Montreal tests digital links to seniors at home

MONTREAL – In collaboration with the regional health agency, Université de Montréal and the city of Cote-St-Luc has launched Living Lab. The project will use digital technology to more clearly understand the needs of older people and more effectively use community resources to help them.

“We’re going to use the technology to better understand the living habits of older adults,” said Melanie Couture (pictured), institutional researcher with the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal. “In order to know what’s going on regarding sleep, preparing meals and outings.”

The technology involves the use of sensors – movement, contact, humidity and electrical sensors – that can make it possible to understand a person’s routine.

“What we are monitoring are three things: the physical part; if the person is moving normally throughout the house; the cognitive part and the social part of the person,” said Sylvain Giroux, University of Sherbrooke professor.

The data will be analyzed in real time and if help is needed, a caregiver, neighbour, doctor or the authorities can be notified.

Healthcare professionals say the ultimate goal of the project is to help seniors live at home longer, while making them feel safe and secure, and with the appropriate care.

“I think we’ve all come to the realization that care can probably be given at home, as it can be in an institutionalized setting,” said Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, president and CEO of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal.

Researchers are inviting Cote St Luc residents who are over 65 years old who would like to participate in the project to fill out a survey, available through the city’s website.

They hope to have 20 participants selected by next year, and depending on results, expand the project in the years to come.

The Living Lab project will be done in collaboration with CIUSSS West-Central Montreal’s Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGES).