TakingCare launches new telecare monitoring device to help older people live independently
Personal alarm provider TakingCare has launched a new telecare monitoring device, which is designed to help older people live independent lives without compromising their safety, by using advanced AI technology.
Taking Care Sense is the UK’s first telecare device to act as a preventative measure to help older people to live independently at home.
The new solution has been developed by smart technology developer, IoT Solutions Group, who worked with Taking Care to combine the device with the personal alarm provider’s award-winning and lifesaving monitoring service.
In a recent YouGov survey commissioned by TakingCare, 88 per cent of people thought digital technology should be used in the home to help improve the care of an elderly relative to support them in living independently, at home, for as long as possible.
However, data also revealed that 54 per cent are wary of monitoring technology such as cameras, while 29 per cent are cautious of the use of microphones and 29 per cent deeming them unacceptable to have installed in the home.
Steve Gates, Managing Director at Taking Care said: “We’ve listened to what people want and have responded by launching an innovative new, discreet monitoring solution that doesn’t use microphones or cameras and can help revolutionise care for thousands of older people in their homes.
“Integrating AI technology with telecare is a potential game-changer and will be an instrumental part of introducing preventative, unobtrusive care solutions into the homes of vulnerable older people.
“This ground-breaking smart technology can now be used to help safeguard older people and empower them to live more independently at home.”
The device alerts care providers, family members or friends of changes to routine, prompting them to check in on their elderly relative.
Acting as an extra safety net to an emergency pendant alarm if the pendant button is unable to be pressed, the TakingCare Sense device learns the distinct, daily routines of users, such as environmental changes like the kettle being boiled, windows being opened and closed or someone doing the washing-up.
Steve continues: “For many, a personal alarm worn around the neck or wrist isn’t for them for various reasons. Taking Care Sense removes that worry.
“By gauging small environmental changes, the technology can monitor their unique daily patterns and raise a check-in call. Above all, it gives much-needed peace of mind and reassurance for loved ones.”
With the cost of living rising, older people at risk of fuel poverty may switch their heating off in colder months to save money, putting themselves in danger. The device senses temperature extremes so it can also make family members aware if the use of heating is being reduced.
Declines in tracked activity levels are detected by the device and will prompt a quick check-in call by TakingCare’s Resolution Team or a call to a registered close relative or family friend.
Steve added: “With our team on hand at all times, Taking Care Sense can escalate any potential risks, without the need to press a button or rely on wearing a bracelet or pendant alarm,”
“We also appreciate that people worry about their privacy with this type of technology, which is why Taking Care Sense doesn’t use cameras or microphones. Innovation in AI enables us to take away those worries.
“We know that broaching the topic of introducing telecare into the home can be difficult at first, which is why preventative monitoring devices act as a great compromise.
“There’s no requirement for the users to wear a device or action anything, but their families or support systems have the reassurance that steps have been taken to ensure their wellbeing while living at home independently.”
The device is battery powered, with a three-year minimum battery life, meaning there is nothing to connect or setup, and can be left discreetly on a surface in the kitchen.
The smart monitoring device is available for the typical cost of a high street coffee per week as an add-on to a personal alarm. The device is also available standalone, without a personal alarm, from £16 per month, to provide a level of reassurance that a loved one is carrying out their usual routines if they cannot be visited every day.
All monthly subscriptions also include monitoring, with a trained member of TakingCare’s Resolution Team on hand for any potential issues.
Taking Care offers a range of personal alarm products, including pendants, fall detectors and sensors as well as a variety of digital devices.
Recently, Tunstall Healthcare confirmed that it became the technology partner for PPP Taking Care’s Personal Alarm Service, delivering Lifeline Vi home units and other connected care technology to customers across the UK.
