This paper presents the results of three interrelated studies concerning the specification and implementation of ambient assisted living (AAL)/Internet of Things (IoT)/sensor-based infrastructures, to support resident wellness and person-centered care delivery, in a residential care context. Overall, the paper reports on the emerging wellness management concept and IoT solution. The three studies adopt a stakeholder evaluation approach to requirements elicitation and solution design. Human factors research combines several qualitative human–machine interaction (HMI) design frameworks/methods, including realist ethnography, process mapping, persona-based design, and participatory design. Software development activities are underpinned by SCRUM/AGILE frameworks. Three structuring principles underpin the resident’s lived experience and the proposed ‘sensing’ framework. This includes (1) resident wellness, (2) the resident’s environment (i.e., room and broader social spaces which constitute ‘home’ for the resident), and (3) care delivery. The promotion of resident wellness, autonomy, quality of life and social participation depends on adequate monitoring and evaluation of information pertaining to (1), (2) and (3). Furthermore, the application of ambient assisted living technology in a residential setting depends on a clear definition of related care delivery processes and allied social and interpersonal communications. It is argued that independence (and quality of life for older adults) is linked to technology that enables interdependence, and specifically technology that supports social communication between key roles including residents, caregivers, and family members.

This paper reports on human factors research concerning the advancement of new technology facilitating seniors leading fulfilling, meaningful and independent lives, with dignity in the community. Specifically, this paper provides a roadmap for the specification of new technology for use in residential homeswhich seeks to establish the appropriate balance between enabling the independence and well-being of residents (including supporting their privacy) and protecting residents from potential hazards. This research adopts a stakeholder evaluation/participatory approach to requirements elicitation and user interface design. The technology is defined from the perspective of addressing specific end user and stakeholder needs, and achieving relevant states/benefits associated with wellbeing, successful ageing, and relationship centred care. This research is being undertaken as an industry/academia collaboration involving Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Ireland and Oneview Healthcare.

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