possess the secondary communication means 40, the monitoring service can be provided more thoroughly and carefully.

[0043] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a second configuration example of the welfare service providing system of the present invention in which the provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device and a sub-communication means. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a third example of the configuration of the welfare service provision system of the present invention, in which the provider-side communication entity is composed of a main device and a secondary communication means. As shown in these diagrams, the transmission of user status information R to each secondary communication means 40, 40, ... may be entirely (pattern in FIG. 10) or partially (pattern in FIG. 11) indirectly via the main device 14. Although they are all provider-side personnel, if the user monitoring functions and responsibilities to be assumed vary, or if information processing by the main terminal 14 is desirable, these configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the composition of the provider-side personnel.

[0044] 12 is a flow diagram showing the configuration of the care receiver support method of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this care receiver support method is a flow performed using any of the welfare service providing systems 100 configured as described above, and is characterized by comprising a carrying state forming process P10 in which the care receiver carries the user-side communication means 50, a user status information acquisition process P21 in which the user monitoring function unit 30 of the provider-side communication unit 10 thereby constantly acquires user status information R, and a service provision process P22 in which the service provision function unit 20 of the provider-side communication unit 10 occasionally transmits welfare service information S including at least facility audiovisual information Sa to the user-side communication means 50 to allow the user to use the welfare service.

[0045] According to the care recipient support method of the present invention having such a configuration, first, the user-side communication means 50 is carried by the care recipient through the portable state formation process P10, then, through the user status information acquisition process P21, a state is created in which the user status information R is constantly acquired by the user monitoring function unit 30 of the provider-side communication body 10, and in addition, through the service provision process P22, welfare service information S including at least facility audiovisual information Sa is transmitted from the provider-side communication body 10 to the user-side communication means 50 at any time, thereby enabling the user to use welfare services.The following actions can be realized in the welfare service provision system 100.

[0046] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the welfare service provision system of the present invention, mainly in pictogram form, showing the people involved in its implementation. In this embodiment, by having the user wear a wristwatch-type communication device, user status information is constantly transmitted to operators at care / welfare businesses, nurses and helpers, and family members who live separately, so the user can live in peace of mind, being watched over by multiple people. Note that the "operator" in the figure broadly includes personnel belonging to those who fall under the category of "welfare service providers" of the present invention, and may be not only personnel at welfare service provision facilities, but also personnel at local governments and their related organizations, for example. In addition, a system for constantly transmitting user status information, operated by welfare service provision facilities, may be used. Day Service Center It goes without saying that this could also include employees such as:

[0047] In addition, by carrying a communication device such as a smartphone in addition to the wristwatch-type communication device, users can enjoy "virtual day services" by participating in yoga and other exercises held at welfare service facilities in real time from the comfort of their own home, or by watching videos of the exercises afterward, based on welfare service information sent from the care and welfare provider.They can also participate in social opportunities held at the same facilities in real time from the comfort of their own home.

[0048] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the components of another embodiment of the welfare service provision system of the present invention. The configuration shown here is one typical example of the present invention, but is by no means limited to this. Note that the "host computer" in the figure is the main device shown in Figure 9, etc., the "support staff 1 terminal" and "local government or other collaborating organization terminal" are similarly secondary communication means, and the "family A terminal" is the related party communication means shown in Figure 5, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0049] The welfare service providing system and care recipient support method of the present invention enable care recipients and care recipients, such as elderly people living alone who spend much of their time at home, to lead active daily lives by simultaneously monitoring their health and safety and providing "virtual day care." Therefore, this invention has high industrial applicability in the fields of nursing care and welfare services and all related fields. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10...Providing communication entity 14…Main equipment 20...Service Provision Function Department 30...User monitoring function section 40...Secondary means of communication 50...User communication means 56, 57...Function-specific communication means 60...Welfare Service Utilization Department 70...User status reporting function unit 80...Means of communication between parties involved 100...Welfare service delivery system IN…Internet P10…Mobile state formation process P21...User status information acquisition process P22…Service provision process R...User status information R1...Vital Information R2…Posture information R3…Geographical location information S…Welfare service information Sa… Facility audiovisual information SaL…Live footage of physical exercise SaV: Physical exercise video Sb…Online exchange opportunity information

Claims

1. a provider communication entity that provides welfare services via the Internet; a user-side communication means owned by each of one or more users of the welfare service; The providing communication entity, a service providing function unit that transmits welfare service information to the user-side communication means; a user monitoring function unit that receives the user status information (described later) transmitted from the user-side communication means; The welfare service information includes at least facility audiovisual information, which is audiovisual information about welfare services provided at welfare service providing facilities; The user-side communication means a welfare service utilization function unit for receiving welfare service information transmitted from the provider-side communication unit and providing the information for utilization; a user status reporting function unit that transmits user status information, which is information about the status of the user obtained by monitoring, to the providing-side communication entity; The user status information includes at least one of the following items <A1> to <A3>: <A1> Vital information consisting of at least one of the user's heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, or other vital sign measurement values. <A2> Posture information related to the user's fall or other posture information <A3> User's geographic location information In addition, the user status information can be transmitted to related party communication means of related parties who have a predetermined relationship with the user either via the providing side communication body or without the providing side communication body. A welfare service provision system characterized by:

2. 2. The welfare service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the welfare service information includes information on online exchange opportunities using a video conference system.

3. 3. The welfare service providing system according to claim 2, wherein the facility audiovisual information includes live video or moving images of physical exercise.

4. A welfare service provision system as described in any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the user-side communication means is composed of multiple communication means, and the welfare service usage function unit and the user status reporting function unit are shared by these communication means.

5. A welfare service provision system as described in any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the provider-side communication body is composed of a main device that performs both the service provision function unit and the user monitoring function unit, and one or more secondary communication means that perform the user monitoring function unit, and the secondary communication means is configured to be able to receive transmissions from the user-side communication means both via the main device and without via the main device.

6. A method for supporting a care recipient carried out using the welfare service providing system according to claim 1, By having the care recipient carry the user-side communication means, The user monitoring function unit of the provider-side communication entity constantly acquires the user status information, Furthermore, the method for supporting care recipients is characterized in that the service providing function unit of the provider-side communication device transmits welfare service information including at least the facility audiovisual information to the user-side communication means at any time, allowing the user to use welfare services.

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