Technical Approaches to Unobtrusive Geriatric Assessments in Domestic Environments

Two novel approaches to implementing unobtrusive and and nonstigmatizing geriatric assessments in domestic environments are presented. Mobility regarding self-selected gait velocity is assessed using light barriers and a two dimensional laser range scanner. A single power sensor installed into the fuse box helps determining self-care ability by detecting appliance usage. The described assessment approaches are meant to enable early detection of disabilities and thus prevention and provision of individual support directly in peoples’ homes. They overcome the disadvantages of classical geriatric assessments. The technical assessments contribute to the concept of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) which targets at fostering a self-determined lifestyle in peoples’ personal homes by providing a technical infrastructure and supporting services. The assessments do not require any direct interaction with the inhabitants. Two experiments conducted in a living lab and a residential care facility in Oldenburg, Germany demonstrate the general feasibility of the approaches.