Our case studies show how care technology can improve lives.

Even simple digital solutions can increase confidence and reduce isolation.

By working closely with service users, care technologists can support independence and empowerment.

Improving Isobel’s home environment

Isabel lives at home and has visits from support workers every day. Although Isabel’s mobility is letting her down, she still wants to be as independent as she can. Isabel met with a care technologist to explore ways of doing this.

During the visit, the sun was beaming through the window and Isabel asked for her window blinds to be closed. She explained she would normally need to wait for the carer’s next visit to close them.

Isabel also commented that the dark nights drawing in was a nuisance. She relied on carers to control her lighting, and either kept a lamp on all day, or sat in the dark with only the TV for light.

The care technologist listened to Isabel and they chatted about how technology could help.

An electric blinds motor was installed. And a smart bulb was paired with an existing Echo Dot. This enabled Isabel to use her voice to control her own home environment, regaining some independence.

After speaking with the care technologist, Peter started using his smart plugs, linking them to his smart speaker.

The care technologist also provided Peter with some smart bulbs so that he could turn his main lights on and off without getting up.

Peter began using the Routines function to manage the devices. He could easily turn them on and off by “Alexa, good morning” and “Alexa, good night.”

Peter said the work with the care technologist gave him a greater sense of control and independence. He also said it made him feel safer in his home reducing the risk of falls.

Peter also spoke about the technology being fun and feeling like science fiction.

Using technology to feel less isolated

A care home resident permanently lost 80% of their vision.

They used to enjoy group activities, reading and seeing their family, but now mostly stayed in their room.

The care technologist installed an Echo Dot in their room with a dimmable smart bulb. They could now:

• control the lighting, bright lights hurt their eyes
• turn the light on and off and without risk of falling
• listen to audiobooks via an app

Their family drops in using the device, so they chat daily and feel less isolated. Alexa keeps them company, too.

Helping Arthur remember his medication

Arthur lives alone in his own home and is recovering from an acute illness. Although he is independent, he has some memory problems. Support visits to help him with his medication, shopping and paying bills.

Quite often at weekends, Arthur prefers to be out visiting friends and family. He finds the support visits to help him with his medication an inconvenience.

The care technologist explored alternatives with Arthur.

He already had an Echo Dot in his living room that he only listened to music on. The care technologist showed him some of the other other functions, including setting reminders and the shopping list.

With the help of the care technologist, Arthur set an alarm with a message to remind him to take his meds each morning. He also started using the shopping list function to help him with his weekly shop.

Developing Grace’s digital empowerment

Grace is a former teacher who lives alone. She has family in Africa where she used to work, and regularly speaks to them on the phone. Carers support her to get ready in the morning and with her shopping.

Grace got in touch with the care technologist as her tablet had stopped working. During those initial conversations Grace talked about not knowing a lot about her finances, although she was a keen shopper!

She also talked about her phone calls with her family in Africa but how she missed seeing their faces. The care technologist introduced Grace to WhatsApp and spent time building her confidence using it. They also set her up with online banking to allow her to keep a closer eye on her finances.

Grace talked about feeling more empowered with her money. She was delighted to be able to receive pictures from her loved ones in Africa.

As she grew increasingly confident, she very proudly sent her first email to her family. She also said how her family were happy to hear more from her.

Olivia’s day, a future case study

Olivia starts her day around 6am. It’s still dark outside so the light comes on and is slowly getting brighter. She enjoys the sounds of her favourite playlist. As the blinds open, she stretches and begins a guided yoga session by her bedside.

She goes into the kitchen when the smell of fresh coffee floats through. The radio is on, and she catches up on the news before being reminded of what’s in her calendar for the day.

She’s not sure if she’s hungry or if she has eaten. But when the doorbell rings she finds warm scrambled eggs with her vitamins and medication waiting.

There’s another reminder and an update on the weather forecast – dress warm it’s a little cold out. Olivia is going to meet friends.

Mila from the hub calls to check in. She helps Olivia pick out an outfit. She also reminds Olivia to make sure her wearable is charged and that she has it on. A vehicle will be along for her soon.

When Olivia returns her home is warm and her streaming service is playing the show she likes. She can’t explain why, but she doesn’t settle, and her mood is low. She drops in virtually on her daughter in London and they chat about the grandchildren, making Olivia feel brighter.

Her son calls to talk to her about her appointment tomorrow. It’s nothing to worry about he says, just a check-up because there’s been a change in her sleep pattern and visits to the loo. Olivia isn’t sure she likes being told this but looks forward to seeing him anyway. She is satisfied that this means people worry less about her and she gets to stay independent.