AI monitoring
resident is coughing more frequently, it may indicate respiratory issues that need to be addressed.
n AI algorithms: these are the driving force behind these systems, analysing data from both movement and sound sensors. Since each resident’s activity, movement, and sounds are unique and complex, AI learns their individual patterns, refining alerts to highlight only abnormal behaviour.
Over time, the AI becomes more adept at distinguishing between normal and unusual actions, resulting in more accurate, personalised alerts tailored to each resident’s specific needs. When you combine these elements, the AI monitoring system is able to offer a more comprehensive view of a resident’s health and well-being, which allows carers to provide more targeted and effective care.
Evaluating the impact of AI monitoring on care The integration of AI monitoring systems into care homes has far-reaching implications for both residents and care teams. Here is how this technology is transforming the care landscape:
1. Enhanced resident safety One of the most significant benefits of AI monitoring is enhanced resident safety. The
system’s ability to detect when residents need assistance, especially when they are alone or calling for help, to being in pain or moving and are at risk of falling. Alerting staff can prevent incidents from escalating into serious health emergencies. So, for example, if a resident falls or has a medical emergency in their room, the system can quickly alert staff, allowing them to respond quickly and potentially save lives. “We’ve managed to improve resident
outcomes as we’ve seen significantly less injuries and fewer hospital transfers, plus we’ve been able to detect early signs of acute infections immediately as the system triggers an alert when a resident’s behaviour is altered.” Jay Trondillo, regional director, Maria Mallaband Care Group “I think for the residents, it’s safety for
them, safety and security. So they’re going to get the medical attention, the reassurance they need. They’re not going to feel scared and lonely laying on the floor wondering what’s happening. The staff can respond a lot quicker. It just gives everybody confidence that residents are a lot more safer when they’re in their rooms.” Kerri Trudgill, deputy manager, Elcombe House, St Andrew’s Care Homes
2. Improved sleep quality Sleep disturbance is a common issue among elderly residents. This is often exacerbated by care teams executing regular night-time checks. With current nurse call systems
and pressure matt systems missing when residents need assistance, these checks are important to reduce the risk that residents do not wait a long time to get assistance. However, these checks can also disrupt sleep patterns, keeping residents awake and consequently increasing the risk of falls and subsequent health issues. AI monitoring systems offer care homes the security that residents’ needs will not be missed. This empowers care homes to reduce the regularity of physical room checks, reducing disturbances and improving residents privacy and rest, which ultimately leads to a healthier sleep cycle and better overall wellbeing. It is estimated that over 50 per cent of
people aged 55 and older experience sleep disturbances.3
of negative health outcomes, including: n Reduced energy levels: chronic sleep deprivation leads to persistent fatigue, reducing energy levels needed to participate in daily activities.
n Cognitive decline: sleep is essential for brain function, including memory consolidation and cognitive processing. If your sleep is poor, it can accelerate cognitive decline and contribute to conditions like dementia. Studies have shown that people with poor sleep are up to 33 per cent more likely to develop dementia.4
n Appetite and nutrition: sleep deprivation can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to poor appetite or overeating.
n Emotional wellbeing: lack of sleep is strongly linked to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
n Increased risk of falls: sleep deprivation impairs balance and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of falls.
Having an AI monitoring system can help mitigate these risks, contributing to better health outcomes and improved sleep quality for residents. Research we have conducted with NHS Digital and ICBs shows that care homes have improved residents’ sleep time by 50 per cent as a result of less night-time disturbances. “We’ve seen firsthand that the majority
of residents now have a more peaceful night than before which gives them more energy in the day and we have learned that this has also helped to improve their nutrition and energy levels as well.” Jay Trondillo, regional director, Maria Mallaband Care Group “We’ve noticed a remarkable improvement
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2024 Poor sleep is linked to a range
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