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Abstract
In an ageing world, maintaining good health and independence for as long as possible
is essential. Instead of hospitalization or institutionalization, the elderly and
disabled can be assisted in their own environment 24h a day with numerous 'smart'
devices. The concept of the smart home is a promising and cost-effective way of improving
home care for the elderly and the disabled in a non-obtrusive way, allowing greater
independence, maintaining good health and preventing social isolation. Smart homes
are equipped with sensors, actuators, and/or biomedical monitors. The devices operate
in a network connected to a remote centre for data collection and processing. The
remote centre diagnoses the ongoing situation and initiates assistance procedures
as required. The technology can be extended to wearable and in vivo implantable devices
to monitor people 24h a day both inside and outside the house. This review describes
a selection of projects in developed countries on smart homes examining the various
technologies available. Advantages and disadvantages, as well as the impact on modern
society, are discussed. Finally, future perspectives on smart homes as part of a home-based
health care network are presented.