Overview

Arthur, an 81-year-old man, lives with his German Shepherd dog, Del Boy. He has lived alone since he lost his wife to pancreatic cancer, shortly followed by his daughter to Covid and his previous dog. Understandably, Arthur became depressed and struggled with his mental health for quite some time. Additionally, he has diabetes and reduced mobility due to knee problems, for which he requires assistance sometimes.

Arthur has a cleaner who visits him weekly to help him with cleaning. She also serves as his responder or emergency contact, as she lives close to him. His son-in-law and two grandchildren who live 50 minutes away, also, visit him twice weekly.

Living independently with limited mobility and managing chronic health conditions posed several challenges for Arthur and his family is constantly worried about his safety when he is alone. Although he is familiar with current available technologies and has cameras to monitor his dog, he does not like traditional solutions like pendants or cameras intruding his privacy.

Solution

A social worker suggested the Beanbag Care assisted living service to Arthur, keeping in mind his condition. The Beanbag Care system was appealing due to its non-intrusive design, which respects users’ privacy while offering comprehensive safety monitoring.

Easy temperature control: Before installing Beanbag Care, Arthur used a standard thermostat with a wheel-style control to turn the heating up or down. At times, this system proved difficult to see or change easily. He also found it hard to maintain his preferred temperature of 18 degrees with the old system.

The new technology-enabled Beanbag Care system helps Arthur to easily monitor and set his preferred temperature through an easy-to-use tablet. Even his responder can now remotely manage his home’s temperature through the app, ensuring his comfort.

Care without compromise: Arthur did not want traditional sensors like pendants due to the stigma attached to them. He wanted a system that protect his privacy without compromising his safety.

Beanbag Care’s non-intrusive nature fulfilled this, operating discreetly in the background, providing peace of mind without incessantly tracking him.

Outcome

After installing the Beanbag Care system, Arthur experienced a significant improvement in his quality of life and overall well-being.

On one occasion, the system identified extremely low-temperature and promptly notified his responder. Arthur’s cleaner, acting as his responder, immediately called to check if he was okay. The system’s ability to raise a timely alert allowed for quick intervention, preventing potential health risks.

Arthur described the system as “superior” to others and stated that it is a “brilliant, fantastic and a perfect idea” owing to its effectiveness. He found the system intuitive and appreciated the comfort it brought him, knowing that help was always accessible without compromising his privacy.

Arthur’s journey with Beanbag Care illustrates the profound impact that thoughtful, user-centred technology can have on the lives of elderly individuals. By respecting user’s privacy and addressing their unique needs, Beanbag Care offers a model for others seeking similar solutions.

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