Affiliations: [a] Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy | [b] Research & Development Department Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Vincenza Frisardi, MD, Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. E-mail: vfrisardi@yahoo.com.
Abstract: In an aging world, maintaining good health and independence for as long as possible is essential. Instead of hospitalization or institutionalization, the elderly with chronic conditions, especially those with cognitive impairment, can be assisted in their own environment with numerous ‘smart’ devices that support them in their activity of daily living. A “smart home” is a residence equipped with technology that facilitates monitoring of residents to improve quality of life and promote physical independence, as well as to reduce caregiver burden. Several projects worldwide have been conducted, but some ethical and legal issues are still unresolved and, at present, there is no evidence of the effects of smart homes on health outcomes. Randomized controlled trials are needed to understand the plus and minuses of these projects, but this will only be possible with a widespread proliferation and penetration of smart homes in the social network.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, domotics, information and communication technology, obtrusiveness, quality of life, smart homes
