In two exciting new projects, MIRA is working with industry partners to support older adults to live safely and independently through practical, person-centred technology.
In the first of the new projects, CHAH Technology, Stay at Home Nursing (SAHN) and a team of MIRA researchers led by Louise Lafortune are evaluating the usefulness of an AI enabled predictive monitoring system. This system aims to reduce falls, hospitalizations and other adverse events by detecting early signs of risk and providing timely alerts to care teams. The project will help determine how well this type of monitoring fits into everyday homecare and whether it can reduce adverse events for older adults.
The second project brings Easy Aging, Thriving.ai and MIRA researchers — organized by MIRA research manager Audrey Patocs — together to design and test customized technology packages that support older adult independence and safety at home. These personalized bundles may include tools for communication, daily routines, health tracking or environmental monitoring.
The MIRA team will receive nearly $300,000 from envisAGE, part of the total $3 million in envisAGE funding awarded to projects.
Both initiatives are part of envisAGE, a national network that accelerates the development and adoption of technologies supporting aging in place. As a Beachhead, MIRA plays a key role in connecting industry innovators with academic researchers, helping teams refine concepts, study their impact and test real world solutions that respond to the needs of Canada’s aging population. Four additional projects were announced at the same time.
These project join two existing envisAGE projects at MIRA.
AI-powered homecare: Acceptability and feasibility of predictive monitoring technology to reduce hospitalizations, falls, and other adverse events for Canadians healing and aging at home
Partners
Stay at Home Nursing (SAHN) & Comprehensive Health Care at Home (CHAH), MIRA
Team members
- Louise Lafortune (MIRA PI), Health Sciences
- Audrey Patocs, MIRA
- Qiyin Fang, Engineering
- Aaron Jones, Health Sciences
- Ruhai Wu, Business
- Robert Stanley, SAHN & CHAH
- Cindy English, SAHN
- Demi Osiyale, SAHN
- Kara Stanley, CHAH
- Vittoria Accmazzi, CHAH
- Jin Jiang, CHAH
Personalized tech packages for aging in place: Creation and assessment of a systematic approach for empowering older adults to live a safer, better life through technology
Partners
Easy Aging, Thriving.ai, Guelph Wellington Seniors Association, Schlegel Villages, U of Waterloo / RIA, MIRA
Team members
- Ran Manor, Easy Aging
- Audrey Patocs, MIRA
- Shainoor Khoja, Thriving.ai
- Audrey Bishop Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
- Lora Bruyn-Martin, Schlegel Villages
- Cosmin Monteanu, U of Waterloo / RIA
