Mrs A is a 95 year old lady who lives alone in a privately owned bungalow. She has a very supportive daughter, Mrs B (PA) who visits every day.
Mrs A has Alzheimer's disease with severe cognitive impairment as well as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and recurrent chest infections. Because of her debilitating health, Mrs A is prone to falls at home.
Mrs B has been very concerned about her mother's safety and well being. Mrs A's cognitive impairment reduces her ability to use usual safety mechanisms risk when home alone. This has caused significant stress for Mrs B who is worried about her mother being on her own.
Following an increase of falls at home, Mrs A was admitted to hospital. Long term care options were considered. Residential care was an option, however Mrs B and Mrs A's social worker (Mental Health Officer) were keen to support Mrs A to return home so wished to consider technology to support Mrs A safely at home and provide reassurance for Mrs B.
After discussion with the Telecare Officer 'Just Checking' was installed. 'Just Checking' is a secure web based activity monitoring system which uses movement sensors to generate a 24 hour chart of activity of a person living alone in their own home. Mrs B, Telecare Officer and Social Worker were then able to access the website to view Mrs A's activity chart. This helped inform an appropriate care care plan for Mrs A.
Further telecare equipment was provided - a community alarm without pendant, smoke detector, bed monitor attached to a bedside light and fall detector. From the assessment process it was identified that Mrs A could not recognise when she needs help so the telecare equipment automatically triggers an alert to Stirling Council Contact Centre so help can be provided.
The bed monitor is programmed for night-time use. A bed side light switches on when Mrs A gets out of bed to reduce the risk of falls in the dark. The alarm only activates if Mrs A does not get back into bed within an agreed timescale which may suggest an incident has occurred.
The fall detector is worn at all times during the day so that if Mrs A falls the detector will immediately alert and help can be sent.
Outcome
Mrs A has been supported at home with telecare equipment and a care package of 15.75 hours per week since August 2010 instead of needing residential care.
Although 'Just Checking' was provided for a 4 week assessment period, Mrs B decided to continue to rent the equipment for a monthly fee on a private basis. Mrs B continues to use the equipment to monitor her mother's movements and this gives Mrs B peace of mind to know that Mrs A is up and about. Also, if Mrs B is not able to visit her mother she knows 'Just Checking' is there to keep an eye on her mother.
Mrs B is delighted with telecare and stated, "it has given me reassurance and a reduction in stress" while Mrs A continues to be happy and safe at home.
