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

Research & Development

Waterloo researchers test AI for monitoring seniors

April 12, 2023


Hajar AbediWATERLOO, Ont. – Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario are using AI and non-invasive technology to monitor seniors in long-term care facilities – reducing the need for cameras, fobs or other traditional wearable gadgets. Instead, the research team is testing a wall-hung, low-power radio system and artificial intelligence (AI) to take note of habits like how often residents go to the washroom, when they eat, or how long they usually watch TV. It can also alert care providers in the event of a fall.

Hajar Abedi (pictured), a PhD candidate in systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo, led a study into using AI to monitor seniors in long-term care without the need for wearable devices or cameras. The study was published in the journal the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Internet of Things. “We use artificial intelligence to actually make our lives easier because we can train them and they can do our job, and basically, our main purpose is to save lives using this AI technology,” Abedi told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

The monitoring system, called ElephasCare, works via a radio wave device similar in size to an internet modem and can be mounted on the wall. No cameras are installed.

Monitoring seniors as they go about their daily lives allows care providers to keep on top of any changes, she said. “For example, we know your gait speed right now and in the next month. So based on what we see, we have a baseline of each individual,” Abedi said.

When the monitor notes something abnormal, such as a recurring change in stride length while walking, “we can identify or send notification to caregivers. If [the seniors] walk slower over a period of time, [caregivers] can tell.”

Without having to use cameras, this helps protect a person’s privacy and is more beneficial than wearable devices, which can be cumbersome or sometimes require the person to interact with them to ensure they’re working properly, Abedi 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