Implications of the emerging home systems technologies for rehabilitation

This paper gives a review of the current and anticipated developments in Integrated Home Systems and raises the implications these have in the field of rehabilitation. Firstly, the systems under consideration are defined and their development world-wide outlined. An overview of the European Home Systems Specification is given. The implications of this technology for rehabilitation are then raised considering: environmental control in the home; how people with degenerative conditions may be more readily able to remain in their homes as condition progresses; and remote health monitoring. The expectation that the initial impact will be in the area of environment control is stated, and a closer look at this field is made comparing current with anticipated systems. An outline is given of the TIDE Project HS-ADEPT (Home Systems--Access for Disabled and Elderly People to this Technology). The key findings of the survey of users made at the outset of the project, relevant to this paper, are given. The ongoing work of the project is described in brief. The continuing developments in Integrated Home Systems and in particular the issue of standards are noted. Concluding comments are offered in the hope of stimulating the necessary interdisciplinary discussion if this technology is to realize its full potential in the field of rehabilitation.