In this randomized controlled study, we are investigating and refining health alerts produced by environmentally-embedded in-home sensor networks designed to detect early signs of health change and functional decline in older adults, the keys to successful intervention.
Principal Investigator: Rantz
Technology to Automatically Detect Falls and Assess Fall Risk in Senior Housing
Building on our current work, we propose to validate and deploy an innovative technological approach that automatically detects when falls have occurred or when the risk of falls is increasing. Subjects will not have to press buttons, pull cords or wear any devices. This new “passive” approach using sensors in the home could revolutionize detecting and preventing falls as well as measuring fall risk.
Building Interdisciplinary Geriatric Health Care Research Centers Initiative
The overall objective of our RAND/Harford Interdisciplinary Geriatric Health Care Research Center is to promote interdisciplinary research with a special focus on development of innovative clinical and health services interventions for older adults. We will impart to junior faculty and graduate students the needed attitudes, knowledge, and skills for conducting relevant interdisciplinary research related.
Technology to Enhance Aging in Place at TigerPlace
The dream of older Americans is to remain as active and independent as possible for as long as possible. They want to age in place, not in institutions like nursing homes. Recently, enabling technology in the form of low cost sensors, computers, and communications systems has become available, which with supportive health care services makes the dream of aging in place a reality.