IBM Cognitive computing to search reasons behind eldercare problems

IBM and the companies operated by Avamere plan a 6-month research project that will apply the power of IBM cognitive computing to assist caregivers make better eldercare at senior living and health centers.
The agencies say that, by observing data streaming from sensors in senior living facilities, Avamere expects to gain insights into physical and atmospheric conditions, and acquire deeper learnings into the factors that impact thirty-day hospital readmission rates in sufferers.
Avamere is working with IBM researchers to review movement, air quality, gait analysis, usually seen as factors that generally lead to fall risk, and daily activities, involving personal hygiene, sleeping patterns, incontinence and trips to the bathroom.
IBM cognitive computing will observe this streaming sensor data to assist Avamere create and maintain a contextual understanding of its residents.
"By merging the expertise of IBM in cognitive eldercare with Avamere's knowledge of sufferers in the post-acute setting, we can gain insights that might assist transform the way individuals age in place," stated Ruoyi Zhou, director of accessibility research at IBM. "Helping Avamere uncover new insights can assist family members, caregivers, nurses and physicians recognize potential risks and better prescribe care to minimize hospital readmission."
"Smarter care management and creative population health solutions are essential to meet the ever-evolving requirements of our seniors," claims John W. Morgan, CEO of Avamere.
Infinity Rehab, which gives physical, occupational and speech therapy to Avamere patients and residents, has already taken measures to integrate data collection and analysis into existing modalities to standardize therapies across the whole company. By integrating extra data sources, like sensors, Infinity Rehab and Avamere expect to make better patient outcomes, increase efficiencies, and decrease cost to payers.