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Trial uses AI to help care for people at home

James Kelly & Gem O'Reilly
BBC News
BBC Margaret Linehan is seen with white, curly hair siting in a red armchair, smiling gently. She is wrapped in a blanket and wears a light grey cardigan over a darker top. To her left, a black leather footstool holds a plate with three biscuits and a plastic container. BBC
Margaret Linehan says the AI tech alerted her son when she took a fancy to late night tea and biscuits

An initiative using artificial intelligence (AI) sensors in the homes of vulnerable people to help assist in their care is being trialled by a south London council.

Sutton Council said the scheme seeks to provide a safety net for vulnerable people, allowing them to remain in their own home for longer, while offering peace of mind for their families and carers.

The sensors track movement, temperature, light and the use of appliances, such as kettles and microwaves, to identify routines and alert carers when help is needed.

Margaret Linehan, an 86 year-old with dementia, is one of 1,287 households in Sutton currently using the tech-enabled care and says she's pleased to have it.

"It's just for if I fall over or anything. It's great," she said.

The software analyses data to detect deviations from established patterns of behaviour.

When a change is detected, such as a missed meal, a forgotten cup of tea, a door left open for too long, or a fall, the system alerts the appropriate people.

A white plastic sensor is on the wall with a green light in its centre. It sits on the wall below a black and gold picture frame.
The AI-enabled sensors detect movement throughout the home

Bradley Cooper, a tech enabled social care manager, said people's routines are "learnt over a period of time" meaning it can recognise "when something may be declining or something significant has happened, like a fall".

In the past year, over 1,800 falls were detected by the system and referred to the Urgent Community Response Service, the council said.

Margaret's daughter-in-law, Marianne Linehan, uses a linked app to get alerts and check on her activity.

"I can look in in the mornings and detect her movements throughout the night and know that she is moving, she's not on the floor or nothing drastic has happened," she said.

Marianne is seen sitting on the couch next to Margaret who is in a red armchair. Both are looking towards the camera.
Marianne says the sensors have been a "brilliant" help in caring for her mother-in-law

Margaret said on one occasion when she "fancied a cup of tea and a biscuit" at 02:00, her son got in touch to see what was happening.

Margaret said her son asked "do you know what time it is?", to which she replied: "I didn't think to know what time, I just wanted a cup of tea and a biscuit."

The sensors do not include cameras or microphones, ensuring privacy is maintained, the council said.

The initiative is part of a wider government program being rolled out by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to utilise AI to save money in public services.

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