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Abstract

Family caregivers are a critical component in home care. Employee caregivers carry an additional set of demands that overlay their caregiving responsibilities. Work accommodations may result in loss of work time, pay, and benefits with detrimental income and retirement implications. Can technology be used to better manage the dual demands of employment and caregiving? Through the aegis of the Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration Technology Opportunity Program, this question is addressed through the development and testing of an innovative telecare system designed to support working caregivers concerned about vulnerable adults or older adults at home. Known as the Worker Interactive Networking (WIN) Project, an Internet-based telecommunication program was developed to promote workplace intergroup support and links to a home-based wireless sensor monitoring system (Nursense) that informs and alerts the worker about his or her personalized areas of oversight concern. This article presents the background and development of this application, the nursing framework, and the implications for home care.

Keywords

smart home computational sensor technology caregiving gerontechnology community informatics home monitors

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Linking Home Care and the Workplace through Innovative Wireless Technology: The Worker Interactive Networking (WIN) Project

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