International Conference · 2023
iCareLoop: Data Management System for Monitoring Gerontological Social Isolation and Loneliness
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified social isolation and loneliness among the elderly, necessitating robust monitoring solutions. However, the effective management of a multitude of sensors, each with potentially different protocols and unreliable connections, poses a substantial challenge. Additionally, the administration of regular paper-based surveys to elderly individuals can prove problematic due to potential forgetfulness. To address these challenges, we have developed iCareLoop, a comprehensive data collection and management system equipped with an intuitive user interface (UI) specifically designed for the elderly. iCareLoop includes a user-friendly survey application, delivers visualizations of sensor and survey statuses, and features alert mechanisms for missing data, thereby streamlining data management for researchers. The current iteration of iCareLoop integrates initial stakeholder feedback and evaluates user satisfaction. Furthermore, preliminary analysis of the survey and sensor data provides an illustration of the potential uses and data quality of our system. We believe that the insights gleaned from this study can significantly inform future research on mobile elderly care in the post-COVID-19 era.
