Blueroof Technologies

The Development of a

Non-Profit Organization

Devoted to Extending

Elderly Independent Living

Blueroof Mission

Mentoring

Youth Blueroof Senior Citizens

Training Senior Smart house HousingEmployment Smart products Computer TrainingLive and work in Entrepreneurship Remain in communityMcKeesport

  

Blueroof Technologies Inc, is a non-profit corporation that will use innovation, invention and entrepreneurship to help senior citizens remain at home in their communities and to provide youth the opportunity to train and become responsible and productive citizens. The main components of Blueroof Technologies are:·        Economic Development·        Smart House Technology ·        Housing for Seniors·        Technical Education for youth·        Entrepreneurship

Blueroof Technologies

•Concepts began as result of findings uncovered by a Allegheny General Hospital Community Project

•Germinated an idea of combining technology with practicality

City of McKeesportCity of McKeesport

•Population: 24,000

•Unemployment rate: 7.2 % (PA is 6.1%)

•Subsidized housing: 20%

•Seniors (over age 60): 25 %

•NORC: naturally occurring retirement community

The McKeesport Aging ProgramThe McKeesport Aging Program

A Collaboration Between

Center for Neurosciences Research,Allegheny General Hospital

andUPMC McKeesport,

UPMC Health System

MAP Staff

• Robert T. Rubin, M.D., Ph.D., Principal InvestigatorRobert T. Rubin, M.D., Ph.D., Principal Investigator• Director, Ctr. Neurosci. Res., Allegheny General HospitalDirector, Ctr. Neurosci. Res., Allegheny General Hospital

• Sharyn A. Gesmond, R.N., M.S.N., Research NurseSharyn A. Gesmond, R.N., M.S.N., Research Nurse• MAPMAP Office, UPMC McKeesport Office, UPMC McKeesport

• Lisa L. Long, Ph.D., Research PsychologistLisa L. Long, Ph.D., Research Psychologist• MAPMAP Office, Allegheny General Hospital Office, Allegheny General Hospital

• Barry L. Farkas, M.D., M.P.H., Co-InvestigatorBarry L. Farkas, M.D., M.P.H., Co-Investigator• Independent ResearcherIndependent Researcher

History - MAP

• Started in 1997, supported by an endowment from an Started in 1997, supported by an endowment from an anonymous community donoranonymous community donor

• Mandate is to investigate community aspects of aging and Mandate is to investigate community aspects of aging and neurodegenerative diseases affecting independent living of neurodegenerative diseases affecting independent living of seniorsseniors

• McKeesport and White Oak selected as sites because of McKeesport and White Oak selected as sites because of demographics of seniors (2000 census):demographics of seniors (2000 census):• McKeesport: 21% ≥ 65 yearsMcKeesport: 21% ≥ 65 years

• 72% Caucasian, 25% African-American, 3% Other72% Caucasian, 25% African-American, 3% Other• White Oak: 24% ≥ 65 yearsWhite Oak: 24% ≥ 65 years

• 98% Caucasian, 2% African-American98% Caucasian, 2% African-American• Clairton, at their request, recently joined Clairton, at their request, recently joined MAPMAP

Keeping Elders Safe in Their HomesKeeping Elders Safe in Their Homes

• Three-part study designed to enhance independent Three-part study designed to enhance independent living for older adults; i.e., keep them safe in their living for older adults; i.e., keep them safe in their homes for as long as possiblehomes for as long as possible• Benefits their physical and emotional well-beingBenefits their physical and emotional well-being• Enhances quality of lifeEnhances quality of life• Reduces risk of accidents and injuriesReduces risk of accidents and injuries• Reduces Medicare expendituresReduces Medicare expenditures

• In last two years, UPMC McKeesport had 141 In last two years, UPMC McKeesport had 141 admissions age ≥ 60 for hip fracture and replacementadmissions age ≥ 60 for hip fracture and replacement

• Total Medicare payments = $2,141,288 or $15,186 per Total Medicare payments = $2,141,288 or $15,186 per patient, not including after-care (skilled nursing facility, patient, not including after-care (skilled nursing facility, physical therapy, etc.)physical therapy, etc.)

Keeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase IKeeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase I

• Five-year retrospective review of police and fire Five-year retrospective review of police and fire department records for contacts by seniorsdepartment records for contacts by seniors

• Completed to date (May 2002)Completed to date (May 2002)• McKeesport Fire Department:McKeesport Fire Department: all 5 years; 5,696 all 5 years; 5,696

records reviewed; 98 incidents determinedrecords reviewed; 98 incidents determined• 2/3 were smoke-related; most were burnt food 2/3 were smoke-related; most were burnt food

forgotten on stoveforgotten on stove• White Oak Police Department:White Oak Police Department: all 5 years; 25,655 all 5 years; 25,655

records reviewed; 338 incidents determinedrecords reviewed; 338 incidents determined• ~ ~ 20% vandalism; ~ 10% confusion, wandering; 20% vandalism; ~ 10% confusion, wandering;

~ 10% home theft; ~ 10% DOA; ~ 2% intoxication, DUI~ 10% home theft; ~ 10% DOA; ~ 2% intoxication, DUI• McKeesport Police Department:McKeesport Police Department: 3 years; 21,816 3 years; 21,816

records reviewed; 1,090 incidents determinedrecords reviewed; 1,090 incidents determined• ~ 25% vandalism; ~ 20% home theft; ~ 10% DOA;~ 25% vandalism; ~ 20% home theft; ~ 10% DOA;

~ 6% intoxication, DUI~ 6% intoxication, DUI

Keeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase IIKeeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase II

• In-Home Safety Surveys for seniors in independent-In-Home Safety Surveys for seniors in independent-living arrangements (houses, apartments)living arrangements (houses, apartments)• Room-by-room assessment of electrical, gas, heating, Room-by-room assessment of electrical, gas, heating,

lighting, smoke alarms, fire-protection, ambulation lighting, smoke alarms, fire-protection, ambulation hazards, home security, emergency notification hazards, home security, emergency notification methods, general home repairmethods, general home repair

• As of August 2002, 168 seniors included:As of August 2002, 168 seniors included:• 102 Caucasian and 29 African-American (22%) women102 Caucasian and 29 African-American (22%) women• 27 Caucasian and 10 African-American (27%) men27 Caucasian and 10 African-American (27%) men

• Preliminary findings indicate need for fall risk-reduction Preliminary findings indicate need for fall risk-reduction (e.g. stair treads, grab bars), bathroom accessibility, (e.g. stair treads, grab bars), bathroom accessibility, improved fire safety (e.g. working smoke alarms), improved fire safety (e.g. working smoke alarms), improved home security (e.g. glass-block windows), improved home security (e.g. glass-block windows), improved outside access (e.g. handicapped ramps)improved outside access (e.g. handicapped ramps)

Keeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase IIIKeeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase III

• In-Home Personal Health Assessments for seniors in In-Home Personal Health Assessments for seniors in independent-living arrangements (houses, apartments)independent-living arrangements (houses, apartments)• Personal and family medical history, review of systems, Personal and family medical history, review of systems,

current medications (Rx’ed and OTC), physical and current medications (Rx’ed and OTC), physical and cognitive status (MMSE, clock drawing), ADLs (including cognitive status (MMSE, clock drawing), ADLs (including driving), health habits (nutrition, exercise, sleep, smoking, driving), health habits (nutrition, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol, MD visits, financial (health insurance, living will, alcohol, MD visits, financial (health insurance, living will, advance directives, food assistance), family/social advance directives, food assistance), family/social activities, use of available senior programsactivities, use of available senior programs

• As of August 2002, 170 seniors included (Phase II + 2)As of August 2002, 170 seniors included (Phase II + 2)• Preliminary findings indicate need for depression Preliminary findings indicate need for depression

screening, ADL assistance (e.g. shopping), more social screening, ADL assistance (e.g. shopping), more social contacts, wills/advance directives, education about contacts, wills/advance directives, education about Rx’ed medications and community programsRx’ed medications and community programs

Giving Back to the Community – I   MAP Participants and Community at Large

• All Phase II/III participants given a package All Phase II/III participants given a package containing two 60-watt light bulbs, two night lights, containing two 60-watt light bulbs, two night lights, flashlight with batteries, smoke detector (if needed), flashlight with batteries, smoke detector (if needed), baking soda (for stove fires), non-skid bathtub mat, baking soda (for stove fires), non-skid bathtub mat, compartmentalized pill box, rubberized bottle compartmentalized pill box, rubberized bottle opener, ruler with magnifying glass, pen, pencil, key opener, ruler with magnifying glass, pen, pencil, key chain with chain with MAPMAP telephone number, home safety and telephone number, home safety and Senior Citizens Against Crime bookletsSenior Citizens Against Crime booklets

• In 2000, three open community evening programs In 2000, three open community evening programs held at McKeesport High Schoolheld at McKeesport High School• Aging WellAging Well• Community Safety for SeniorsCommunity Safety for Seniors• Common Problems in Aging: Medical and Legal Common Problems in Aging: Medical and Legal

ConcernsConcerns

Giving Back to the Community – II   Home Improvements

• Home improvements accomplished for 34 sites, based Home improvements accomplished for 34 sites, based on deficiencies identified in Phase II study; several on deficiencies identified in Phase II study; several other sites awaiting availability of fundsother sites awaiting availability of funds

• Electrical upgrades, grab bars, access ramps, glass Electrical upgrades, grab bars, access ramps, glass block windows, new bathrooms, roof repairs, etc. block windows, new bathrooms, roof repairs, etc.

• Basic support ($2500) from McKeesport Community Basic support ($2500) from McKeesport Community Development Block Grant, now entering its third yearDevelopment Block Grant, now entering its third year

• Additional support from other community agencies Additional support from other community agencies (Action Housing, McKeesport Housing Corporation, (Action Housing, McKeesport Housing Corporation, Nazareth Housing Services, Twin Rivers Council of Nazareth Housing Services, Twin Rivers Council of Governments)Governments)

Giving Back to the Community – III   Personal Health Improvements

• Personal-health improvements targeted for Phase III Personal-health improvements targeted for Phase III participantsparticipants• Referral to primary-care physicians for identified health Referral to primary-care physicians for identified health

problems, lack of vaccinationsproblems, lack of vaccinations

• Referral to social-service agencies and programsReferral to social-service agencies and programs• Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (ADL assistance)Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (ADL assistance)

• Meals-on-WheelsMeals-on-Wheels

• Local community senior facilities and food-bank servicesLocal community senior facilities and food-bank services

• Property-tax rebate programsProperty-tax rebate programs

• Utility company energy-assistance programsUtility company energy-assistance programs

• Given Neighborhood Legal Services Association pamphlet Given Neighborhood Legal Services Association pamphlet on elder-law (wills, advance directives, financial issues)on elder-law (wills, advance directives, financial issues)

MAP Collaborations – I

• Clinical Epidemiology of Dementia in General PracticeClinical Epidemiology of Dementia in General PracticeNational Institute on Aging, AG16705, 4/99 – 3/04National Institute on Aging, AG16705, 4/99 – 3/04 Mary Ganguli, M.D., M.P.H., UPMC / WPIC, P.I. Mary Ganguli, M.D., M.P.H., UPMC / WPIC, P.I.• Assessing workup and diagnosis of dementias in Assessing workup and diagnosis of dementias in

primary-care-practice patients in relation to their primary-care-practice patients in relation to their functional impairmentsfunctional impairments

• The earlier the diagnosis and treatment of incipient The earlier the diagnosis and treatment of incipient dementias, e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, the longer seniors dementias, e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, the longer seniors can remain in independent-living arrangementscan remain in independent-living arrangements

MAP Collaborations – II

• McKeesport Center for Smart AgingMcKeesport Center for Smart AgingRobert A. Walters, P.E.., PSU McKeesportRobert A. Walters, P.E.., PSU McKeesport• Develop business and research center for “smart” Develop business and research center for “smart”

products for seniorsproducts for seniors• Design and build McKeesport Senior Smart House;Design and build McKeesport Senior Smart House;

retrofit existing senior housingretrofit existing senior housing• Energy management, video monitoring and conferencing Energy management, video monitoring and conferencing

for health and safetyfor health and safety

• MAPMAP can detail home-safety and personal health needs can detail home-safety and personal health needs• MAP MAP can refercan refer independently living seniors to beta-test independently living seniors to beta-test

Smart House and as long-term residents of Smart Smart House and as long-term residents of Smart Housing clustersHousing clusters

• MAPMAP can facilitate Smart House medical monitoring can facilitate Smart House medical monitoring through UPMC McKeesport or other hospitalthrough UPMC McKeesport or other hospital

SMART Technology

for

SMART Aging

Goals

1. Develop technology and build new homes that will keep seniors at home longer, safer and healthier

2. Provide training program for seniors in technology usage

3. Develop area for cluster of Senior Smart Homes

Smart Technology

• The use of computer hardware and software and Information Technology to control, monitor and optimize household appliances and systems.

House built by McKeesport High School Construction Technology students

Add Smart House technology to McKeesport High School homes

• Must be– Low cost– Low maintenance – Energy efficient– Adapted to senior life styles– And “Wired”

McKeesport Senior Smart House functions via www:

• Energy Management Appliance and lighting control

• Video monitoring and conferencing

• Security

• Safety

• Health

• Wellness

McKeesport Senior Smart House functions via www:

• Energy Management

Remote adjustment of thermostat

Improve efficiency

• Appliance and lighting control

Turn on lights remotely

Stoves on/off

Water left running

Internet Functions

• Video monitoring

Who is at the front door?

• Video conferencing

Family, Medical, Shopping

• Security

Fire and smoke alarms

Intrusion

Internet Functions

• Health

Blood pressure, temperature, EKG, weight, medication, etc.

• SafetyActivity monitors, alert buttons and fall

detectors

• Wellness

Diet, exercise and preventive medicine

Internet Functions

• “Cyber” Nurse

* Visits a number of patients each day via the Internet.

* Video conferencing to see and talk to patients.

* Database of patient records and activity

Beta House

• McKeesport Aging Program house• In residential area• Smaller house (1000 sq ft)• 2 bedrooms, slab foundation• Seniors will live in house for several

months • Test ideas and concepts

Training for seniors in IT

• Research associates• Computers and components• Computer usage-Senior computer

interface• Internet usage including email• Advanced technology

Develop cluster of Senior homes

• Close to hospital• Share resources• Share services

• Currently will be using donated land next to a senior citizen high-rise to build up to six cottages

Smart Cottage for Seniors (Conceptual)

FRONT VIEW

MASTER BDRM12' x 11'11

Great Room15'4 x 24'

CLOSET7'7 x 1'11

UTILITY6'1 x 2'5

LIVING AREA1024 sq ft

BATH12' x 9'4

Comp Center5'7 x 7'1

STORAGE5'7 x 4'6

CLOSET2'6 x 1'8

BEDROOM12' x 11'7

PORCH14'3 x 3'9

PORCH14'4 x 3'9

AC PANEL BOX, CAT 5.VIDEO CABLETERMINATION BOX. DSL MODEM, FIREWALLAND ROUTER

RAW 7/30/02

Galley

12'

9'2

12'

25

'

41'

41'

25

'

•Shown are the initial designs for the “Beta” SCS

•Two-bedroom, 1000 square foot ranch

•Bedrooms are oversized and all the doors and hallways are extra-wide

•Bathroom is designed to handle wheelchairs, with extra space around the fixtures and appliances

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CISCOSYSTEMS Router/FirewallSwitching Hub w/ VPN

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TALK DSL Modem

Internet

UPS

House WiringContros

House WIringControls

Wiring

Wiring

The connected home

Technology Components

McKeesport Senior Smart Cottage “SMART” functions 

Energy Management

 

Remote adjustment of thermostatImprove efficiencyAutomatic cutback

Appliance and lighting control Turn on lights remotelyStoves on/offWater left running?

Video monitoring Who is at the front door?

Video conferencing Family, Medical, Shopping

Security Fire and smoke alarmsIntrusion-all windows and doors

Health Blood pressure, temperature, EKG, weight, medication management and recording, pacemaker monitoring, cholesterol testing – IP connected

Safety Activity monitors, alert buttons and fall detectors

Wellness Diet, exercise and preventive medicine

Cyber Nurse Visits a number of patients each day via the Internet. Video conferencing to see and talk to patients.Database of patient records and activity

AC power emergency outlets Guaranteed power for two outlets in the house for emergency operation of critical medical equipment. Propane UPS for every two houses

Research Center

Current Participants

• State of Pennsylvania – Lt Gov. Baker-Knoll

• Allegheny Hospital McKeesport Aging Project

• FBI Community Outreach Program

• Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority

• Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild

• Office of U.S. Senator Rick Santorum

• Hanson Design Group Architects