Abstract :
A smart environment is a residential or other setting equipped with a set of advanced electronics, sensors and automated devices specifically designed for care delivery, remote monitoring, early detection of problems or emergency cases and promotion of residential safety and quality of life. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are utilized to allow various populations including citizens with chronic conditions, disabilities, older adults and families to live independently in their preferred environment. Thus, systems are patient-centered rather than institution-centered as they are designed to address the needs of the elderly, their families and caregivers rather than these of health care facilities. Technology advances rapidly and it is an imperative to ensure that smart environments are designed, implemented and evaluated properly addressing not only technical challenges but also the end users´ needs, ethical, clinical and policy issues and the design of sustainable and non-obtrusive interventions.
