SmartHomes and SmartSupports: The Future of

Residential Care

The mission of Imagine! is to create and offer innovative supports to people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical, and health related needs so they may live fulfilling lives of independence and quality in their homes

and communities.

Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, Boulder,

CO

Charles Family SmartHome,

Longmont, CO

Dwindling resources

Impending Crisis of Care

Regulatory changes squeezing the life out of our services

Impending Crisis of Care

Increasing demand

Impending Crisis of Care

Traditional approaches to providing services no longer work

Impending Crisis of Care

• Use technology – more efficient, cost effective service delivery

So What Can We Do?

• Universal application – works in multiple environments/across disabilities

Why Do We Do This?Meet Gerald

Gerald Challenged Us

Gerald Challenged Us . . . Again

Gerald Challenged Us . . . Yet Again

If We Can Do It For Gerald . . .

What Can A SmartHome Do?

Enhance the quality of life of residents, including:

• Developing personal skills

• Enhancing communication

• Regulating environmental conditions

What Can A SmartHome Do?

Augment the effectiveness of caregivers, including:

• Sensing, storing, and transmitting health information

• Analyzing healthcare and health/safety trends

• Detecting behavioral clues for changes in cognitive or physical conditions

What Can A SmartHome Do?

Provide cost and energy savings, including:

• Managing staff time efficiently

• Using alterative energy sources

• Minimizing energy consumption

Cost Comparison John, who lives in a house with a live-in (asleep overnight)

caregiver, has recently fallen a few times at night, and once broke his ankle. Everyone is concerned for his safety.

Traditional Approach:

Change Asleep Staff to Awake StaffCosts: $12/hr awake staff vs. $7.25/hr asleep staff = $4.75/hr additional

$4.75/hr X 8 hrs/night X 365 days/yr = $13,870/yr

$13,870 + 25% tax and benefits =

$17,338 per year additional cost

Cost Comparison

SmartSupport Approach:

Use Technology to Alert Asleep Staff When John Gets Out of Bed

Costs: $3,000 equipment + 5 yr. depreciation = $600/yr

$300/month for monitoring services X 12 months = $3,600

$4,200 per year additional cost

John, who lives in a house with a live-in (asleep overnight) caregiver, has recently fallen a few times at night, and once broke his ankle. Everyone is concerned for his safety.

Why Does This Matter to You?

• Aging populations• Budget constraints• Improve efficiency• Universal design – building for

future needs

How To Learn More

www.imaginesmarthomes.org

Facebook: search Imagine! SmartHomes

Twitter: @ImagineColorado

YouTube: search ImagineColorado