Independent Living TEC project

We have been working with the University of Reading over the past 18 months to understand how technology may help people to live in their own homes for longer. We wanted to know how people use technology, what they like and what they don’t like. The sensors we trialled learn how someone moves about their home to understand what they do day-to-day. This is also known as their “pattern of life”. 

The system can detect subtle, micro changes in someone’s behaviour. This may predict something that may need looking into. For example, if someone is unwell or has not been drinking enough fluids. Slight changes in daily behaviours can be picked up by the system. The person may not be aware of those changes themself, but the system will highlight something different that needs looking into. 

We worked with over 130 service users. The data gathered supported a sheltered housing resident living with dementia to remain in the community. During a review, the Technology Enabled Care (TEC) provided reassurance by showing that the resident had not been leaving their flat at night or leaving the front door open which had been a previous concern. This example has given evidence that the person remained living in their own home in the community, and that their family was reassured about their well-being. The social worker involved said ‘Having access to this data is almost like being there with the service user’. 

We are now in the process of pulling together a research report to present to the Department of Health and Social Care about our findings.

If you (or someone you know) could benefit from this TEC please email TEC@reading.gov.uk.