Elderly monitoring at rural homes: Supporting older people living alone in rural territories, and providing new Silver Caregiver jobs that use IoT for monitoring
The solution, implemented in rural areas of Zamora, Spain, seeks to improve elderly care through technology and community-centred services. By combining IoT technology with social care, the solution addresses the challenges posed by rural depopulation and aging populations.
Objective(s): The main goal is to enhance the quality of life for older adults by increasing their safety and autonomy while creating employment opportunities, particularly for women, in rural areas. This initiative also promotes stronger community ties and tackles social isolation by integrating innovative care solutions.
Result(s): Over 500 IoT sensors have been installed across 240 rural households to monitor and ensure the safety of elderly residents. The system provides real-time alerts for health and environmental risks, allowing for quicker response times in emergencies. Families of beneficiaries have reported greater peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are under continuous care. The solution has also created new care-related jobs, empowering local women and fostering economic revitalization.
Practical implications/recommendations: The solution shows that technology can play a crucial role in addressing rural healthcare challenges. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public institutions, technology providers, and local communities. Policymakers and rural development organizations are encouraged to adopt similar models, leveraging IoT to deliver scalable care services. Furthermore, the solution's success highlights the potential for integrating smart care systems into broader rural development strategies to reduce depopulation and support vulnerable groups.
Additional information
The solution faced barriers related to deploying nearly 250 home systems in remote rural areas with poor connectivity. Training users and ensuring the technology was accessible were critical issues, compounded by tight implementation timelines.
Main technological challenges were related to system scalability, easy installation, and low intrusiveness. Devices had to be cost-effective, customizable, and capable of handling connectivity problems. Additionally, AI integration was necessary to detect changes in user behaviour, while a user-friendly app was essential for caregivers.
Some future actions/research should focus on improving IoT connectivity in remote areas and developing even more intuitive, low-maintenance systems. Expanding collaborations between local communities and technology providers can ensure scalability and adaptability. Additionally, advancements in AI for behaviour monitoring and the creation of more streamlined interfaces will help increase the project's reach and effectiveness.
Empowering rural communities to act for change
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine