Care homes offered AI to monitor residents

Care homes are being offered the chance to use technology to monitor residents

Care homes are being offered the chance to use artificial intelligence to monitor residents.

Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is looking for between nine and 22 care homes to take part in the initiative.

Participating homes will get £10,000 for technology that uses audio and motion sensors to alert staff when residents need care in the night.

The government-funded scheme is part of its Digitising Social Care Programme.

'More personalised care'

The AI uses an acoustic monitoring system provided by Ally Cares.

Residents' rooms are equipped with a wi-fi-connected sensor that detects changes in sounds during the night and then instantly alerts staff via a handheld device.

It is believed it will notice situations like when residents show signs of distress, such as choking or coughing, or when they attempt to get out of bed.

Councillor Steve Robinson, cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset Council, said: "This real time notification will allow staff to respond promptly without the need for intrusive regular night-time checks that might disturb residents.

"It enables staff to focus on addressing immediate needs and it will enable carers to provide more personalised care."

Councillor David Brown, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at BCP Council, added: "We are committed to using modern technology to continually improve the services we offer our residents."