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This project focuses on developing a cost-effective in-house system to assist clients with intellectual disabilities in a non-intrusive manner. By utilizing network cameras and various software tools, caregivers can monitor clients in real-time and maintain efficient communication. The system allows for the display of useful information to support independence while ensuring necessary contact with support professionals. Demonstrated to Cedar Lakes, this approach aims to enhance client safety and independence, representing a progressive evolution in personal home care technology.
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PERSONAL INTERACTIVE COMPUTER NETWORK TECHNOLOGY BASED SUPPORT Christopher E. Lang Computer Electronic Networking Dept. of Technology Eastern Kentucky University
Outline of the Project • Develop a cost effective in-house system for monitoring and assisting clients with intellectual disabilities • Implement the system in a simulated environment • Finally assess the practicality and functionality of the system
MOTIVATION • I wanted my project to have more of a purpose than just personal interest • I have been affiliated with Cedar Lake Inc. for my whole life through my father • I have worked and volunteered with them on many occasions • I am very familiar with there staff and clients
Goal of the Caregiver According to the vice-president of Cedar Lake: “The goal of most caregivers is to allow the individual to live as independently as possible with minimum staff intervention.”
Goal of the Caregiver He goes on to state that: “However, the support that a person with intellectual disabilities needs varies and depends on significant personal contact with a direct support professional. Support professional provide necessary training, oversight and feedback on various critical aspects of daily living. Patient needs and patient-caregiver interaction requires both timeliness and personal contact.”
INTRODUCTION(the old way of providing care) • A group home or staffed residence with 3-8 clients and 1-2 staff, 24-7 • A supported residence where the person is regularly checked up on • Care for a person in a health care facility
INTRODUCTION (The new way of providing care) • Using network cameras and other network equipment a caregiver can monitor several clients 24 hours a day even if they are in different residences and living arrangements. • This is predominantly outsourced to another company.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT • Create a system that can monitor a client in a domestic environment without being intrusive • Enable two way communication between the caregivers and client • Display useful information to the client to help them in their everyday life
PROPOSED SOLUTION • Hardware: Set up a simulated computer network utilizing webcams • D-link – Router • Logitech – Webcams • Computers • Software: Use freeware to demonstrate the practicality of a working system. • Active Webcam – Webcam monitor • Real VNC – Remote desktop • Teamspeak – Audio chat
Active Webcam(webcam monitor) • A webcam broadcasting and monitoring program • Allows monitoring of many webcams simultaneously • Uses password protection for video feeds • www.pysoft.com
Teamspeak(audio chat) • Controls all voice communications • Allows easy monitoring of the audio • Easy to change between clients • Secured by using passwords for each channel • www.Goteamspeak.com
Real VNC(Remote Desktop) • A remote desktop package • That allows full control of a clients’ PC • Allows the caregiver to access the clients PC and keep it up and running without any assistance from the client or onsite personnel
Cost analysis My system • $950-$1100 Setup cost • Monitoring varies • $50 a month DSL connection Rest Assured • $3500-$5000 setup • $5 an hour monitoring • $50 a month DSL connection
RESULTS • Establishment of 2-way audio and video communication between 2 clients and one caregiver • Ability to maintain client computers and display useful information to the clients
RESULTS • The system was demonstrated to a representative of Cedar Lakes who deemed it a viable solution • I believe that this system can make life a little more independent and safe for the clients but not replace having some one visit the client and access their health and well-being
CONCLUSIONS • Technology is the future for every industry although the personal home care environment of the health care industry sometimes seems to be on the tail end • Technology can help the recovers of that care live more independent lives • Through my work on this project I have gained a better understanding of how to pursue a new technology in a professional and sometimes reluctant environment
FUTURE WORK • I will demonstrate this for Cedar Lake staff within the next 60 days • It develop a single program to perform all the functions of the three current programs • There are additional features that were discussed that are useful but not essential at this time • Client database • Motion detectors
Questions Goclone1@yahoo.com