SenseWell: Using Sensors to Support Independent Living

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A feasibility study investigating whether sensors in homes can help to identify health risks and changing conditions, to support independent living at home.​​

  • Can sensors identify changing health conditions?​
  • Should sensors be used, are they acceptable to people?​
  • Who, and how, could sensors be used to improve independent living?

The SenseWell project is part of the “Transforming care and health at home” research programme, a £10 million investment in 14 projects all over the UK.​

SenseWell builds on the success of Smartline, which showed the potential of sensors to spot changes and predict risks to independent living. ​

Examples of what we might find are:  ​

    • Over time, an occupant may use electricity increasingly later in the day, which could indicate gradual long-term changes in physical or mental health.​
    • Air quality is influenced by a person occupying a room. Changes in air quality may reflect a change in routine, such as reduced activity.​
    • Changes in the temperature in the living room might indicate that an occupant has not been able to get out of bed today.  

 

Graph showing Coastline residents water use during lockdown:​

  • 17% increase in water use.​
  • One-hour delay in peak morning usage.

For SenseWell participants, we will install sensors that monitor the home environment (temperature, humidity, CO2) and electricity consumption. ​

The readings will be collected by a data hub (gateway).​

Participants may view their readings through a dashboard (visual display of sensor readings).​

The readings will help us to develop Machine Learning tools that can identify changes in the home environment or electricity usage, and so will help us predict risks.       

The Team Involved

University of Exeter: Markus Mueller, Tamaryn Menneer, Emma Bland, Ian Wellaway, Catherine Leyshon, Tim Walker.​

Coastline Housing: Karen Spooner, Mark England.​

Age UK Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Tracey Roose.​

Public Health:  Richard Sharpe, Rachel Wrigglesworth.​

Health and Environment Public Engagement Group (HEPE): Kath Maguire.​

NHS: Leatside Health Centre.

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