Motion Sensors

Z-Wave Motion and Temperature Sensor

Overview

Motion sensors are useful for assuring that your loved one is OK and moving around as you would expect. Simply checking in and seeing that your loved one is up and moving at the usual time, and moving around in a normal, predictable way, can provide peace of mind.

The sensors can be placed to help you answer questions as well, if you have some basic concerns. For example, you may want to know that your loved one is eating meals, and a motion sensor in the kitchen or the refrigerator can show you if there is movement at mealtimes. You may want to know that your loved one hasn't fallen in the bathroom, and a motion sensor there can tell you if there is excessive motion in that one room, or motion that lasts longer than you would expect. Rules can be set to send caregivers alerts by phone, text, or email, if something isn't quite right.

Types of Sensors

There are a variety of models of motion sensors that can be used with your GrandCare system. Your GrandCare representative or installer should help you choose the sensors that are right for you. If your needs change, different sensors can be added to the system at a later date. As part of the installation process, the sensors are paired with your system, so that the signals are picked up properly.

One of the sensor models can track both motion and indoor temperature. Another is pet-tolerant and won't be triggered by the motion of smaller pets. Another is suitable for high-traffic areas. Others simply track motion. Most can sit on a shelf or be mounted on a wall, although there is a ceiling-mounted model as well. Sensors should be positioned so that they aren't blocked, and so that they don't accidentally get tipped over or turned around.

Motion Graph

Checking the Motion Graphs

• Log in to GCManage
• Open the Care Menu
• Click the "Activity" button - this displays a list of the motion sensors
• Click the "Show Motion Graph" icon for the motion sensor you want to check

Each vertical bar on the graph represents a 15-minute period. The higher the bar, the more motion detected in that 15-minute time slot. Note that there is a short bar, even when there is no motion detected in that time period. If there is no bar at all for a time period that has passed, that is an indication that there is a problem with the sensor. In many cases, it indicates that the batteries need to be replaced on the sensor, something that is easily checked on the Battery Report. For more serious issues, you can call your GrandCare installer, or GrandCare customer support.

At the top of the graph, you can select another sensor, or you can choose "All Motion" to see a graph that merges the readings from all the sensors.

Daily Show

The Daily Show

Another interesting way to view daily activity is through the Daily Show. You can merge the data from any activity sensor, and then see a display of the day's activity. To select the sensors to include in the show:

• On the Activity window, click the "Options" button
• Next to Daily Show Sensors, click the "Edit" button
• Check the "Show?" checkbox for the sensors to include
• You can keep the default values for the other settings
• Click the "OK" button to save

Open a motion graph, and change the selection to "Daily Show." You will see a time lapse of the activity data for the day. Press the "Refresh" button if you would like to run it again.

It is possible to do a more realistic Daily Show, by uploading a diagram of your loved one's floor plan.

• On the Activity window, click the "Options" button
• Next to Daily Show Graphic, click the "Add" button
• Select the graphic file to upload - the graphic must be a jpg, bmp, or gif file, landscape-oriented, with a 7x4 aspect ratio.
• Click the "OK" button to save
• Next to Daily Show Sensors, click the "Edit" button
• Specify the location of the top left corner as an X and Y coordinate, on the diagram, for the room in which each sensor is located, assuming the top, left corner of the diagram is (0,0)
• Click the "OK" button to save

Open a motion graph, and change the selection to "Daily Show." You will see a time lapse of the activity data for the day, but it will more closely represent actual motion through your loved one's home. Press the "Refresh" button if you would like to run it again.