eServices on Demand for Residential Care Homes

Assisted living technology is being used worldwide to improve the lives of older people by enabling independence, monitoring health and improving safety. This research project used a variety of assisted living technologies to design a bespoke system for a residential care home in Cornwall.

By using an open platform, the bespoke system allowed for the services to be customised to suit a variety of needs of both residents and carers. An open platform uses open standards, which allow products or services from different providers to integrate on the same system. This bespoke system used a range of remote services, sensors and software through Superfast Broadband.

 Why is this important?

“Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will double from about 11% to 22%” – World Health Organisation

“The number of people aged 85 years and over is set to increase from 1.5 million to 5 million by 2050 in the United Kingdom” – Office for National Statistics

The ageing population is increasing, and therefore studies around ageing and identifying the best ways to support a good quality of life for the increasing numbers of people at extreme old age is a major issue for society. Technology could be the solution.

What were the aims and objectives of this study?

The aim of this study was to test a customised system on an open platform and establish whether it could deliver higher quality care to residents by improving their wellbeing.

What was the research question?

This study explored the question "Can a bespoke system on an open platform, using a range of remote services, sensors and software, aid the delivery of higher quality care in a residential care home?"

Where did this study take place?

This study took place in a residential care home owned and managed by Anson Care Services in Cornwall.

 

Who participated in the study?

The participants included anyone who worked or lived at the residential care home (outside Section 30 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005).

What services were included?

There were two groups of services - the first group engaged with the ambient environment and the second group engaged with the residents. The ambient environment was controlled by a climate control system linked with motion sensors, temperature sensors, thermostatic radiator valves and an automated window opening system. The second group of services engaged with residents using a digital TV and Samsung Galaxy handheld tablets.

Who were the project partners?

  • Falmouth University was responsible for managing the research project, and has part funded the project
  • Superfast Cornwall part funded the project, and brought superfast broadband to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It is a partnership project between British Telecom (BT) and the Cornwall Development Company, funded by the European Union (EU), Cornwall Council and BT
  • Anson Care provided the location for the project
  • Connected Living provided technical support and guidance throughout the research project.

Download the brochure for this project

Contact us

For more information contact:
Research & Development Team
E: research@falmouth.ac.uk