Website: https://future-shape.com/en/system/

Reflection:

I arrived in Munich on Tuesday and then took the train to the small town Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn. I was so impressed by this area as it felt like everyone knew everyone. I came to this cafe beforehand and the people knew I was a foreigner but were very kind. Additionally, I came across a care home at the side of the street and enjoyed it had many windows for the seniors to see the outdoors and the community to view within. How do we ensure we build an environment where we can both mutually benefit? 

I went to meet Mr. Sebastian Stoll at the offices of FutureShape. I reached out to him asking to learn more about the technology he is working on. This technology fascinated me because I have been seeing how nurses come in and out of rooms throughout the night and disturb residents’ sleep. On my end, I will feel better knowing that my resident is in bed and/or if they do not want me to disturb them great, but I at least know they have not fallen. When we think about how can we ensure things are going okay, how do we bring in technology? Where is the balance? I ask this because sometimes I’ve seen how people use cameras instead of sensors which can in a way limit one’s right to privacy.  

It was a great honor to meet both Drs. Sebastian and Axel and hear how they have expanded their professional interests in this sector. I was deeply touched by hearing how holistic they envision this technology to be used not only for fall detection but also to see any behavioral changes over time and gait. For example, if a resident gets up every day at 3:00am to use the bathroom and no longer does that then what does that mean? In a way, they are able to provide more person-centered care and support when they notice patterns or when they are broken.  

This type of technology offers the opportunity to ensure care staff respect someone’s privacy and helps them feel more at ease knowing that nothing has occurred throughout the night such as falls which is a common time when that occurs. It also is helpful when a shortage of staff is occurring as someone can see where they have to be. My visit with them reminded me of the importance of using technology to help care staff provide more person-centered care and be a bit more at ease. They are currently working on future projects with the university to use this type of technology and I look forward to hearing more.

Danke FutureShape!