The portal monitor: a privacy-enhanced event-driven system for elder care

ABSTRACT

We describe an innovative monitoring system designed for elder care. This system is an example of privacy-aware design that addresses specific risks based on gerontology literature and confirmed by focus groups with representations of the target group. The design emphasizes data transparency, minimizes data collection and storage, and balances elder control with elder risks. By being event-driven, this monitor enables a caregiver to react more efficiently than with passive monitoring technologies such as traditional security cameras. By reducing cognitive load, the system empowers caregivers, and allows them to provide a higher quality of care -- thus allowing the elder to remain in their home as long as possible. We make innovative use of arguably the most pervasive communications infrastructure -- the cellular network -- to enhance elder autonomy without sacrificing their privacy.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.1 Public Policy Issues
          Subjects: Privacy; Ethics
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Reliability, Security

Keywords:
elder care, event-driven, monitoring, pervasive computing, privacy, ubiquitous computing