Aging in Place:

Technology Solutions

Bob Walters, Director of Technology

Blueroof Technologies

• Started in 2002 in

McKeesport, PA

- Old steel town

- 20%+ are seniors

(preview of U.S. in 2025)

- Low income

• Built Model Cottage in 2005

Blueroof Technologies

• Developed the Blueroof Home

– Smart, accessible, energy efficient, affordable

– Modular construction

– Have built 15

– Blueroof Research Cottage

Blueroof Technologies

• Smart system based

on commercial home

security and automation

system w/ Internet access

(Leviton)

• Developed Blueroof

Independence Module

(BIM)

• Research and testing

of new technologies

and concepts

How older people defined successful aging in focus groups:

• Feeling safe and secure

• Being in good health

• Having the ability to do things for myself

• Having friends and family there for me

Same concepts apply to physically and mentally challenged of any age:

• Disabled veterans

• Autism

What prevents seniors from aging in place?

• Security and safety

– # 1 in Blueroof’s focus groups

• Falls

– More than 2.4 million over 65 treated

in emergency rooms in 2012

• Medication management

– 10.7% of hospital admissions

associated with adverse drug reactions

• Memory

– 13% of Americans aged 60+ reported

worsening memory loss or confusion

• Grab bars

• Temperature-activated flow reducer

• Grabbers

• Lever handles on faucets and doors

• Zero step entrance

• Wide hallways and doorways

• Pocket doors

• Low nap carpets

• Anti skid flooring

• Walk-in showers / tubs and shower seats

• ADA toilets

• Electric switch / outlet placement

High-tech Devices

• Cell phones, electronic watch, personal computers

• Automatic countertops or shelves

• Home automation / security system

• In-home health monitoring

• Activity monitoring

• Video cameras / webcams

• Electronic panic button (PERS)

• Fall detectors

• Electronic pill box

• Electronic sensors for monitoring ADLs

• Automatic shades / blinds

• Stair lift / elevator

Guidelines: What to Install?

• One size

doesn’t fit all

• Every senior is

different

• Assessment of

needs

• Prescription of

technology

• Basic infrastructure

Key Elements of a Technology System

• Computer server

– Battery backup is needed

• Gateway device (interface sensors to computer and

computer to outputs)

• Inputs / Sensors (wired and wireless)

• Outputs (wired, wireless and power line)

• Communication links (family, caregiver, emergency

responder)

- Phone (landline and cell)

- Internet

Technology System: Sensor Types

• Movement / Motion

• Water flow

• Appliances in use

– Stove / oven / microwave on

– Refrigerator / freezer door open

– Washer / dryer

– Entertainment systems

• Entry door / window open

• Bathroom fall detection

Technology System: Sensor Types

• Wired (old technology)

– Installation is difficult and costly

– Very reliable and trouble-free

– Hard to add new ones

• Wireless (new technology)

– New technology

– Easy installation

– Battery

• Must recognize low battery

• Must change low battery

Blueroof Aging in Place Technology System

Data Collection and Processing

• Large amounts

of data

• Must analyze and

recognize problems

• Display in easy-to-

understand format /

dashboard

• Inform family and

caregivers of

problems

• Liability – hackers

Byproduct of AIP Technology: Energy Efficiency

• HVAC

• Lighting control

• Load shedding of appliance

during peak hours