People with dementia and their carers can now sign up for a new, free of charge NHS remote monitoring service offering increased support during the coronavirus pandemic.
The service is offered by local NHS provider, Surrey and Borders Partnership, smart home monitoring provider, Howz, Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership. It is available to anyone with a diagnosis of dementia living at home in Surrey, and their main carer.
The TIHM (Technology Integrated Health Management) Monitoring Service is based on an award-winning remote monitoring system to reassure people about their health, alert them to potential health issues and, where necessary, ensure they receive prompt treatment and support.
Commenting on the launch of the new service, Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “The TIHM Monitoring Service is another example of how we’re working with partners to embrace technology and enhance residents’ independence, by enabling our residents to live healthily in their homes for longer, while ensuring they and their families feel safe and supported.”
People receiving the service are provided with easy to use devices that track their temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, general wellbeing and changes in activity in the home. 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. The Team will provide prompt advice and support. If necessary, they will also arrange for coronavirus testing and liaise with111, hospital services and GPs.
Carol and Russell Hudson (pictured below) who live in Bramley, near Guildford, have recently started using the service. Carol, who cares for her husband, Russell, who has Alzheimer’s disease said: “I think it’s amazing. I find it 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.”
For the full media release from Surrey and Borders Partnership including details of how to apply for the service please click the link below.
