Assistive Technology case studies

Assistive Technology can help a wide range of people in very different circumstances, as demonstrated by the case studies below:

Case Study 1 – Parkinson’s Disease

Joe is 85 years old and lives alone in his own home.

His mobility has been deteriorating due to Parkinson’s disease but he is keen to remain in his own home. Joe needs to be able to remember to take one of his medications at three specific times of day, which helps him to best control his Parkinson’s disease and reduce his risk of falling.

His family are increasingly worried about him living at home.

Assistive Technology solutions for Joe:

• Medication prompting – Joe could be provided with a message prompt system that will alert him that it is time to take his medication. 
• Falls detection – Joe could be provided with a pendant to call for help during the day. Panic buttons may also be considered, for example by the shower. In case Joe falls while using the toilet at night, a bed occupancy system could be provided which will automatically generate an alert to the call centre and Joe will not be left lying on the floor all night.

Case Study 2 – Early Onset Dementia

Jane is 45 years old, lives with her family and has early onset dementia.

Recently she left the house in the middle of the night and was discovered distressed by the local police. Jane’s husband had no idea that she was even missing.

Assistive Technology solutions for Jane:

• A property exit sensor on the front door can be provided that will automatically generate an alert to Jane’s husband. It can be programmed to activate just at night or at any time during the day depending on what is best for them.
• If there are concerns that Jane may not understand how to respond to a standard smoke alarm, a linked smoke detector may be provided in partnership with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. These detectors automatically generate a call to the call centre when activated. The call centre can then make the emergency call.

Case Study 3 – Dementia

Mrs Jones is a 72 year old lady who has Alzheimer’s disease.

She lives with her elderly husband who is her main carer. Mr Jones also has health problems but is determined that he wants to look after his wife for as long as possible at home.

Whilst Mrs Jones manages at home with the support of her husband, Mr Jones is finding his caring role increasingly stressful, particularly as his wife has gone out of the house on a few occasions when he has gone to the local shops.

Mrs Jones enjoys sitting in the garden and her husband does not want to restrict her enjoying this activity, but he would like to be alerted when his wife has left the house so that he can return promptly to make sure she is safe.

Mrs jones sometimes gets out of bed at night and goes downstairs; Mr Jones wants to be alerted if this should happen.

The fire service have carried out a home fire risk assessment and have identified that Mrs Jones may not understand the risk to herself if a standard smoke detector is activated.

Assistive Technology solutions:

• A property exit sensor was provided, which Mr Jones can activate when goes out to the local shops so he knows if his wife is leaving the property. If he wishes to go further a field the response service are also able to assist. They will go and meet Mrs Jones before they are ever required so they know who she is and how to best reassure her.
• A bed sensor will alert Mr Jones if his wife is out of bed during the night. 
• A linked smoke detector was installed so that the control centre can call 999 if the detector is activated as Mrs Jones appears to be alone on occasions.

Case Study 4 – Learning Disabilities

Alison, a 24 year old lady with mild to moderate learning disabilities has moved for the first time to live in her own flat which has on-site care support 24 hours a day.

This is an emotional time for her and her family. Her family, up until her move, have been able to help her whenever she needed it. This includes prompting her when something needs to be done.

Her family are concerned that as she has difficulty keeping track of time and as a result, she does not always realise it is lunchtime. She is quite capable of preparing a snack, but without being prompted she would go without. A carer could assist her everyday but this would potentially lead to her losing her independence.

Assistive Technology solutions:

• Alison has a piece of equipment which gives her a message every day at 12 o’clock to let her know it is time to prepare her lunch. The message is recorded using her mum’s familiar voice.
• A Passive Infra Red Unit (PIR*), mounted in the kitchen scans to see if there is movement in the kitchen for half an hour after the message i.e. between 12.00 and 12:30. If Alison has not gone to the kitchen – the on site carer receives a message that she needs assistance. When Alison responds to her prompt she retains her independence. (*A PIR is a small device that is usually found as part of a burglar alarm system. It is installed in the top corner of the room and unobtrusively picks up movement occurring within the room)
• After having a night without sleep because no one was there to prompt her to go to bed, Alison now has a second message recorded by her mum telling her when it is time for bed. 
• Alison also has a wrist pendant, bed occupancy sensor, panic button by the bath and wireless smoke detectors in case of other emergencies or distress.

Case Study 5 – Carer Support

Mrs Hall is bed bound and has progressed Alzheimer’s.

She has been falling out of bed recently causing injuries to her. Her daughter has moved in with her and has given up work to care for her. Her daughter is currently not getting any sleep at night, as she is constantly concerned and listening out for her mother getting up out of bed and falling. This brings concerns about the health & wellbeing of the daughter and a potential break in carer support if help is not provided.

Assistive Technology solutions:

• A carer alert with a care sensor for night time to give peace of mind to the daughter that an alert will go off should Mrs Hall get up out of bed and fall.
• A chair sensor for during the day to alert daughter if Mrs Hall is trying to mobilise herself.