The Internet of Things for Aging and Independent Living: A Modeling and Simulation Study

TL;DR

This paper presents a simulation model of an IoT-enabled care system in Sweden to analyze resource allocation, system behavior, and response times for elderly independent living, aiming to support aging populations and healthcare planning.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation framework for IoT-based elderly care systems, enabling analysis of resource needs and system performance under different scenarios.

Findings

The model helps identify resource shortages and excesses.

It assesses system response to increased alarm rates.

Supports planning for aging populations' healthcare needs.

Abstract

Population aging is affecting many countries, Sweden being one of them, and it may lead to a shortage of caregivers for elderly people in near future. Smart interconnected devices known as the Internet of Things may help elderly to live independently at home and avoid unnecessary hospital stay. For instance, a carephone device enables the elderly to establish a communication link with caregivers and ask for help when it is needed. In this paper, we describe a simulation study of the care giving system in the V\"axj\"o municipality in Sweden. The simulation model can be used to address various issues, such as, determining the lack or excess of resources or long waiting times, and study the system behavior when the number of alarms is increased.