Proficiency in the six “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs) often determine care choices for the elderly, chronically ill, or disabled. The ADLs are eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking), and continence. According to Investopedia, each year nearly half of all Americans who turn 65 will eventually be admitted to a care facility because of the inability to perform ADLs. While most care facility stays are short-term (defined as less than a year), nursing care costs typically are not covered unless a person is unable to perform two or more ADLs.
MyBitat and Samsung jointly developed an Internet of Things (IoT) platform called MyBitat to help people stay in their homes. MyBitat combines home sensors, smartphone apps, smartwatch support, tablet apps, and a caregiver dashboard. The integrated MyBitat system uses sensors, data fusion, and analytics. The system identifies threats and notifies family members or caregivers based on the system owner’s preferences. Voice alert support helps people who can’t get to a button or a device to call for help. The system also detects falls in minutes, according to the company.
A range of apps that can run on smartphones and tablets include medication reminders, activity schedules, tele-health services, and photo-sharing. The MyBitat system passively monitors ADLs and will send alerts if it detects abnormal changes in sleep, hygiene, nutrition, and other indicators. MyBitat can also be used by caregiver organizations to monitor and personalize services for clients who live at home. Because the applications and the specific devices used for individual clients can be customized and personalized, caregivers can use MyBitat not only to provide better service to clients but also to attract new clients.
