100 projects
Technology for elderly has distributed 66 million SEK for the development of new technology, good products and housing for elderly and their caregivers. The 100 projects take place all over the country. In addition to that, many exciting operations connected to assistive technology take place in Halland and Dalarna. And much, much more!
Technology for elderly is divided into three fields: Informal caregivers, Housing and Information about and accessibility to good products. Find interesting projects below the different fields!
85-year old persons perception of home technology in everyday life
The Geriatric Clinic at the University Hospital in Linköping carry on a population study of 85-year old persons in the community, ELSA 85 (Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment) including a follow up after 1 year. At follow up this pilot study is added with the aim to study what kind of home technology that exists, if it is used, benefits or obstacles in using the technology and need for additional technology. The results of the pilot study are linked up with results from ELSA 85.
Financial support: 432 000 SEK
Project manager: Ewa Wressle, Tfn: +46 1322 41 10, email: ewa.wressle@lio.se
A Safe Living Environment
The project “A Safe Living Environment” has had the purpose to study and develop methods of involving the end users in product development while being based in the process of design. During the course of the project, ideas for newer and safer domestic products have been designed and developed.
The realization of the need to understand those who use the product has increased significantly over the last years. The reason for this is the producers’ wish to make the development more efficient and to, with greater precision, develop and produce products that actually satisfy the needs of the consumers. One of the goals of this project was to test, evaluate and develop methods that make the end user a participant in the design of new products. A reference group consisting of people between 58 and 92 years old has been studied in their domestic environment and the group has also participated in interviews, discussions and tests of concept ideas. The second goal was to develop new products for a safer living environment based on the results of the end user studies. These two goals have inspired each other as the project progressed.
The project has focused on two areas of difficulty, poor lighting and risks of falling, in the living environment in order to reduce the scope of the project. Several conceptual ideas have been worked out and evaluated in co-operation with the reference group. This has led to prototypes which have later been tested in the home environment of the end users in the group. Two new products, a reading lamp that also works as a portable light source and a shower stool, are more or less completely developed and ready to be adapted for production.
The project has provided new experiences and methods for future projects, and more importantly new experiences and methods for the education of future engineers and designers.
With the increasing number of seniors in our society, it is important to spread information about measures that make their homes safer, and also to develop products that reduce the risks of accidents. Tools, furniture and the living environment require a design with great functionality and aesthetics in order to fulfill and to be adapted to the needs of senior citizens.
Accessibility in common areas
A majority of the elderly population in Sweden live in public housing of older date. The common areas of these houses often have limited accessibility, which impede people from living active and independent lives. We will observe a number of pilot accessibility-projects in the town of Gothenburg. The objective of the study is to explore what elements create obstacles and possibilities for increased accessibility in public housing. By contributing to the knowledge about driving forces that promote change, the step towards action for accessible living environments will diminish. The study is multidisciplinary based in the fields of architecture and psychology. Results will be spread through seminars, conferences, magazines, newsletters, webb sites, networks and libraries.
Part 2 of the project support targeted communication of the results. The results will be communicated through three different reports: one report targeting civil servants working with issues concerning housing for elderly, one short report targeting engineers and project leaders involved in real estate management, and one short report targeting politicians, members of the public, and civil servants who work indirectly with these issues.
Financial support: 400 000 SEK (part 1) + 80 000 SEK (part 2).
Project manager: Lisbeth Lindahl, Tfn: +46 313355179, email: lisbeth.lindahl@grkom.se
Webb: http://www.grkom.se/fouivast
Active light-up cane
There is a demand for a walking cane that provides brightness when walking in dark environments such as paths during wintertime. Popab will develop and produce an active light up cane using up-to-date research and diode technique.
Financial support: 100 000 SEK
Project manager: Staffan Skeppstedt, email: info@popab.se
Tfn: +46 73 389 94 47
Webb: www.popab.se
Adapted videophone for older people
The project made modifications in software for total conversation with the aim to make it easier to use for older people. The base was the product Allan eC from Omnitor. The project
introduced simplifications in the user interface and a possibility to use pictures in the electronic directory. The modifications were made so that the user interface inherits the settings of visual characteristics from the computer where it is run. This is an important feature for adaptation to the vision abilities of the user.
The communication softphone Allan eC is widely used for communication in sign language and text among deaf people and persons with deafblindness. The adapted version that is now developed can be expected to provide convenient communication in voice, text and video for many more user groups.
Financial support: 650 000 SEK (part 1) + 450 000 SEK (part 2).
Project manager: Gunnar Hellström, email: gunnar.hellstrom@omnitor.se
Webb: http://www.omnitor.se
Anoto Bank
For many elderly and handicapped, paying bills without convenient access to a computer will present serious problems in the future. In the project, we are investigating the possibilities to use a digital pen and special paper, using the so called Anoto technology, to connect to an internet bank. The solution will also be applicable to other applications in e-health, e-government and e-business. The results will be communicated through a report describing the architecture for a solution based on user studies. We will also arrange workshops and other presentations to get feedback on our ideas.
Financial support: 200 000 SEK
Project coordinator: Sture Hägglund, Tfn: +46 13 28 1431,
email: sture.hagglund@santaanna.se
Webb: https://www.santaanna.se/node/2603
Artemis
Information project that will develop methods in order to prevent accidents, spread information and knowledge about assistive devices to non Swedish speaking elderly people with foreign background.
Financial support: 134 000 SEK
Project manager: Moafaq Khadim, email: info@framtidforening.se
Tfn: +46 73 389 94 47
Audio services in Adela
Since 2005 the Swedish Ministry of Culture has invested in approx. 10.000 new receivers for read load newspapers, Adela. The project scope is to enable Adela as a terminal for new audio based services in addition to read load newspapers. Primary user qualities are simplicity, freedom of choice, safety and accessibility.
Relevant services:
• DAISY
• Audio brochures/information
• Audio4all audio UI
• Audio mail box
• Configuration portal
The project will be reported in together with the Vinnova project “Hybridradio”. It will also be the topic of several presentations on relevant convents.
The project is connected to the development project ”Audio 4 All”, financed by Vinnova and PTS. Read more: www.pts.se/sv/Funktionshinder/Utvecklingsprojekt/Audio-4-all
Financial support: 170 000 SEK (part 1) + 375 000 SEK (part 2)
Project coordinator: Bjarte Bugge, Tfn: +46 1334 11 03, email: bjbu@audiotome.se
Webb: www.audiotome.se
Considerate Design - Seating
"Considerate Design" is run by the Region Västra Götaland in west Sweden in cooperation with SVID, The Swedish Industrial Design Foundation. One of the projects in the Technology for elderly financed projects has been to produce a new product that can help older people to more easily get up from chairs without having to ask another person for help. The thought behind this work has been a desire to create a discreet, simple and functional product that makes older people want to start using their armchairs again. The fact that older people find it difficult to get up from armchairs results in not using them and instead they choose to sit on hard kitchen chairs.
In the Technology for elderly-project there are more conceptual solutions presented, contact the project manager Kaj Abbestam for more information.
Financial support: 440 000 SEK
Project manager: Kaj Abbestam, Tfn: +46 3177 40 440, email: kaj.abbestam@svid.se
Webb: www.designmedomtanke.se
Digital TV – troublesome for elderly?
The Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology and The Swedish Digital TV Commission have examined and analysed how the transition from analogue to digital TV in the terrestrial network is perceived by the elderly. The analysis is based on 300 randomised interviews with persons between 75 and 84 years old.
The report shows, for example, that nearly 60 percent of the elderly consider themselves to be well informed about the transition, i. e. they were aware of when it was scheduled and how it would affect their household. Slightly over 30 percent regarded themselves to be “partially informed”, i. e. had heard about the transition but did not know much more. Three percent regarded themselves to be “ill informed” and were unaware of when the transition would take place. The majority of the respondents had received information by TV or newspapers, while friends and family were the third most common source of information. The large majority were generally “positive” or “neutral” with regard to the digital TV decision. This also reflected the attitude towards the transition in itself. However, 7 percent regarded themselves as generally “negative” towards the decision, while 9 percent were “negative” to the transiotion as a whole. Furthermore, the survey shows that 25 percent of respondents between 80 and 85 years old, watch less or no TV at all after the transition to digital TV.
Financial support: 200,000 kronor.
Project Coordinator: Marie Nilsson,
Email: marie.nilsson@mediavision.se
Webb: http://www.mediavision.se
Duocom 2
Gewa has developed a hall phone with cognitive assistance. Based on information from its sales organisation and user groups, the company has sought to develop its hall phone for elderly and people with cognitive disabilities. Images that can offer guidance are particularly important this group. The hall phone will be available as a wireless application.
Financial support: 250,000 kronor.
Project Coordinator: Peter Örjes, email: peter.orjes@gewa.se
Tfn: +46 8 594 694 11
Education in everyday technology
Iris Hadar AB has carried out a pre-study and analysed requirements for good instructive methods for elderly persons, relatives and staff to aquaint themselves with assistive technology.
Elderly persons and their families as well as people who encounter elderly persons as professionals, have participated in the pre-study. The result clearly shows the need for improved information concerning which assistive technology is avaliable, and increased training in using the aids.
The study concluds that training activities should be initiated as soon as possible. Assistive technology for the home environment is continuously being upgraded. Care and housing is changing and more elderly will live in their own homes in future.
Furthermore, the study shows that elderly are eager to learn more about assistive technology, test equipment, compare products and make their own choises. Elderly people view assistive technology – if simple to use – as a welcome support that helps them continue living at home.
The report recommend elderly, care staff, technicians and trainers to take part in joint training programmes.
Financial support: 100,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Birgitta Pisch, email: birgitta.pisch@irishadar.se
Tfn: +46 457 46 40 11
Webb: http://www.irishadar.se/
Evidence-based Housing Planning
The project constitutes the pilot study to a major study aiming at developing evidence-based guidelines for housing planning. First, the methodology will be optimized. Thereafter, the prevalence of physical environmental barriers and the magnitude of accessibility problems in houses in 3-4 living quarters in Lund with different demographic composition and housing forms will be mapped out. In addition, in-depth interviews with strategically selected inhabitants will be conducted. The project will be organized, carried out and evaluated on basis of a communication model.
Information will be disseminated to the public by daily press, information meetings and papers, web-based news bulletins etc. Specific target groups will also be invited to seminars and workshops.
Financial support: 500 000 SEK
Project manager: Agneta Fänge, Tfn: +46 46222 19 72, email: agneta.fange@med.lu.se
Flash of genious – The technology for elderly theme
Snilleblixtarna (“flash of genious), a non-profit association and a joint organisation between regional and local actors in Sweden, spreads the so called flash of genious-concept in the primary schools. For the first time in the organisation’s 15 years old history, the competion Snilleblixtarna adopted a theme – Technology for Elderly – during the academic year 2007–2008. Teachers in lower and intermediary stages of primary schools, were assigned to work with Technology for Elderly. The pupils were introduced to local senior citizen organisations and collaborated with them in challenges associated with the daily life of elderly people. Three generations – children, parents and the elderly – were engaged in challenges that teachers and pupils attempted to overcome. The results of the ideas and inventions were presented at the yearly exhibition in Filipstad, May 21–22 2008 where the three winning contributions were revealed. The project and the ideas outlined by these pupils received media coverage in Swedish State Television (SVT), Swedish State Radio, local news papers as well as Sweden’s leading morning paper, Dagens Nyheter.
Financial support: 160,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Lennart Nyström, e-post: info@nordvaxt.nu
Tfn: +46 8 669 54 84
Webb: http://www.snilleblixtarna.se/
Flexible information of assistive devices
The project Flexible information of assistive devices is conducted in Dalarna County during the years 2008 and 2009.
The aim with the project is to develop and improve information paths and availability of Smart everyday technical devices and services directed to elderly people.
Smart everyday technical devices are products that need not the healthcare’s special competence for assessment and try-outs. At present, there are many such products on the market but the information is often inadequate and the products are difficult to find and buy in the trade.
The products and services that are included in the project are in the fields of vision, hearing, mobility, orthopaedics, cognition and communication.
A number of activities have been implemented, such as information at regular meetings of the various pensioners´assiciations, mobile sales of Smart everyday technical devices and workshops for staff working with elderly people.
In autumn 2009, a public conference with lectures and exhibitors are planned as a closure of the project.
The project is evaluated by a questionnaire survey.
Result presentation
The result will be presented by local information to organizations within the target group, through various media channels, organized seminars as well as through our website on the internet. National results will be reported in conjunction with other projects in the programme Technology for elderly.
Financial support: 500 000 SEK (part 1) + 750 000 SEK (part 2).
Project manager: Katarina Nordin Lidberg, Tfn: +46243-49 78 50
Email: Katarina.Lidberg@ltdalarna.se
Webb: http://www.ltdalarna.se/ldh
Functional testing of mobile phones
The Swedish National Pensioners’ Organisation, PRO, has in cooperation with the Swedish Institute forof Assistive Technology made functional testing of five different mobile phones. 18 seniors, +65, tested the phones in different situations and filled in a form for each mobile. Download the report with results from: http://www.hi.se/sv-se/Arbetsomraden/Projekt/Teknik-for-aldre/Informatio...
Financial support: 223 500 SEK
Project coordinator: Gerd Klang, Tfn: +46 8701 67 19, email: gerd.klang@pro.se
Webb: http://www.pro.se/Darfor-PRO/PRO-the-Swedish-National-Pensioners-Organis...
Game over or play it again and again
The project will continue to introduce computer games such as the Nintendo Wii Sports/FIT as an activity for fun and joy of movement within the domain of elderly-care in Sweden. The project is aiming to augment the number of possibilities to focus on the healthy aspects in
the individuals and promote exciting physical activities. In cooperation with some special housing the project will produce a video that will be accessible via the net but also on DVD.
Financial support: 500 000 SEK
Project manager: Helena Tobiasson, Tfn: +46 87909273 email: tobi@csc.kth.se
Webb: www.csc.kth.se
General web shop for assistive products
The project “General web shop for assistive products” is a subproject of the development projects run by the Gävle municipality to develop effective solutions to promote senior citizen living at home in the municipality. The Project aims to a general web shop to increase the availability of assistive products to customers and to being able to present a wide range of products and services from several suppliers from the same web shop portal. A further aim of the project is that through online portal providing useful information on products that can contribute to better quality of life. The project approach focuses on user-driven development to ensure that "legal services" to develop and become significant user. The project will eventually lead to a more cost-effective home care by working with, such as preventive care, self care, information and communication, and support functions. Hopefully this leads to a "win-win situation", where patients, caregivers and family can participate in the exchange of
information through integration of existing solutions and developing new IT-support.
Our hope is that this will eventually create growth in business.
Financial support: 445 000 SEK
Project manager: Carina Gustavsson, Tfn: +46 2663 51 15,
email: carina.gustavsson@opencare.se
H.KOM™ System
The Swedish incorporate firm Sensagon AB has during 2006 to 2008 developed a cognitive aid system, H.KOM™ System. The system is developed to help persons with memory dysfunctions to make their everyday life more secure and comfortable. Especially for those how tend to forget to switch of electrical products and close and lock doors and windows when leaving their house.
Sensagon was granted founds form the Swedish governments development program Technology for elderly to enhance the H.KOM™ System to be a system for many elderly people and at the same increase the functionality and to make the system more cost efficient to produce. From interviews with current users of the H.KOM ™System and the companies own experience from other development faces was at priority list made up reflecting granted founds and the application. As a result development focused on three new presentation units and to add remote control functionality to the system. The development process was made in corporation with a number and external experts and with own personal. This project have resulted in four new products: 1. Panel with six fixed symbols, 2. Key tag with six fixed symbols, 3. One function panel, 4. Remote control functionality
All four new products are now available on the market.
The product family name has change during this project from H.KOM™ to C.STATUS
Project manager: Dan Kjellander, Tfn: +46 70 886 90 56, email: dan.kjellander@sensagon.se
Webb: www.sensagon.se
Hearing in the elderly
A survey is performed in Linköping including persons 85 years old to map social, medical and society aspects (ELSA 85). A number of items have been included in the study related to hearing problems, hearing aid use and hearing aid benefit. The survey includes a number of variables which might be related to reasons for not seeking hearing health care and not using assistive devises. The first part of this project shows that 55% of the elderly in the study has subjective hearing problems, but only 50 % of these persons have hearing aids. The report (in Swedish) can be downloaded:
http://www.hi.se/sv-se/Publicerat/Funktionsnedsattning/Horselskada/Elsa-85/
The second part of this project will analyse why only 50% of the elderly in the study has contacted hearing health care and it will also include information activities to the target group.
Financial support: 180 000 SEK (part 1) + 304 500 SEK (part 2).
Project manager: Marie Öberg, tfn: +46 1322 28 57, email: marie.oberg@liu.se
Home Modification Grant for general accessibility
This is a report of a study of how the Home Modification Grant could be used also to improve the general accessibility in existing multi dwelling blocks. The background is that most people, approximately 96 %, older than 65 years in Sweden live and will in the future live in ordinary housing. The proportion of elderly people will increase and reach a peak around 2020 when large age groups will be 80 years or older. The problem is that the housing stock in Sweden to a great extent is old and do not meet the needs of elderly people. To manage elderly people’s living in the future the existing houses must improve their accessibility. In a first step the improvements should be made in entrances and common parts of multi dwelling block. The improvements would create possibilities for elderly people to remain living in their dwellings and would create a supply of accessible housing possible to move to for example from small houses. The outermost responsibility for elderly people’s living has the society in Sweden. This means that the responsibility to create living conditions that will function is divided between the state, the local authority, house companies and the individual The Home Modification Grant is a law-guaranteed grant from the local authority for adjusting dwellings to disabled people’s individual needs. The purpose the grant is to make it possible for disabled people to live and to remain living in ordinary housing. This study shows that the measures that is needed and performed for the individuals in the common parts of the houses are the same as needed from a general point – but often performed in an individual way. If, instead, individual measures could be performed in a general way all people in a house could have benefit of the measures. One example is that an automatic door-opener could be manoeuvred by an “elbow-contact” instead of an individual transmitter and by that could facilitate the passage through the door for all people living in the house. The study also points out the possibility to perform measures “in advance” in areas with a lot of elderly people in order to improve the accessibility for all people living in the area. The positive effects of improving the accessibility are that elderly people (and others) will remain more active, can manage by themselves, can visit friends and neighbours and all that will postpone the need of care. Measures needed to create possibilities to remain in their homes for elderly people vary between areas and the prerequisites in form of existing accessibility, if the houses have lifts etc. It also varies with the people living in a specific residential area. In Sweden the most common multi dwelling block is a three-storey house without lifts and with a half-stair to the first storey. In most of these houses a lift installation is not possible. But even here the accessibility can be improved for people that manage to climb stairs for example with automatic door-openers and handrails. In many cases rather limited measures can improve the situation a lot for the people living there. One problem is that the knowledge of measures improving the accessibility is limited in many housing companies. However as the measures needed to improve the general accessibility are already done for individuals by the local authority handling the Modification Grant. This means that the competence, the know-how and the organisation for the work already exists and can be used also for the general accessibility. The study shows that small changes of the rules of the grant and with a small financial contribution from the state (that in another form is suggested from a national committee dealing with the living for the elderly) could open the possibilities to widen the implementation of the grant and by that improve the general accessibility and create possibilities for elderly people to remain living in ordinary dwellings and in a social context keeping them active and healthier.
ICT for elderly
This collaboration project at Umeå University focuses on development of methods and systems for inclusion in the digital community among older novice Internet users. The aim of the study was to increase participation in the community among older novice Internet users through a supportive ICT system that will contribute to inclusion in the digitalized community. Seven older novice Internet users voluntarily participated in eight meetings in an Internet-café environment at a nursing home in northern Sweden. The supportive ICT system that is being developed aims to guide the user to Internet-based activities from his/her own level of experience and his/her interests and needs. Evaluation of the project is done by interviews, goal attainment and self-report questionnaires. Through this project barriers and possibilities in Internet-based activities are identified as well as indicators of the impact on participation these types of meaningful Internet-based activities might have. This study provides guidelines for future development of supportive ICT systems that could facilitate Internet use based on individual needs and interests.
Financial support: 300 000 SEK
Project manager: Ingeborg Nilsson, Tfn: +4690-786 9811, email: ingeborg.Nilsson@umu.se
Increased accessibility for the public – small exhibition
The Kalmar County Council has organised two small exhibitions in Kalmar and Västervik aimed at the general public, the elderly and the disabled. The exhibitions displayed assistive products which are presently not prescribed by the Kalmar County Council. In total, eight companies exhibited their products and approximately 500 people attended. The exhibitions were supplement by information to staff and representatives of user organisations.
Financial support: 70,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Leni Lagerqvist, email: lenil@ltkalmar.se
Tfn: +46 480 84 55 06
Webb:
Individually adapted mobile interfaces
The project is focusing on addressing mobile phone usability problems for the elderly. The mobile
phone today is a unique platform which has the potential to help senior citizens to, for example,
stay in touch with friends and family, feel safer by being reachable and being able to call anyone
from anywhere. But it is quite complicated to learn how to operate a mobile device today, and the
project's vision is to make it easy to use a normal mobile phone regardless of specific needs,
capabilities or disabilities. The goal is to decrease the gap between senior citizens and IT.
We currently plan to inform about the project with the help of The National Organization of
Senior Citizens (PRO), The National Competence Center for Relatives (NKA), through popular
press and scientific publications.
Sam Jahanfar, 08 5250 7585, sam.jahanfar@rule.se
Informal assistance to elderly in Göteborg
Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, has been assigned to analyse the non-professional assistance which vulnerable elderly receive in carrying out daily activities. The study will clarify how assistive technology is used and its importance. It focuses on people above the age of 80 who do not receive any home care service in the city districts of Örgryte and Härlanda in Göteborg.
Project Coordinator: Synneve Dahlin Ivanoff
Email: synneve.dahlin-ivanoff@neuro.gu.se
Webb: http://www. neuro.gu.se
Information about good assistive devices and accessibility to products - Experimental project in Halland, south Sweden
In southwest of Sweden the county council of Halland and the six municipalities in Halland run an information and education project. In cooperation with companies, senior organisations and Apotek the project inform elderly of good assistive devices and products and inform and educate healthcare personnel about products and were they are available. The projects aim is also to stimulate the market to make product for elderly more available and accessible.
Project manager: Lars-Gunnar Pettersson, email: lars-gunnar.pettersson@lthalland.se
Tfn: +46 35174590
Webb: www.lthalland.se/teknikföräldre
Information project to elderly with urinary incontinence
The Swedish Association for Persons with Neurological Disabilities is running an information project in cooperation with the Swedish Institute forof Assistive Technology. The project is producing a DVD with information of urinary incontinence. Folders and education material is also produced to reach the target group.
Financial support: 500 000 SEK
Project coordinator: Stefan Käll, Tfn: +46 8677 70 12, email: stefan.kall@nhr.se
Webb: http://www.nhr.se
Internet café as a meeting place for seniors
Participation is a key-concept for health. The development of society has made more information, knowledge, products and services web-based. We also know that aged people today has limited availability and knowledge about computer-based services. Therefore, the computer-based area is of concern. We aim with this project to get knowledge about needs and possibilities to start a meeting place where computers, Internet and individual-based support will be available. This place will also serve as a resource of knowledge and products that can support aged peoples everyday life.
Download the report from:
http://www.hi.se/sv-se/Publicerat/Funktionsnedsattning/Aldre-med-funktio...
Financial support: 288 000 SEK
Project manager: Ingeborg Nilsson, Tfn: +4690-786 9811, email: ingeborg.Nilsson@umu.se
IP-adapted safety alarms
Caretech AB is developing a reliable safety alarm system over the internet. Traditional telephony is about to be replaced by digital telephony, so called IP telephony. To ensure that safety alarms function in future, communications must be adapted to conform to IP standards. The objective is to develop an internet-based safety alarm, for both analogue and digital alarm centres.
In the second part of the project, Caretech will further develop IP adaption for analogue centres to continue to receive alarms from both analouge safety alarms and IP-based safety alarms. The product is called CIP Gateway 9600.
Financial support: 500,000 kronor (part 1) + 600 000 kronor (part 2).
Project Coordinator: Arto Brushano, email: arto.brushane@caretech.se
Tfn: +46 923 757 60Webb: http://www.caretech.se
Keycard and booking systems
The procurement company for the Swedish public housing sector, Husbyggnadsvaror has carried out a pre-study and usability trials for keycard and booking systems. Its premise has been that future booking of common laundry rooms, gaining entrance, interpreting booking schedules or using intelligent locks, should be available to as many people as possible.
In total, nine trials were carried out using three different systems – three tests for each system. The results show that all these systems can cause problems, some of which are so severe that the respondents were not able to carry out the assignment.
Some of the problems revealed were that:
• Systems exclude users after a certain time of inactivity.
• Booking schedule panels are unclear and users have difficulty in determining available/unavailable slots.
• Wording is not adapted to the environment and users. An example is the phrase “Choose object” instead of “Choose laundry room”. Error messages and instructions are difficult to understand.
• The systems are not adapted to human behaviour. If you are two minutes late to the common laundry room, you are barred entry. The systems should be asessed and user-tested to ensure that they are adapted for all.
The report can be ordered from Klas Hall (below).
Financial support: 370,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Klas Hall, email: klas.hall@hbv.se
Tfn: +46 8 556 765 19
Webb: http://www.hbv.se/
Lighting in the Home of Elderly – A Feasibility Study
The project will make an inventory of the problems related to the lighting in elderly people’s home. The available technology will be scrutinized. Based on this informa-tion some sketches for lighting solutions will be designed. The solutions will be de-veloped to prototypes in the next project phase.
The results from the project will be presented in written reports and in lighting solu-tions sketches. It will also be presented in seminars at the full-scale laboratory in Haninge and in the R&D activities managed by Linköping municipality.
Ann-Britt Olofsson, Planning officer, Coordinator of research and development work, City of Linköping.
Tel: 013-20 74 88. E-post: ann-britt.olofsson@linkoping.se
Local IT accessibility for elderly
In a pre-study Seniornet Sweden is examining how the needs of the elderly can be enhanced to ensure IT accessibility. The pre-study is especially concerned with the situation of disabled people. The study initially examines available material and will subsequently organise focus group discussions and disseminate questionnaires.
Financial support: 190,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Bo R Svensson, email: bor062014497@telia.com
Webb: www.seniornet.se
Memory supporting products for the home
The projects purpose is to do a Pre Study and a Concept Phase in the development of an intelligent notice board and other memory supporting products helping elderly to remember and understand in every day life. To achieve the best result, the product development will work in parallel with industrial design, mechanics, human factors and electronics. The project always has the user in mind and will be implemented together with the user. The result will be a functional prototype for evaluation and new tests with users and other interested parties.
Financial support: 500 000 SEK
Project manager: Mathias Stavervik, Tfn: +46 8 52215260,
email: mathias.stavervik@avalonenterprise.com
Webb: www.avalonenterprise.com
Mobile phone designed for use by older people
The purpose of this project was to develop a new mobile phone that is designed with older users in mind and that will also be perceived as easy-to-use and attractive by all users. The target group is active senior citizens with some familiarity with technology and experience of mobile phones. Product development has been carried out in association with the company Ergonomidesign, which has proven experience and skill in user-orientated product development. Ergonomidesign was in charge of the methods and implementation of user participation. In June 2009 Doro introduced the new Doro PhoneEasy 410gsm on the market.
Financial support: 750 000 SEK
Project manager: Peter Cullin, Tfn: +46 462805075, email: peter.cullin@doro.se
Webb: http://www.doro.com
Model for better support of family carers – experimental work
Many relatives who care for their loved ones are not aware of how new assistive technology can help their situation. Gaining information is cumbersome and the level of knowledge is generally low. A model to facilitate information to relatives and family carers a model will be established in the urban districts of Frölunda and Tynnered in Göteborg.
Trials has been initated using so called information providors – family carers, family care advisors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and assistance administrators. The model will comprise assessment of needs, participation and searity evaluation of the relative’s need, participation and security.
Project Coordinator: Ingegärd Ljungqvist
Email: ingegard.ljungqvist@hogsbo.goteborg.se
Network for display facilities
The following project applications have each been granted financial support of SEK 100,000 to develop display facilities. The recipients below will form part of the network for display facilities initiated by The Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology.
Hjälpmedelscentrum, Västerås
Project Coordinator Marita Thunberg
Email: marita.thunberg@ltv.se
Laholms kommun Vård och Omsorg
Project Coordinator: Marie Ferdinandsson,
Email: marie.ferdinandsson@laholm.se
Borås stad
Project Coordinator: Ingegerd Eriksson,
Email: ingegerd.eriksson@boras.se
Trollreda resurscenter
Project Coordinator: Kersin Åberg,
Email: info.trollreda.resurscenter@vgregion.se
AB Helsingborgshem
Project Coordinator: Helene Gustavsson,
Email: helene.gustavsson@helsingborgshem.se
Halmstads Kommun, Hemvårdsförvaltningen
Project Coordinator: Anne-Christine Hertz
Email: anne-christine.hertz@halmstad.se
Göteborg Stad Centrum
Project Coordinator: Annika Strandberg
Email: annika.strandberg@centrum.goteborg.se
Older family carers and technology
In this project, a check-list will be piloted, covering important aspects to consider when technology is to be used by family carers in relation to a person with dementia. Professionals such as occupational therapists, nurses, case managers, caregiver councellors will be invited to an education day and interviewed in focus groups. The interviews will cover issues such as possible ways of using the check-list in their different contexts. After clinical application, the focus groups will regather to reflect and discuss their experiences. The project and its findings will primarily be disseminated in a report, but the material is also assumed to result in a more elaborated publication that will be presented in congresses and used in educations. Louise Nygård, 08-524 837 92, louise.nygard@ki.se
Lena Rosenberg, 08-524 837 52. lena.rosenberg@ki.se
http://ki.se/ki/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=7994&a=15150&l=sv
On a bicycle made for two- technology for family carers of older people
Family members provide the majority of help and support to frail older people living at home. Family carers are usually spousal carers living together at home or adult children who live some distance away from their ageing parents. This study aimed to gain more knowledge about family carers who use assistive devices and new technologies when helping to care for their relative. Focus group interviews were carried out with working carers under 65 years of age and with carers over 80 years of age who looked after an older relative. Interviewees explained that they regularly used assistive devices when caring for their relative and that they helped to make their lives easier.
A common problem raised was a general lack of information about the range and types of assistive devices available to them as carers. Education was seen as important to increase their awareness about products and services and as a way of developing informal support networks with each other. The findings highlight the need for education about family caring targeted at practitioners and decision makers so that they routinely included family carers in the equation when planning and implementing support services for older people. Also, for product and service developers to engage in a dialogue with carers as early as possible in the design process so that they better understand the complexity of family caring and are able to exploit the potential benefits and minimise the difficulties of new prototype products/services for older people.
Optical Aid Accessory
Aakeson.form HB project concerns a product for activating elderly bound to stay in bed, for example watching television. The project See90 is an accessory for glasses allowing for a view of 90 degrees upwards or downwards. The project aim is to evaluate the product in cooperation with the company Grensebroen.
Financial support: 110 000 SEK
Project manager: Anita Åkesson, emil: aakesson@se90.se
Webb: http://www.se90.se/
Orthopaedic technology service at Care Centres
The company Team Ortopedteknik has run two projects at Care Centres in Halland, south Sweden. Orthopaedic engineers have met elderly patients in local Care Centres. The result shows that the time from that the patient meet the doctor to he/she receive the assistive device (orthosis, insoles etc.) decreased with over 25%. The patients received this service at ordinary visits to the Care Centre, they did not need to travel to the orthopaedic workshop. The project experience is also that it is of great importance to involve the personnel on the Care Centre.
Financial support: 58 000 SEK (part 1) + 100 000 SEK (part 2).
Project coordinator: Johan Lindqvist, Tfn: +46 35 13 12 56,
email: johan.lindqvist@teamortopedteknik.se
Webb: www.teamortopedteknik.se
Outdoor training for elderly
To prepare conditions for planning preventive training with outdoor equipment for older people. The pattern is China, where older people are practicing for free outdoors in colorful, accessible and simple equipment that also acts as a meeting place. The goal is that all older people who are not too disabled to practise preventive shall be able to train in an attractive way.
The combined result of an inventory of training equipment, studies of older peoples living and habitats and investigation of how the equipment best should be placed will be presented in a report. The report shall inspire players to implement and provide health education for the elderly in their outdoor environment.
Financial support: 230 000 SEK
Project manager: Cecilia Jensfelt, Tfn: +46 826 72 09, email: cecilia@jensfelt.se
Power assisted wheelchair
J & D Assisting Systems have developed a wheelchair which combines human power and a battery powered engine. The project included a new prototype as well as test and verification to ensure that relevant requirement specifications had been met.
Financial support: 300,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Daniel Petersson, email: daniel@assistingsystems.se
Webb: http://assistingsystems.se/
Relative’s need for assistive technology
European Care Consult in Kalmar has been assigned to carry out a study that will increase knowledge of what family carers require in assistive technology and new aids that can help providing care and support. This study focuses both on working persons who care and support relatives above the age of 65 and on family members older than 80 years that help and care for relatives at home.
Project Coordinator: Lennart Magnusson
Email: lennart.magnusson@hb.se
Webb: http://www.hb.se
Requirements of elderly people in dwellings
The project is a preparatory study of an information website and of educational measures within the field of the accessibility in dwellings. The background is that the accessibility of dwellings is one important prerequisite for elderly people’s living. Most elderly lives in ordinary dwellings. The problem is that so many of the ordinary dwellings are inaccessible. The number of accessible dwellings has to be increased to meet the needs of elderly people in order to make it possible to stay where they live or to have the possibilities to move to a better dwelling. The only way to achieve this is by rebuilding existing houses of dwellings. In addition should of course all the few new dwellings being built be fully accessible. These measures require extensive information and educational measures to all in the building and dwelling branch. The project will from interviews with experts and other actors suggest how a website with information of accessibility in dwellings and how an education in the same field can be built up and what it should content.
Financial support: 200 000 SEK
Project manager: Leif Jahlenius, Tfn: +46 8702 18 29, Email: lj-utbildning@bredband.net
Scenarios, Technologies and Guidelines
SICS Swedish Institute of Computer Science AB has in this project trough workshops and a study identified different scenarios and technologies in the home environment and infrastructure. The project narrows down the technologies that can be used when placing (health-)care devices in elderly homes. In recent years, technology has become ubiquitous and broadband access widespread. Both outbreaks have created possibilities for elderly people to stay longer at home and the health-care system has seen technology improvements as the trigger for moving some activities into homes. In addition, a number of care-related technologies have started to appear in order to address the needs of that particular market. Most of these technologies seek to enrich homes with life-improvement devices of various sorts, e-shopping, neighbourhood information services, etc. Apart from the economical
savings that can be generated by partly shifting care-giving into homes, there are a number of more subtle gains. The well-being of the elderly population and an improved acceptance of care and of their new situation as elderly being two examples.
Financial support: 375 000 SEK
Project manager: Emmanuel Frécon, Tfn: +46 8633 15 34, email: emmanuel.frecon@sics.se
Webb: www.sics.se
(Contact Bengt Andersson att SHI, bengt.andersson@hi.se if you are interested of the report from this project)
SEEnior - effective rehab for AMD patients
The Project SEEnior is developed as a Scandinavian cooperation. It contains a test- and training material aimed at professionals and patients within low vision rehabilitation. During spring 2009 a number of SEEminars will be arranged along with advertisements and website information in order to implement SEEnior at Swedish low vision clinics, care for the elderly and eye care. The objective is to make it possible all over the country to work, obtain and follow up dry AMD patients using the same methods. Four brochures, two instruments for testing and a manual is included in the SEEnior-material. However, it concerns just as much the patient’s attitude - ”to be able to manage just as well even if the vision is worse than before”. An invitation and a comprehensive presentation of the material will be produced along with a full power point presentation with films and explanations. The education will be performed at 10 - 15 SEEminars and all these events will be documented and presented in media and in a conclusion/summary. The sale promotion and the sales of the material will also be described.
Financial support: 350 000 SEK
Project coordinator: Krister Inde, +46 70 5734201, email:krister@inde.nu
Webb: www.hik.se/senior
Senior care with technology and colour
The Social and Elderly Care Administration of the Municipality of Katrineholm is carrying out a pre-study as well as developing technology and colour schemes. The project will be integrated with the ongoing process of developing and rebuilding the Lovåsen nursing home. The project seeks to raise quality of life for the elderly residents by using new technology and colour schemes that will help to raise skills and knowledge for the nursing home and its partners.
Financial support: 400,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Kerstin Therus, email: Kerstin.Therus@Katrineholm.se
Webb: http://www.katrineholm.se/
SeniorHousing portal and Guide
The Active Senior Network aims at further developing the existing portal www.aktivsenior.se with SeniorHousing information and a comprehensive SeniorHousing guide. In the SeniorHousing guide all senior citizen housing projects, both under construction and in the planning stages will be registered. The aim is to enable senior citizens to find information about senior citizen housing options, whether in their own town or in other places they are interested in. Active Senior also contributes to starting up local SeniorHousing associations.
Financial support: 195 000 SEK
Project manager: Ulf Selin, Tfn: +46 40 44 90 60, e-post: ulf.selin@aktivsenior.se
Webb: http://www.aktivsenior.se
Seniorportal
This project was to in Blekinge perform a study in possible education in everyday technology for elderly people, relatives and professionals that meet elderly people.
Therefore the aim was also to work for cooperation between elderly, professionals and the manufacturers of technical aids for everyday use. The thesis is a contribution for continuous work and development of education in everyday technology.
In this study elderly people, professionals meeting elderly people and relatives have contributed. Thus the responsibility as a whole and staff with daily care of elderly people is represented; care for elderly people, assistance, Handikapporganisationernas Samarbetsorgan (HSO), special interest organizations, and other various groups. Meetings have been between individuals and information has been exchanged by lectures and gatherings.
There is an evident need of education in every day techniques in Blekinge and later on national basis. The results show unanimous that elderly people, relatives and professionals in care of elderly people is in need of new knowledge in the range of modern technical assistive devices and the use of such.
In the study it emerged desires of yet not cared needs of technical solutions in the home, and moreover a mobile exhibition. There are reasons to use interdisciplinary knowledge where elderly people, staff caring for elderly people, technicians and pedagogues can contribute in common educational programmes.
Education in everyday technology is one of the tools for a wider use of and development of technical everyday aids and contributes to an increased social availability for elderly people.
Financial support: 250 000 kronor.
Project manager: Birgitta Pisch, Tfn: +46 457464 011
email: birgitta.pisch@irishadar.se
Survey of Attitudes towards assisted devices Used in Daily Life
Survey directed towards members of SPF, Sweden's second largest senior organization.
Etac and Sveriges Pensionärsförbund (SPF) have conducted a pre-study, a benefit analysis and an evaluation of the mail ordering catalogue "Smarta produkter i vardagen"/ "Smart Products in Daily Life". The aim with the project has been to test the attitudes among seniors, as well as, to investigate the commercial potential to sell and distribute, primarily, ADL products via the mail ordering channel and web shop channel. The result will be presented in August, 2009.
Financial support: 400 000 SEK
Project manager: Lars Renström, email: lars.renstrom@etac.se
Webbplats: http://www.etac.se/
Survey of swedish companies’ work with products aimed for the need of people above 65 – kitchen and bathroom
Ravell International AB has interviewed representatives for 17 Swedish companies. The result shows that there are companies which have long-term strategies to develop and market products for the elderly (for example: Electrolux, Gustavsberg AB and Härjedalskök AB).
Financial support: 100,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Jan Ravell,
Email: jan.ravell@telia.com
Technical home services – a profitable business?
Teknikomsorgen Sverige AB in Stockholm has developed methods and services and to test the market for personal technical services regarding computers and home electronics for an elderly target group. The business idea is to offer the target group personal technical coaches that help elderly people in their homes to handle computers and other home electronics. In case of good experiences of the project the management will increase the business.
Financial support: 400 000 SEK
Project manager: Per Bergman, Tfn: +46 77132 42 00, email:per.bergman@teknikomsorgen.se
Webb: www.teknikomsorgen.se
Technology for grand parents
The non-profit association Nordväxt Intressenter has encouraged new ideas through an inventors competition for upper-secondary school pupils in the Stockholm area. For the first time the local competition had a specific theme – Technology for Elderly. The aim was to interest pupils in developing useful aids for their grandparents and other close elderly relatives. Pupils in grade 6–9 in the Stockholm area developed 26 ideas and inventions. The ideas were presented to companies and product developers at the annual exhibition held at The National Museum of Science and Technology.
Financial support: 54,500 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Lennart Nyström, email: info@nordvaxt.nu
Tfn: +46 8 669 54 84
Webb: http://www.nordvaxt.nu/
Technology support for family carers
Do female and male family carers have similar needs for assistive technology and technical support at home? The Rehabilitation Department at the School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, is carrying out a study to clarify this issue. The study also seeks to increase understanding of how family carer advisors perceive family carers’ need for assistive technology. Furthermore, the project intends to clarify to what extent technical support/services correspond to the needs of the family carers.
Financial support: 883,900 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Anita Björklund, email: bjan@hhj.hj.se
Tfn: +46 36 10 12 65
Webb: http://www.hhj.hj.se/
Television viewing as care
The aim is to develop a strategy where TV viewing can be used as part of care work. The project is an application of the results of the project: TV viewing and dementia, which ended in 2008. Together with the medical staff at two nursing homes in Malmö, the results will be translated, tested and evaluated. The project emphasizes spatial and communicative aspects and experience of working with people with dementia. The project involve people with expertise on dementia, architecture, technology and physical therapy.
The result from the first project, TV viewing and dementia, is presented in an article in the book at ”DEMENTIA, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY”, published by IOS Press 2009, http://www.iospress.nl
Financial support: 380 000 SEK (part 1) + 517 000 SEK (part 2)
Project manager: Elisabeth Dalholm Hornyánszky
Tfn +46 462223342, email: Elisabeth.Dalholm_Hornyanszky@design.lth.se
The ACTION programme
ACTION stands for Assisting Carers using Telematics Interventions to meet older people’s need. The ACTION programme consists of:
1. Information and educational programs with information regarding care taking in every day life.
2. Support by an ACTION-centre where the caregivers can call and get advice from professionals.
3. A videophone computer with a special secure network where the caregivers have access to an online network of health care personnel and other caregivers in Sweden. This provides a support network consisting of professional advice from staff and the sharing of knowledge and experiences with others in the same situation.
4. Educational support of how to use the ACTION-service; how to find information in the special designed programs and how to use the videophone, e-mail and internet.
The following projects have been granted financial support:
ACTION-service in the tenant’s TV
The Municipality of Oskarshamn’s housing company Byggebo has carried out a pre-study regarding the technical, organisational and economic prerequisites for delivering ACTION-service in open IP networks to elderly residents’ TVs. The company will also examine opportunities to offer additional services and products through this network. Furthermore, it will outline improved technical solutions and potential cost savings.
Financial support: 450,000 kronor.
Project Coordinator: Mats Adelgren, email: info@byggebo.se
Webb: http://www.byggebo.se/
ACTION – assistance to relatives in sparesly populated areas, Jämtland
The Federation of Municipalities in the County of Jämtland is developing and assessing ACTION-service for elderly and their family carers in sparesly populated areas in Mid Sweden.
In the second part of the project, efforts will be further developed in six municipalities in Jämtland.
Financial support: 400,000 SEK (part 1) + 1400,000 SEK (part 2)
Project Coordinator: Suzanne Göransson, email: suzanne.goransson@ostersund.se
Tfn: +46 63 14 32 36
Webb: http://www.ostersund.se/
ACTION – assistance to relatives in sparesly populated areas, Västernorrland County
The Federation of Municipalities in the County of Västernorrland is developing and assessing ACTION-service. An IT support service for elderly and their family carers is also being developed and assessed.
Financial support: 1200,000 SEK (part 1) + 600,000 SEK (part 2).
Project Coordinator: Gunhild Nyberg, email: gunhild.nyberg@y.komforb.se
Tfn: +46 611 55 78 50
Webb: http://www.y.komforb.se/
ACTION – assistance to relatives in sparesly populated areas in Västerbotten County
The Municipality of Malå is developing and evaluating ACTION-service for elderly and their family carers in the municipalities of Malå, Norsjö and Sorsele in Västerbotten. In the second part of the project, the service is implemented and developed further.
Financial support: 150,000 SEK (part 1) + 390,300 kronor (part 2).
Project Coordinator: Mari-Louise Lundqvist, email: mari-louise.lundqvist@mala.se
Tfn: +46 953140 00
Webb: http://www.mala.se/
The way to movements
The aim of the project is to increase the knowledge of how persons with dementia are able to keep up their mobility to move to the greatest extent possible.
We have developed an information base (a booklet), with pictures and easily accessible text that can be used by people who meet persons with dementia during daily transfer situations. The booklet is also meant to be used for educational purposes. The content describes how one meet and give support and help to a person with dementia, so that he or she will be able use his or hers ability to move.
For informational and educational purposes an example of a good hygiene environment (bath & toilet) have been constructed, with adapted colouring and support handles. During the autumn in 2009 a bedroom will be constructed for the same purpose.
The knowledge that we have acquired during this project and the material that we created will be used to educate people who meet persons with dementia. Courses will be offered to people in key positions so they can spread the knowledge further. The booklet will also be for sale.
As a first step Cristina Wångblad and Cécile Schilliger will present the result at the Physical Therapist day, September 10th 2009, as a poster presentation.
Cécile Schilliger
031-13 85 62
cecili.schilliger@hmc.se
www.hmc.se
TimeCard
Ramatek AB Developing a digital kitchen timer to be easier for elderly people with hearing problems. The product should communicate with light signals instead of traditional audio signals. For the product to be commercially viable, it is important that the product has an attractive design and packaging.
The intention is to produce prototypes for testing in the living environment of older people with hearing loss and persons with reduced muscle strength.
Video telephony in Solna
The City of Solna’s Care Administration, has received financial support to study how a group of people with foreign background support and care for their elderly. The study will answer if IT can serve as support for making daily life easier for family carers. Ten families will, whitin the frame of the project, receive training and access to IT in order to communicate and collect information.
Financial support: 500,000 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Judit Horvath-Lindberg, email: judit.horvathlindberg@solna.se
Tfn: +46 8 734 28 72
Webb: http://www.solna.se
When memory fails
The project “When memory fails” aims to develop an indoor environment where individuals with cognitive loss, their friends and relatives as well as health care staff can get information regarding existing products, services, aids and environmental adaptations which are available to make everyday life easier.
A day care model for persons with early stage dementia will be developed in order to enhance support, social interaction and information. Cooperation with various related organizations and businesses will be started.
The results from the project will be available for implementation nationally.
The project started 2008-10-01 and will end 2009-09-30.
