Lifestyle monitoring-technology for supported independence

Demand for community care services continues to increase due to demographic changes and rising expectations of quality of life. New technology may be able to enhance the range of current care services while also increasing efficiency and reducing the operating costs of those agencies providing the care. This would assist human carers to deliver care to where it is most required and at the most appropriate time, thereby supporting the independence of vulnerable people living in the community. This article describes a telecare system, based on lifestyle monitoring, which has been developed as part of a research project between BT and Anchor Trust.