ALAN Seminar: Active Ageing with Smart Technology

Held by Assisted Living Action Network (ALAN), West of England AHSN and Medilink South West

This seminar brings together service providers, smart sensor technology SMEs and researchers to share their experience of using a range of technologies from off-the-shelf to bespoke systems to provide data-driven insights into ageing and supporting independent living. The potential for how this information can also enable increased independence and improve service provisions, particularly in the backdrop of a growing shortage of care staff and resources, is also considered.

When, where and how do I join?

This Webinar will be held via Zoom. Joining Instructions will be sent upon registration.

Date: Monday 20 July 2020

Cost: Free

Programme:

13:00 – 13:10 Introduction (Prof Nigel Harris, ALAN & West of England AHSN)

13:10 – 13:40 ‘Exploring the impact of commercially available smart technology on the lives of residents within a retirement village environment’ (Shirley Hall, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust; Prof Praminda Caleb-Solly, Assistive Robotics & Intelligent Health Technologies at UWE; Alex Sleat, Knowledge Transfer Fellow at UWE)

13:40 – 13:50 Technology Showcase with Graham Warsley, Digital Health and Care Alliance

13:50 – 14:05 Technology Showcase with Dan Stepney, Director RGS Care

14:05 – 14:20 Technology Showcase with Jon Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer at GDS Digital Solutions

14:20 – 14:30 Wrap up and final comments (Prof Nigel Harris, ALAN & West of England AHSN)

Study:

‘Exploring the impact of commercially available smart technology on the lives of residents within a retirement village environment’

• Shirley Hall | Head of Innovation and Wellbeing, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust
• Praminda Caleb- Solly | Professor of Assistive Robotics and Intelligent Health Technologies in the Faculty of Environment and Technology at UWE
• Alex Sleat | Knowledge Transfer Fellow at UWE

The study examines the lived experience of a resident living with smart technology, their environment and their interactions within it. Individual devices are periodically introduced, and data from sensors reveals how that changes their behaviour and usage of facilities. The second strand looks at the shorter-term impact of technology by providing a “loan scheme” for smart technology to residents. This considers the way in which technology is marketed and supported, residents’ view of its usefulness and usability.

Technology showcase:

1. RGS Care | Dan Stepney, Director
2. GDS Digital Solutions | Jon Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer

RGS Care has developed a remote monitoring solution that enables care professionals to deliver high quality, person-centric care. Our IoT solution is non-intrusive and stand alone, making it completely mobile. It uses multiple sensors in a battery powered device to detect anomalies in the behaviour, health and wellbeing of residents and the environment around them. This drives greater understanding of residents and allows carers to work more remotely during the uncertain times surrounding COVID-19. Data from the sensors are compiled into automated reports which support care teams in decision making and prioritisation, also alerting them immediately should anything out of the ordinary occurs.

GDS Digital are a Bristol-based SME which provides digital solutions for assisted living. During 2019, GDSD participated in an Innovate UK project called Connected Together which tested a secure managed wireless access network and user devices for 200 users in Suffolk, including homes and other patient outreach locations. This had the research objectives of; reducing social isolation, improving digital skills, increased and better access to council support services and local information, use of video-enabled social care and health appointments and interactions, and improved remote care worker utilisation. Since then, GDSD have launched OPAL , a managed platform with user devices to enable better independent living – health and social care outcomes as well as digital access and skills for those with long-term conditions.