Wearables & Sensors in Elderly Care: TRL & Potentials

Wearables and sensors are playing an increasingly important role in elderly care. Against the background of sociodemographic change and the lack of personnel, elderly care must be made more effective and efficient. IoT approaches can provide significant support in this regard. This presentation deals with the technology readiness level of existing solutions and outlines different use cases from the field.

As a concrete example, we will also present the digital care assistant we have developed using wearable sensors and low-cost printed electronics that can be integrated into any diaper, providing smart incontinence management, bed sore prevention, fall detection and resident localisation. We will discuss the impact this has had on residents wellbeing and carehome activities, and the challenges and lessons encountered on the way.