SBIR-STTR Award

The Problem and CreateAbility Concepts Inc.'s Proposed Solution The life expectancy of the average American continues to increase as does the average age in rural America. Older adults (people 65 years and older) of today live longer and seek more independence than their predecessors just a decade ago. With this increased desire for independence comes a growing emphasis on maintaining health and function. Research shows that maintaining activities of living (sleep quality and quantity nutrition hygiene mobility and toileting) are key to achieving this goal. Rural older adults (24% of those over 65) are no exception to this trend. Unlike their counterparts in urban areas rural seniors have shortcomings in these activities of living that translate to poorer health outcomes. Their low proximity to medical professionals home health aids and non-medical care exacerbates this problem. The ALERT system a new technology under development by Create Ability Concepts Inc. (an Indiana-based small business) in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) designed to fill the gap via an enhanced interactive system that engages the older adult in taking a more active role in activities of living and reduces sedentary tendencies without leaving their own communities. This project will demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of the ALERT system. The ALERT system combines interactive avatar technology with an innovative approach and state-of-the-art sensors and software to deliver an advanced system capable of engaging with the older adult to achieve improved health outcomes for older rural Americans. Phase I objectives are: 1) determine end user requirements 2) develop a proof-of-concept prototype of the ALERT system 3) conduct a pilot study to evaluate the prototype and demonstrate feasibility and 4) assess the impact on rural areas. Phase II will focus on further development of the technology for seniors and the primary market Community-Bases Service Companies (HBSC) who often provide care for seniors aging in place. Phase II outcomes are expected to focus on demonstrating improved health outcomes (earlier identification of a problem reduced hospitalizations etc.) and reduction in costs for HBSCs (resulting in the ability to serve a larger market). Anticipated Results and Commercial Applications At the conclusion of this SBIR Project CreateAbility Concepts Inc. and its collaborators at USF will have fully developed the ALERT system in preparation for commercialization. The demand for the ALERT system is expected to be high among the target market HBSCs who want to have a presence with their patient 24/7 even when they are not with them physically and be able to enhance the coordination with the rural senior and minimize the risk of non-compliance or non-safe behaviors. In addition to meeting the needs of HBSC's CreateAbility is confident will meet the needs of seniors aging in place and will quickly become their preferred method of third- party monitoring for its enjoyment and ease of use. Engaging with older rural adults in the development of this technology from the ground up will ensure compliance.