28 April 2006 -- OLDER residents living in a Fenland sheltered housing scheme are benefiting from an innovative new system that helps them keep their independence while providing peace of mind.
The innovative QuietCare system, which is highly successful in the US, is being trialled in six flats at Nene Housing Society's sheltered housing complex at Sudbury Court, Whittlesey.
The system, the first of its type in the region, provides an early warning system to alert family or carers to a resident's potential or problem, such as a fall.
A series of small motion sensors have been installed in the flats in key areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen, which transmit information 24-hours a day to a computer monitoring centre. The wireless sensors are connected through a freephone telephone system to a computer monitoring centre. They are simple to install as they do not require cables.
The system identifies and 'learns' an individual's normal behaviour pattern. The sensors monitor changes in behaviour, such as a resident spending longer than usual in the bathroom. If it detects any changes, the system alerts the appropriate person by e-mail, text message or telephone. Recipients of the alert can then check that the resident is safe and well.
Residents benefit from not having to use an alarm to summon help if required while family and carers are provided with peace of mind that they will be able to respond quickly should they be needed.
Jill Gibbs, supported housing co-ordinator at Nene Housing, said: "Sheltered housing is ideal for residents who want to live independently while benefiting from the support provided from living in a managed scheme. QuietCare ensures that residents continue to enjoy living in this way while providing them and their family or carers with added peace of mind.
--Jill Gibbs--
