"HausTeleDienst"--a CATV-based interactive video service for elderly people.
Since 1991, 17 elderly persons (aged 75 to over 90) in 15 households have been connected via TV-videophones to a service centre. A standard CATV network was modified to support a reverse channel. This has been world-wide the first fully interactive broadband video communications project implemented in a real setting and operating over an extended period of time. The overall aim has been to prove the ability of frail elderly and mobility-impaired persons to live independently, and to demonstrate strategies for reducing the load on social and health care service resources. Service components include remote care; information and assistance; emergency, counselling, training and exercise services. Practical experience, both from the side of the service provider and that of the users, is discussed. Simplicity of technical design and ease of handling contributed to a feeling of being empowered by the technology. In addition, the very personal and close relationship to the staff--which was strongly supported, not inhibited by the video communications--was a major factor in acceptance of the service. It proved a highly successful activity with a great potential for the future: In different contexts with newer technology, market trials are underway to commercialize this service.
Stroetmann
K A
KA
Gesellschaft für Kommunikations- und Technologieforschung mbH, Bonn, Germany. karl@empirica.com
Erkert
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004989:Ethics; D005610:Freedom; D005858:Germany; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011640:Public Policy; D012944:Social Support; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013690:Television