Our activity monitoring system supported Meg’s return home after a three-week stay in hospital, equipping her family and carers with practical insights that informed confident care decisions.
Snapshot
When it was time for Meg to be discharged from a hospital stay, getting the balance right between ongoing support and independence was pivotal.
Challenges
When it was time for her to leave hospital, Meg’s family and care team faced three key challenges when it came to assessing if she was able to safely live at home independently.
Meg lived alone, and while her care team were visiting regularly after her fall, they needed a way to understand how she was getting on between visits.
After the hospital stay left her frailer and with knocked confidence, Meg and her family were keen to receive reassurance that she would be properly supported at home.
Two of Meg’s grown-up sons lived overseas, which meant they couldn’t easily see how she was managing day-to-day, and needed something to make the long distance more manageable.
Meg lived alone, and while her care team were visiting regularly after her fall, they needed a way to understand how she was getting on between visits.
After the hospital stay left her frailer and with knocked confidence, Meg and her family were keen to receive reassurance that she would be properly supported at home.
Two of Meg’s grown-up sons lived overseas, which meant they couldn’t easily see how she was managing day-to-day, and needed something to make the long distance more manageable.
Solution
By managing a return to independent living with our remote activity-monitoring system, Meg’s family and care team had the benefits of 24/7 insight, without having to physically be there every minute of the day.
As part of her short-term care package, discreet Canary Care sensors were installed in key areas of Meg’s home – such as the kitchen, front door, and bathroom. She happily agreed to this approach, recognising the value of a system that allowed carers and family to check in, without compromising her privacy.
In the weeks that followed her return home, the activity monitoring system showed Meg was able to move about the house independently, and perform crucial self-care tasks such as using the bathroom, washing, and preparing food and drink. Humidity sensors also confirmed that her home remained warm and comfortable.
Door sensors helped keep track of care worker visits. Meg’s carers were able to see that she remained active after they left, providing further evidence of her independence, and reassurance to her family.
Outcomes
Having the Canary Care system in place reassured Meg that loved ones could check in, and intervene if she was having difficulty looking after herself. Two of her sons soon returned to everyday life – one flew home, and another went back to work – feeling confident that their mum was safe at home thanks to the Canary Care insights.
Over the next few months, Meg’s recovery continued. The Canary Care system logged a consistent routine – washing, meal preparation, and regular visits to a local extra-care facility for lunch – all without cameras and microphones. Her family could view a full activity timeline and spot any changes in her level of physical activity.
As well as tracking her day-to-day movements, Canary Care was set up to alert Meg’s family if ever something unusual happens. For example, alerts are now sent if her front door is opened after 7pm (suggesting an unexpected visitor), or if she remains in the bathroom for longer than usual (suggesting she might have had a fall).
With the positive picture painted by the Canary Care system – and backed up by case notes from care workers – Meg’s care team made the decision to withdraw domiciliary care shortly after the activity monitoring system was installed.
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For confidentiality, names, ages, and some identifying details have been altered. All case studies reflect real life experiences.