An algorithm developed at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA utilizes security cameras and facial recognition software to monitor the whereabouts of multiple nursing home residents inside a nursing home.
13 residents were used in a trail at an actual nursing home under normal conditions. Using the technology, nursing homes were able to pinpoint the location of individual nursing home residents with an 88% success rate. Prior efforts had only yielded success rates in the 35-55%.
Researchers use the comparison to the “Marauder’s Map” in the Harry Potter books. Picture a two dimensional layout with moving dots signifying the nursing home residents.
The technology distinguishes one resident from another by face recognition, color of clothing, and motion trajectory.
Matched with a corresponding alarm system, this technology could make significant improvements in resident safety.
Regular readers of this blog and followers of nursing home news in general will be aware of the growing number of incidents of nursing home violence. Speaking anecdotally, the number of times I’ve written about resident on resident violence has grown significantly in the past two years.
If nursing home staff could be alerted when a resident enters the room of another resident, for instance, many of these incidents could potentially be avoided.
Of course, unless nursing homes maintain a proper number of staff members to deal with any situation, no amount of technology can prevent incidents of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect.
If you have a loved one in a Chicago area nursing home, and they have been the victims of resident violence or any kind of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact my law offices for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, we never charge a fee unless we win a recovery for you.