It’s 2012, and new advances in senior care technology are being made every day. The Consumer Electronic Association’s 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, was held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada, and debuted new devices and emerging technology. Here are a few things that made a splash, and other products that are making waves.
1. Independa: Health Information Suite for Remote Elderly Care
Independa, Inc. announced during the 2012 International CES its plans for Health Measures, a platform that combines “conventional telephony with existing Independa cloud-based services to improve remote care for the elderly.” The platform allows both professional and family caregivers and senior living facilities to record vital data such as weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and heart rate, and submit entered information to Independa’s cloud-based telecare solution, where it can then be merged with other data to provide a complete view of a person’s information. Health Measures, which will be available in February, will complement the company’s wireless health and home sensor platform Artemis.
2. pomdevices, LLC: Home Monitoring Device for Staying Connected
Adult children who don’t live close to their elderly parents and are unable to frequently check on them now have a new way to stay connected, through pomdevices, LLC’s Sonamba. Billed as an “easy-to-use” device for seniors who are technologically challenged, seniors can use Sonamba to stay connected and interact with others through social communication features similar to Facebook. The device also features sound and motion sensors that track activity levels, includes optional 24/7 Personal Emergency Reponse call center services, and sends alerts via email or text.
3. Telcare: Wireless Diabetes Meter
Individuals with diabetes can now use a newly-developed meter with wireless technology that transmits patients’ readings to a private online database that can be accessed by the patient or a doctor, caregiver, or family member. The Telcare device charts results to highlight trends and spot problems, and the system can be accessed via a Web browser or an iPhone app. While it’s more expensive than more traditional meters, it does offer the convenience of automatically transmitted feedback that can be real-time shared with physicians, done through a built-in cellular modem which doesn’t involve any cellphone, carrier contract, or fee.
4. Independa: TV-based Eldercare Services
On Jan. 10, Independa announced a strategic relationship with Zenith, the U.S. R&D subsidiary of LG Electronics, to deploy technology for residents of senior living communities with a TV-based suite that provides video calling, messaging, reminders, and other services that lets them keep in touch with professional and family caregivers. Announced at the 2012 International CES, the two companies plan to offer Independa’s cloud-based “Angela” application on LG Electronic’s Pro:Centric-enabled commercial televisions, which are “designed for the unique needs of communities for the elderly.” The application’s capabilities can now be done through the TV, and can be transported between private homes, retirement communities, and other senior living communities as seniors move along the continuum of care.
5. International Business Times: Trends to Watch & Coverage of CES 2012
The International Business Times reports on key trends surfacing in 2012, such as morphing, personalization, and interfaces. The Times also provided coverage of different aspects of the 2012 International CES.
Written by Alyssa Gerace
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