UK personal alarm provider Taking Care has announced the launch of ActiveAlert, a new technology that utilizes AI and Big Data to proactively monitor the health and well-being of elderly individuals. The service aims to support older adults in living independently at home for longer, while also addressing caregiving challenges and aligning with the growing acceptance of technology in elderly care.
ActiveAlert utilizes 30 years of alarm call data to monitor the usage patterns of personal alarms. By detecting changes in these patterns, the technology can identify potential health and well-being concerns among older adults who rely on the alarms. This early warning system triggers a wellbeing check-in call, allowing carers and family members to proactively support their loved ones and manage their health and frailty.
This innovative technology is part of Taking Care’s commitment to revolutionize its approach to elderly care. Instead of reactive care after a decline in health or independence, Taking Care is shifting towards a proactive mindset. Recent research commissioned by the company shows a growing concern for elderly care and a willingness to embrace technological solutions. 76% of respondents said they would support the use of AI if it enhances health and independence for older adults, and 72% believe that technology can truly support health and wellbeing.
ActiveAlert was developed in response to the UK’s ageing population, with more than 3.2 million people aged 80 and above in the country. The technology aims to reduce the strain on the health service and offer support to the “sandwich generation” of informal carers, who often struggle to check on family members regularly due to distance or other commitments.
Andrew Ridpath, Head of Emergency Resolution at Taking Care, explains the company’s approach: “Traditional elderly care often waits for something to go wrong, like a fall or decline in health, before stepping in. With ActiveAlert, we’re changing that approach by proactively monitoring wellbeing and providing support before emergencies occur. This not only helps maintain our customers’ independence but also offers their families invaluable peace of mind.”
Amanda Amory from Cambridgeshire, whose 85-year-old father uses a Taking Care personal alarm, shared her experience: “My father lives seven miles away, and despite his 24/7 care, I still visit twice a day and rely on his personal alarm when his carers take their daily two-hour break. Initially, the alarm was for alerting us to any physical issues when my dad was more mobile, whereas now, it’s very much a comfort blanket for all of us.”
ActiveAlert is now included in all new Taking Care alarm packages at no additional cost, seamlessly integrating into the company’s existing 24/7 support service. To learn more about how ActiveAlert can provide peace of mind for families, visit the Taking Care website.
Taking Care, a subsidiary of AXA Health, has been providing personal alarm services for over 30 years. The company resolves over 49,900 customer emergencies from older and vulnerable people each year and is the only Which? approved personal alarm service in the UK. Taking Care is also the trusted provider of the Age Co Personal Alarm Service. To learn more, visit the company’s website or follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
For more information, please contact John Swaffield at john.swaffield@ppptakingcare.co.uk or 07909 820 701.
Sources for this article include a survey of 2,009 UK adults commissioned by Taking Care, 2021 Census data, NHS.uk Falls and Prevention, Taking Care Elderly People and Falls report, and Projecting Older People Population Information (POPPI). This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ on Thursday 3 October, 2024.
