Sleeping patterns observation for bedsores and bed-side falls prevention

Disabled or cognition impaired elderly may lie in the bed most of their time. It is important to monitor their health conditions and look out for life threatening events in and around the bed continuously. Abrupt unassisted movements may lead to falls whereas the lack of desirable movements may cause bedsores. In order to alleviate these problems, we propose automated means of continuous and unobtrusive sleeping pattern observation through pressure sensing bed. By understanding of subjects’ states from observed pressure evidences, timely intervention and nursing care can be provided to subjects immediately. This enables provision of high quality care to frail and dependent elderly, and also enhances their quality of life in a cost-effective and resource-efficient manner.