Aware group home enhanced by RFID technology

Abstract

In Japan, the number of group homes offering home-like care for elderly persons suffering from dementia has increased considerably. Even though the lesser number of people residing in a group home is suitable for family-like care, the shortage of caregivers increases the burden, especially during the night. To supplement this lack of attention, we developed floor mats embedded with RFID antennae and slippers with RFID tags. These can help caregivers be aware of the activities of persons suffering from dementia, by specifying whether an individual has passed over a sheet in a particular corridor. This not only helps the caregivers understand such persons by reviewing their activities, but also keeps them informed about the person's current activities. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.