AI in Everyday Devices Can Protect Nursing Home Residents 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer the future—it’s our present. From smartphones to smartwatches, AI tools are seamlessly integrated into the devices we use every day. These tools don’t just make life more convenient; they can also serve as powerful aids in healthcare and personal safety. One area where AI’s role is increasingly vital is in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

At KBD Attorneys, we are committed to advocating for the safety and rights of nursing home residents. As part of that mission, we closely follow emerging technology that can prevent abuse and neglect, and in some cases, support residents and families when something goes wrong. AI-enabled devices are now helping families monitor their loved ones, detect early signs of trouble, and even provide evidence in legal claims involving neglect or injury.

AI in Your Pocket and On Your Wrist

Consider the devices most of us already use: smartphones and smartwatches. These are loaded with sensors and AI-powered tools that track everything from steps and heart rate to sleep patterns and even falls. For elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes, these capabilities can be life-saving.

For instance, fall detection features in smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Fitbit Sense can automatically notify emergency contacts or caregivers when a fall occurs. In a nursing home setting, this kind of alert can bring help within minutes and prevent further harm. Families can receive real-time notifications, giving them peace of mind and the ability to intervene quickly if their loved one is in danger.

Health tracking apps are equally powerful. These apps use AI to interpret data like heart rate variability, oxygen levels, and movement trends. When a resident’s health data suddenly changes, it can signal a problem such as infection, dehydration, or even emotional distress. Some apps allow for remote monitoring, enabling families to observe changes in activity levels or alert them if there’s been no movement for an extended period—a potential warning sign for bedsores or immobility-related complications.

Supporting Claims with Data

Beyond prevention, AI-generated data from wearable devices can play a crucial role after an injury or incident occurs. At KBD Attorneys, we have seen how this data can corroborate or challenge a facility’s account of what happened. For example, if a resident is found with a pressure ulcer and the nursing home claims they were regularly moved and checked, wearable device data showing extended periods of inactivity could tell a different story.

In fall-related cases, timestamped alerts from a smartwatch could show exactly when the fall occurred, how long it took for staff to respond, or whether anyone was notified. This kind of objective, timestamped evidence can be incredibly compelling in litigation and can help hold negligent facilities accountable.

The Power of AI to Prevent Abuse

AI isn’t just about monitoring after something goes wrong—it’s also about prevention. Devices equipped with machine learning algorithms can detect patterns and anomalies before they escalate into emergencies. For instance, a subtle change in a resident’s daily movement patterns might indicate an underlying issue like a urinary tract infection, increasing risk for a fall or confusion. AI can flag these changes and prompt early intervention by caregivers.

Moreover, AI-powered cameras and monitoring systems, where permitted, are being used in some facilities to ensure quality care. These tools can help deter staff from abusive behavior and provide families with reassurance. While privacy concerns are valid and must be addressed, when implemented ethically and with consent, these tools can protect some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.

Specific AI Tools Families Can Use to Help Protect Residents

Here are some examples of AI tools to help families protect their loved ones in nursing homes and health care facilities.

1. Apple Watch (Fall Detection & Health Monitoring)

   • Uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect hard falls and can automatically notify emergency contacts or emergency services.

   • Tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, and activity trends that can flag sudden health changes.

2. Fitbit Sense and Charge Series

   • Tracks sleep patterns, heart rate variability, skin temperature, and stress levels—useful for spotting early signs of infection or distress.

   • Can detect inactivity, which may be a red flag for immobility or bedsores.

3. Amazon Halo

   • Offers insights into activity levels, sleep quality, and emotional tone, which may reveal changes in mood or behavior linked to neglect.

4. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) with Sleep Sensing

   • Uses radar-based AI to detect breathing patterns, movement, and sleep quality—helpful for overnight monitoring.

5. CarePredict Tempo

   • Specifically designed for senior care settings. Uses AI to monitor daily routines and detect deviations that could signal health issues.

   • Allows family members to receive real-time alerts and reports.

6. AngelSense GPS Tracker

   • Designed for vulnerable populations; offers real-time location tracking and two-way audio.

   • Useful for dementia patients or those at risk of elopement from a care facility.

7. EarlySense (Hospital-Grade Monitoring)

   • AI-driven bed sensors that track heart rate, respiratory rate, and movement to detect early signs of deterioration or inactivity.

8. AI-Powered Smart Cameras (where permitted)

   • Tools like Vayyar Care use radar-based sensors to monitor movement without video, offering fall detection and breathing monitoring while preserving privacy.

9. Health and Wellness Apps (on iOS and Android)

   • Apps like MyChart, Medisafe, and CareClinic help families track medications, appointments, and symptoms while syncing with wearable health data.

A Tool for Families and Legal Advocates

For families with loved ones in nursing homes or other health care facilities, AI-powered devices offer a valuable tool to stay connected and informed. These devices are not only helpful in day-to-day care, but they also give residents a voice when they can’t speak for themselves. Patterns in sleep, mobility, and heart rate can highlight changes that need to be addressed, and provide evidence if neglect or abuse is suspected.

At KBD Attorneys, we believe in using every available resource to protect nursing home residents. We encourage families to take advantage of AI-enabled technology to monitor and advocate for their loved ones. And when something goes wrong, we are here to help use that data to hold negligent parties accountable.

Working Toward a Safer Future

The integration of AI into personal health and safety tools is a powerful shift in how we care for older adults. While it is no substitute for hands-on care, AI can complement human oversight and reduce the risk of harm. At KBD Attorneys, we recognize the importance of these technological advancements and their role in both prevention and justice.

We remain committed to advocating for nursing home residents and their families. If your loved one has already suffered neglect or injury in a long-term care facility, contact us. If you believe wearable or smart device data might help support your claim, our team is ready to assist. Together, we can use the tools of today to build a safer tomorrow for those who need it most.