Understanding the basics of ambient sensing

Ambient sensing works by installing devices in the living spaces—homes or senior care communities—of seniors. These sensors look similar to a smoke or CO2 detector and run 24/7. Typical placement would be one device per room, such as a bathroom, a bedroom, a kitchen and a living room. Once the resident consents to having the monitoring turned on, the sensors use radar to monitor mobility, sleep patterns, and movement of people in or out of the space, including if the resident leaves.

It’s important to note that these sensors are not collecting clinical information, making clinical decisions or replacing care team conversations with residents. They simply provide additional insights for the resident and care team. For example, let’s say the ambient sensors show an increase in bathroom use during the night. This could indicate a health issue the care team needs to address.

In a case like this, a resident might not remember exactly how often or how many times they were up during the night when talking with care staff. Without the sensing technology, it would be difficult for the care team to have detailed, accurate data about a situation like this since they’re not monitoring in-person, around the clock. Ambient sensing helps make up for that gap by providing insights that can potentially prevent health issues from getting worse.