The Solution

The Independent LifeStyle Assistant ^TM monitoring system (I.L.S.A.). will allow elders to stay healthier and in their homes longer, delaying and perhaps avoiding altogether, the move to assisted living or nursing facilities. Using sensor inputs, a model of the home, and information about the occupant's needs, habits, and preferences, I.L.S.A. could provide:

• Remote monitoring of vital signs and chronic disease measures such as glucose levels.
• Remote monitoring medication use and eating, mobility, and toileting patterns.
• Medication management by recording drug use and assessing adverse drug reactions (ADRs), making the correct medication in correct amounts available at the correct time, and reordering medications as needed.
• Reminders to the elder, caregivers, and health care providers of appointments.
• New channels of communication among the elders, healthcare providers, community services, and support groups through email and a shared website.
• Alerts when the elder is in danger, has fallen, or is behaving in an unusual way (not taking medication, wandering, not moving).
• Reduce caregiver burnout by helping to prioritize activities, reducing the need for attendance at the elder's home, and improving remote communications.
• Monitor food quality, prepare grocery lists, and plan nutritionally balanced meals.
• Deter, detect, and respond to falls.
• Monitor cognitive capabilities and their possible decline, provide reminders and task completion assistance.
• Reduce, detect, and respond to fires, burns, scalds, and poisoning.
• Deter, detect, and respond to predators.
• Plan travel routes, access transportation schedules, and help arrange transportation.
• Assist in money management by paying bills, managing account balances, and monitoring for fraud and solicitations.