1. The Hinthouse Purple B October 5th, 2006
Customer. Functional requirements. Design alternatives. Conclusiosn what learned
October 5th, 2006

2. Customer Needs Growing concern in independent living for elderly
35 million elderly in U.S.
Current Options:
nursing homes
assisted living
in-home long term care services
Memory Loss is a common problem
Rising need for assisted living, but technology can help people live independently longer and also reduce health care and nursing home costs. The issue is critical because the baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — began turning 60 this year and are rapidly approaching retirement age.
Studies show older adults overwhelmingly prefer to “age in place” in their existing homes and
communities, but may need to modify their existing home or move to another residence that is more accessible, more affordable or more appropriate in size to accommodate their changing needs.
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

3. Solution – The Hinthouse
Context sensitive voice reminder and alert system
Can be connected to variety of sensors around the home.
Problems: Cost, Lifestyle
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

4. Sketch Model: Using Pressure Pad/ Stove Sensor
Pressure Sensor linked to stove to alert user if stove is on
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

5. Multiple Sensor Applications
Pressure Sensor for Toilet Seat
Light Sensor
Heat Sensor for Bath
Alternatives
-Nursing Home costs are $70,000/year
-Smart Home systems that exist are integrated systems
-monitoring by strangers(health care), promotes independence
Water Sensor for Tap
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

6. Flexibility Possible types of Sensors: Sound intensity meter Bed pad
Pressure pad
Bed pad
Motion detector
Heat sensor (stove, sink
etc.)
Light intensity sensor
(lights left on, cabinets or
closets are opened, etc.)
Sound intensity meter
Door switch
Tilt sensor
Accelerometer (to sense
when things are moved)
Timer/Clock (internal to the
main device)
Problems: Cost, Lifestyle
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

7. Functional Requirements
Cost-Effective:
Cost of main units are <$10
Easy-Implementation:
Modular and Flexible
Small product casing and battery-powered
Privacy:
Reminder system rather than monitoring
Alternatives
-Nursing Home costs are $70,000/year
-Smart Home systems that exist are integrated systems
-monitoring by strangers(health care), promotes independence
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

8. What We Learned
Electronic components easier to assemble than expected.
Proper physical placement of sensors around the home will probably be the biggest challenge.
Installation methods need to be addressed (customer vs. contractor)
2005 survey(99 data)
17,000 nursing homes in the United States caring for over 1.6 million older adults
43.3 out of 1000 population
Home health care patients 277 out of 10,000
Percent of adults 65 years and over who need help with personal care from other persons: 6.3
Percent of 65 and over with disability : 40.5(05 ACS survey)
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

9. What We Learned 10/5/06 “Remember to Turn Your Stove Off!”
2005 survey(99 data)
17,000 nursing homes in the United States caring for over 1.6 million older adults
43.3 out of 1000 population
Home health care patients 277 out of 10,000
Percent of adults 65 years and over who need help with personal care from other persons: 6.3
Percent of 65 and over with disability : 40.5(05 ACS survey)
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

10. Questions?
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

11. Appendix A: Population Growth
Rising need for assisted living, but technology can help people live independently longer and also reduce health care and nursing home costs. The issue is critical because the baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — began turning 60 this year and are rapidly approaching retirement age.
Studies show older adults overwhelmingly prefer to “age in place” in their existing homes and
communities, but may need to modify their existing home or move to another residence that is more accessible, more affordable or more appropriate in size to accommodate their changing needs.
October 5th, 2006
Purple B

12. Appendix B: Pressure Mat Components
Rising need for assisted living, but technology can help people live independently longer and also reduce health care and nursing home costs. The issue is critical because the baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — began turning 60 this year and are rapidly approaching retirement age.
Studies show older adults overwhelmingly prefer to “age in place” in their existing homes and
communities, but may need to modify their existing home or move to another residence that is more accessible, more affordable or more appropriate in size to accommodate their changing needs.
October 5th, 2006
Purple B