Participants include academics, technology firms, psychologists, sociolists, carers, designers and regional authorities.
The project is investigating how new and existing technologies can be integrated cost effectively into people’s homes, making them feel more comfortable about remaining in this familiar environment. It is developing and testing a new technology infrastructure for homes, with systems that enhance communication with friends, family and care givers; support everyday living and promote a sense of social inclusion. It will encourage older people to live independently and inspire them to be more socially active. Netcarity’s goal is to turn older peoples’ homes into supportive environments which include them in society and postpone or avoid the expensive and traumatic move into care homes.
What is Netcarity?
Netcarity is a four year, €13 million European project researching and testing technologies which will help older people improve their:
- Wellbeing
- Independence
- Safety
- Health
Netcarity is investigating how new and existing technologies can be integrated into people’s homes, making them feel more comfortable about remaining in this familiar environment.
Together, these technologies will:
- Enhance communication with friends, family and care givers
- Support everyday living
- Promote a sense of social inclusion
Netcarity’s vision
Netcarity will encourage older people to live independently and inspire them to be more socially active.
Netcarity’s goal is to turn older peoples’ homes into supportive environments which include them in society and postpone or avoid the expensive and traumatic move into care homes.
Netcarity sees a future where homes retain their conventional look and feel but seamlessly incorporate many technologies, working behind the scenes to provide non-intrusive support.
The Netcarity system
One proposal is that each home will have a central box which controls and integrates data from devices in rooms around the house. The box will coordinate services and information coming into the home, and distribute data to family members, carers and local authorities including:
- Intrusion alerts
- Mood status of the homeowner
- A list of recent visitors
The system could:
- Help older people to shop without leaving home
- Identify visitors before they are allowed to enter
- Recognise dangers such as a fire, or if the user needs help, and immediately alert the nominated contacts
- Provide direct and non-intrusive links to medical support
- Enable remote monitoring of vital signs and encourage intervention where necessary
- Promote a healthy lifestyle through balanced eating, exercise and social interactions
Contact:
Email: coordination@netcarity.org
Website: http://www.netcarity.org/Home.308.0.html
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