ABSTRACT
Demand for telemedical services is increasing. Home care services are better equipped to meet this need than traditional alarm organizations for the elderly. The Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly People (TIDE) is a research and development initiative aimed at stimulating the creation of a single market in rehabilitation technology in Europe. The TIDE project is exploring 'state of the art' alarm provision for the elderly and disabled. Government policy is aimed at a reduction of the percentage of elderly living in medical and non-medical institutional settings. The policy trend in The Netherlands is to promote care in the community, rather than in institutions. Both Canada and The Netherlands have social security systems available to support aids for personal living, so the cost to the consumer may be small or non-existent. LIFELINE provides personal response systems and other services to people with health limitations, physical challenges or personal security needs.
