Assisted Living Center Uses Motion Sensors To Track Residents
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Motion Sensors Help CareFor Family From Afar

Sensors Send Alerts To Family,
Caretakers

POSTED: 2:31 pm EST February 7, 2007
UPDATED: 8:13 pm EST February 7, 2007

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. --A new system aims to make it easier for people to care for elderly
family members from a distance.

The system, called QuietCare, allows family
members to track the movements of their loved
ones and alerts them of possible emergencies.

Helen Zajak, 93, lives in a studio apartment in
assisted-living facility Mulberry Gardens in Southington.

Zajak said her family is scattered across the globe, but still keeps a good eye on her, even making sure she takes her medications.

QuietCare uses motion sensors to track behavior patterns. The patterns are then recorded on a Web site. If something appears to be out of the ordinary, the sensors go off.

The sensors link to a computer that family members can log on to. The green dots mean everything is OK, but if there is something suspicious, there will be a yellow dot, prompting further investigation. If the light is red, an alert is sent immediately to family and caretakers.

"If they were up all night and couldn't sleep, that allows our staff to make adjustments and call the doctor quickly," said Mulberry Gardens Executive Director Perry Phillips.

Mulberry Gardens is currently the only facility in the state with the QuietCare system. Phillips said the facility strategically places the sensors in areas like bathrooms and medicine cabinets.

"If someone is using the restroom, we have it so that it is timed and after 30 minutes, it alerts our staff to go there because something may have happened," Phillips said.

Zajak said that if she remains stationary for multiple minutes, someone is quickly at her door, checking on her well-being.

"Sometimes I get in there with my walker, and they're here," Zajak said.

QuietCare costs about $200 for installation and monthly service is about $79 per month.

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