Acoustic monitoring
2. Behavioural analysis: Digital sound records helped identify subtle changes in residents’ needs, enabling timely interventions.
3. Faster responses: Carer response times increased by 25x to sounds of concern, ensuring better care delivery.
These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of adopting acoustic monitoring in care environments.
Impact on families and care teams Acoustic monitoring does not just benefit residents – it also alleviates pressure on carers and reassures families. n For care teams: By reducing the need for constant manual monitoring, staff can focus on meaningful interactions and connections with residents. Acoustic monitoring allows teams to work smarter not harder, improving morale and reducing burnout.
n For families: Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are under continuous, non-intrusive oversight. Documented care logs also provide transparency, fostering trust between families and care providers.
Impact on stakeholder experience The benefits of acoustic monitoring extend beyond operational metrics to enhance the experience of all stakeholders. For residents: n Maintained independence and dignity. n Improved sleep quality due to reduced unnecessary physical checks.
n Enhanced sense of security. n More personalised care delivery.
For care teams: n Reduced workplace stress. n Increased job satisfaction. n More time for meaningful resident interaction.
n Evidence-based decision-making support.
For families: n Greater peace of mind. n Improved transparency in care delivery. n Better communication with care teams. n Documented evidence of care quality.
Addressing implementation challenges Successful implementation of acoustic monitoring requires a thoughtful approach to change management: n Staged implementation: Beginning with pilot programs in selected areas before
42 full-scale deployment.
n Comprehensive training: Developing detailed training programs for staff at all levels.
n Clear communication: Ensuring all stakeholders understand the benefits and limitations of the system.
n Technical support: Maintaining robust support systems for troubleshooting and optimisation.
Cost considerations and ROI While the initial investment in acoustic monitoring technology may be significant, the return on investment typically includes: n Reduced incident-related costs. n Lower insurance premiums. n Improved staff retention. n Enhanced reputation and resident satisfaction.
n Decreased liability exposure.
Future applications of acoustic monitoring The future of acoustic monitoring lies in its integration with broader healthcare technology ecosystems: n Electronic health records: Direct integration with resident health records for comprehensive care documentation
n Predictive analytics: Advanced AI applications for early detection of health deterioration
n Automated reporting: Streamlined compliance and quality assurance processes
Expansion into remote care The adaptation of acoustic monitoring for remote care applications represents a significant growth opportunity: n Remote monitoring: Enabling family carers to provide supervision while maintaining independence.
n Scalable solutions: Adjustable systems that can grow with changing care needs.
n Connected care: Integration with telehealth and remote healthcare services.
Conclusion
Acoustic monitoring technology represents a significant leap forward
in care home operations, delivering tangible benefits across safety, efficiency, and resident experience metrics. As the technology continues to evolve, its role in revolutionising elder care will only grow stronger, particularly when integrated with other emerging healthcare technologies. The success stories from early adopters
like St. Cecilia Care Home demonstrate the transformative potential of this technology. As more care providers embrace acoustic monitoring, we can expect to see continued improvements in care quality, operational efficiency, and resident satisfaction. The future of care home operations lies in these smart, privacy-conscious solutions that enhance rather than replace human care delivery.
n
Dr Pradyumna Thiruvenkatanathan
Pradyumna (Prad) Thiruvenkatanathan is the founder and CEO of Earzz Limited. Prad has a Ph.D. in Engineering from Cambridge University and brings over 15 years of experience in acoustic and vibration engineering, AI and sensor development that have led to the start- up of three businesses. Prad founded Earzz, a company leveraging AI to provide acoustic resident monitoring solutions aimed at helping deliver proactive care.
Prior to founding Earzz, Prad was the co-founder of another business, Lytt – which he co-founded to commercialise an acoustic AI-driven software platform dubbed the ‘Shazam of the oil industry’ that Prad had invented whilst at BP. Lytt is now a BP subsidiary company and has delivered more than $400 m of production benefits to BP to date.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com February 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47
