A group of public sector organisations in Surrey has set up a remote monitoring service for people with dementia and their carers.
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey County Council, Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership and smart home monitoring provider Howz have launched the Technology Integrated Health Management (TIHM) Monitoring Service for anyone with a diagnosis of dementia and their main carer.
Users are supplied with a digital thermometer, oximeter, tablet, environmental sensors and a smart plug to track their temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation and changes in activity in the home.
Readings go through a data analytics system and if any indicate there could be a health issue an alert is flagged on a central dashbord and followed up by a clinically led monitoring term, which will promptly provide advice and support. It can also arrange for Covid-19 testing and liaise with NHS 111, hospitals and GPs.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council cabinet member for adults and health, said: “The TIHM Monitoring Service is another example of how we’re working with partners to embrace technology and enhance residents’ independence, by enabling our residents to live healthily in their homes for longer, while ensuring they and their families feel safe and supported.”
Carol Hudson cares for her husband Russell (pictured), who has Alzheimer’s disease, and recently began to use the service.
She commented: “I find it very simple to use, I usually take the readings early in the morning. It’s nice to have a safety net. If something did go wrong, somebody will call you and that’s a nice feeling to have. It’s also reassuring that the service is monitoring my health too.”
Image from Surrey County Council
