Informed decision making for in-home use of motion sensor-based monitoring technologies

Motion sensor-based monitoring technologies are designed to maintain independence and safety of older individuals living alone. These technologies use motion sensors that are placed throughout older individuals' homes in order to derive information about eating, sleeping, and leaving/returning home habits. Deviations from normal behavioral patterns are detected using statistical analysis of activities of daily living. Sensors are linked to mobile devices and secure Web pages in order to transmit information to designated caregivers who live outside the home. It is difficult to make informed decisions about purchasing new technologies. This article describes elements for making informed decisions about purchasing motion sensor-based monitoring technologies and factors that could be used to evaluate these technologies. Case managers, physicians, nurses, and social workers may be asked to help older individuals and their families make informed purchasing decisions. Recommendations and practical tools are provided to best support these professionals in their dialog with older individuals and their families.