Technology in the Home
The technology in the home has been designed to provide passive assistance to the resident. Smart wiring has been provided throughout the home, based on a CBus and Vieo system. The technology allows for the lights, sensors and other equipment in the home to be monitored, controlled and programmed to suit the user. This could include sending messages to a remote location, perhaps a call centre or family member, turning lights on when movement is sensed during the night, or providing lights and blind control for security purposes when the resident is not home.
A switch at the bed head can become a ‘goodnight’ switch, turning off all lights and locking all electronically controlled doors. This could also be done using a ‘remote’ switch similar to a vehicle remote.
The remote control could also be used to unlock the front door and turn on programmed lights when a resident returns home after dark. The combinations are only limited by the smart wiring installed in the home; if there is CBus wiring and power to a point, it can be controlled by the Vieo system.
The telephone in the home is a Cisco phone that has a video display panel; this can be used for providing information or instructions. It can be answered in a hands free mode or have an automatic pick up for emergency calls. It will provide the interface between the call centre (relative), the alarms sent and the resident.
The assistive technology has been located in a small cupboard in the media/sewing room. It is accessible for technicians but can be controlled from a remote location on the network.
Work in Progress
A video intercom that provides keypad access is currently being investigated. This will allow a resident to view someone at the front door on the television screen or the telephone handset and then allow or deny entry either by a code on the telephone handset or a remote device similar to a car remote. The door lock will be on an electric strike that will be controllable from a remote location to allow access for emergency services.
The television to be muted when a phone call is received, this becomes particularly useful when an emergency call is being made and in a hands free mode, or it may simply allow a resident who has a hearing impairment to hear the phone ring, even though they have the television at a high volume.