Canadian Healthcare Technology Logo
  • Issues
    • Current Print Issue
    • Print Archive
  • Advertise
    • Publishing Schedule
    • Circulation
    • Unit Sizes and Rates
    • Mechanical Requirements
    • Electronic Advertising
    • White Papers
  • Subscribe
    • Print Edition
    • e-Messenger
    • White Papers
  • Events
  • Vendors
  • About Us

Philips

AGFA 1400x150

Petal Health

Petal Health 1400x150

Continuing Care

Smart suite tests how elderly can live at home longer

September 21, 2022


smart suiteWINNIPEG – A new, home-like space at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg may lead to more Canadians living independently at home for longer. Aptly named, the Smart Suite was built by the University of Manitoba College of Rehabilitation Sciences and officially opened for use earlier this month.

“It’s really state-of-the-art in terms of technology and access to technology,” said Jacquie Ripat, the college’s associate dean of research. “So really trying to explore the use of technology in ways that can keep people living safely at their home, independently and really enhancing their quality of life.”

At first glance, the Smart Suite looks like any other one bedroom, two-bath apartment. A closer look and it’s easy to see it’s much more. There’s smart technology like speakers and cameras, even a mobile robot.

“This facility is like an incubator that will house technology for testing and implementation,” said Amine Choukou. The associate professor is using the space for virtual reality research where patients who live far from Winnipeg can try the space remotely.

The suite is also available clinically for patients at HSC who may need an assessment before they move from the hospital back into their home.

While flat screens, smart lights and voice-activated call buttons are flashy pieces of technology, the first research project happening in the suite is concentrating on a simpler concept, ergonomic kitchen counter heights. Using a person’s elbow height from the floor, five stations in the Smart Suite kitchen move up and down to suit whoever is using them. The idea is to make evidence-based recommendations for appliance and counter heights for people who may want to make renovations to their kitchen based on their ability.

“We are able to adjust the different counter heights and really examine safety and function in ways that haven’t been done before,” said Ripat.

Mimi Locher, dean of the U of M’s faculty of architecture tried out the smart kitchen for herself and found the custom height counters much easier to use. A slightly lower sink made the biggest difference.

“I can imagine washing dishes in the sink and not worrying about the water running down my elbows because its low enough whereas often sinks are so high that my elbows are wet and I’m dripping,” she said.

PreviousNext

CHT print

CHT print

e-Messenger

  • Niagara Health to deploy top-flight CT scanners
  • BC extends cost-reduction search to regional authorities
  • Osler uses Sectra’s AI service to enhance patient care
  • Waypoint Centre to deploy A4i platform
  • Island Health brings virtual psychiatry to rural communities
More from e-Messenger

Subscribe

Subscribe

Weekly blasts are sent each month, via e-mail, to over 7,000 senior managers and executives in hospitals, clinics and health regions. Learn More

Infoway

Infoway

Zebra

Zebra

Zebra

Zebra

Advertise with us

Advertise with us

Sectra KLAS

Sectra KLAS

Stratford Group

Stratford Group

Pure Storage

Pure Storage

Medirex

Medirex

NIHI

NIHI

CHT print

CHT print

Advertise with us

Advertise with us

Sectra KLAS

Sectra KLAS

Stratford Group

Stratford Group

Pure Storage

Pure Storage

Medirex

Medirex

NIHI

NIHI

Contact Us

Canadian Healthcare Technology
1118 Centre Street, Suite 204
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L4J 7R9
Tel: 905-709-2330
Fax: 905-709-2258
info2@canhealth.com

  • Quick Links
    • Current Print Issue
    • Print Archive
    • Events
    • Vendors
    • About Us
  • Advertise
    • Publishing Schedule
    • Circulation
    • Unit Sizes and Rates
    • Mechanical Requirements
    • Electronic Advertising
    • White Papers
  • Subscribe
    • Print Edition
    • e-Messenger
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • White Papers
    • Writers’ Guidelines
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Administrative Solutions
    • Clinical Solutions
    • Companies
    • Continuing Care
    • Diagnostics
    • Education & Training
  •  
    • Electronic Records
    • Government & Policy
    • Infrastructure
    • Innovation
    • People
    • Privacy and Security

© 2025 Canadian Healthcare Technology

The content of Canadian Healthcare Technology is subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Send all requests for permission to Jerry Zeidenberg, Publisher.

Search Site

Error: Enter a search term

  • Issues
    • Current Print Issue
    • Print Archive
  • Advertise
    • Publishing Schedule
    • Circulation
    • Unit Sizes and Rates
    • Mechanical Requirements
    • Electronic Advertising
    • White Papers
  • Subscribe
    • Print Edition
    • e-Messenger
    • White Papers
  • Events
  • Vendors
  • About Us