New technology to monitor those with dementia during coronavirus pandemic launched in Surrey
It can track their temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation and general wellbeing.
People in Surrey who have dementia, and their carers, are being urged to apply for a new monitoring service, designed to give them more support during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Technology Integrated Health Management (TIHM) Monitoring Service is based on an award-winning remote monitoring system that uses digital technologies.
Easy to use devices are installed in people’s homes free of charge, to track daily their temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation and general wellbeing.
If any of the readings indicate there could be a health issue, an alert is flagged on a centralised system and followed up by a clinically led monitoring team, who will provide advice and support.
If necessary, they will also arrange for coronavirus testing and liaise with 111, hospital services and GPs.
The service is offered by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, smart home monitoring provider, Howz, Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership.
It is available to anyone with dementia who is living at home in Surrey, and their main carer, but is not available to people in care homes.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 25 per cent of COVID-19 deaths have been people living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Professor Helen Rostill, chief innovation officer and director of therapies at Surrey and Borders Partnership, said they know people with dementia and their carers are feeling "especially vulnerable at this very challenging time":
"We are encouraging them to apply for the TIHM Monitoring Service so they can benefit from the increased support we are offering.
"The service will enable us to reassure people about their health to reduce anxiety and if health problems are identified, our monitoring team will quickly intervene to provide support.
"This is a personalised service that will make a real difference to people’s emotional and physical wellbeing."
The team has support from GPs and adult social care teams and is available daily, from 8am to 8pm.
Surrey and Borders Partnership have confirmed all information collected by the devices is kept confidential and stored securely.
Dr Sophie Norris, GP Wonersh Surgery, and dementia clinical lead for Surrey Heartlands, added:
"The COVID-19 pandemic has meant many people diagnosed with this condition, and their carers, are at risk of social isolation and are finding it difficult to access health care that is now mainly available via a remote consultation.
"As a GP, I feel reassured the TIHM Monitoring Service will enable us to successfully remotely monitor the health of some of our most vulnerable citizens and provide them with an important social connection."
Carol Hudson, who is 74, and president of the Grafham and Smithbrook Women's Institute, cares for her husband Russell, who is 83 and has Alzheimer’s disease.
They have lived in Bramley, near Guildford, all their lives and have been using the new monitoring service.
Carol said she thinks it is "amazing" and "very simple to use":
"I usually take the readings early in the morning.
"It’s nice to have a safety net.
"If something did go wrong, somebody will call you and that’s a nice feeling to have.
"It’s also reassuring that the service is monitoring my health too."
Commenting on the launch of the new service, Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council cabinet member for adults and health, said it is "another example" of how the council is working with partners to "embrace technology and enhance residents' independence".
To apply for the service either complete an online form, call the monitoring team on 0800 448 0786 or email them at rxx.tihm2@nhs.net .