Frail Elderly Persons and Smart Home Technologies

Abstract

During earlier days, when different generations lived together, it was easier to take care of each other in situations of need. Grandparents used to take care of their grandchildren when parents were absent, and if a grandparent needed assistance with daily activities, there was always somebody there to help him/her. Today, the family structure has completely changed. Families are split apart, sometimes in the same city, sometimes in the same nation, but more often than before in different nations due to recent globalization. More people live alone or in small family structures which is a challenge for the social network. In addition, people live a longer life, part of it with possible disabilities [1, 2]. Specific Assistive Technology Information centers could be an answer to the needs of frail elderly persons living alone in their homes, but it is only part of the equation: technology works out well if it is combined with an individuals’ strong motivation to use it, and of course, individuals must be able to afford it [3] (Fig. 14.1).