The AI device that's listening to my aging dad's every move

As Americans age, they have a few options for care in their later years, like moving in with a family member or into an assisted-living facility.  Or aging in place.... Increasingly, with the assistance of AI.  Steven Blum is a writer from Seattle now based in Austria. He published a piece about his aging father, who lives alone in Seattle and is being monitored through Sensi.  It’s an AI device that’s constantly listening for signs of distress. It’s supposed to detect if Blum’s dad has fallen.  It was an option that made sense, because his father doesn’t want to move out of his home. He isn’t alone.  Last year, the Pew Research Center asked older Americans what they would do if they couldn’t live by themselves anymore.  Around 60% said that they’d rather stay in their homes and have someone care for them, instead of moving into an assisted living facility or a nursing home.   As Americans enter their later years, AI could be part of their care.  Guest: Steven Blum, a writer based in Austria  Related links:  My Father Wants to Age in Place. AI Will Be Watching | WIRED  Assistive tech for older adults is becoming increasingly automated. What are the privacy risks? | KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.