Study of relations between the elderly and the care workers in the welfare facilities for the elderly, using non linear analysis of finger plethysmograms

The fingertip pulse waves of some of the elderly living in welfare facilities and a number of staff working in a daycare center for the elderly and a special nursing home for the elderly were measured several times throughout the day for a period of one or two days, and the chaotic information gained was analyzed using a non linear analysis method. As a result, differences were found in the value of the Lyapunov exponent in the fingertip pulse waves as information regarding vital signs reflecting the level of mental revitalization and the value of autonomic balance. The care workers were also asked to fill out a questionnaire. Information regarding the fingertip pulse waves of the elderly and the care workers is a basis for considering the improvement of the quality of care. Accordingly, the authors propose improvements in the content of the care work.