The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has awarded $4.5 million over three years to white label Internet of Things (IoT) software provider, People Power to focus on developing in-home care supportive solutions for dementia caregivers. National Institute on Aging mission is to improve the health and wellness of older Americans through biomedical, social and behavioral research focused on aging processes and age-related diseases.
The results of the collaborative research with University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) will produce critical information about how connected in-home services can best administer assistance and peace of mind to caregivers actively involved in providing care for a family member with dementia. Additionally, these findings will improve quality of life to help aging adults live more independently.
To address a large and expanding global market opportunity, the goal of the initiative is the development of an affordable commercial service to increase safety and quality of life for both caregivers and persons with dementia. Building upon the foundation of People Power’s low cost, easy-to-install intelligent home security solutions, the customized service will target the critical needs of family caregivers including personal safety, health, daily activity monitoring and social integration.
“Caregiving for persons with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases can be extremely stressful, and many caregivers experience marked declines in mental and physical health,” said Dr. Robert W. Levenson, Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley. “Our participation in this collaborative research with People Power will address the profound intertwining of the lives and well-being of caregivers and persons with dementia as they engage in one of life’s most challenging and intimate relationships.”
