Sock sensors and smart mattresses – is this the future of dementia care?

In 2023, they were approached by the team at UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London to take part in the trial, which is funded by the medical research charity LifeArc.

Their house in west London is now fitted with different sensors, which are connected via the internet, that send data back to a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and other clinical specialists.

The team then uses the information to better understand how the person is managing their daily routine, identify early signs of changing health and care needs with the hope that they can maintain independence for longer.

Door sensors detect if someone leaves in the middle of the night, movement is monitored to check for signs of a fall, while kitchen appliances are fitted with sensors to check whether Jyoti has eaten and is sticking to her daily routine.

The couple sleep on a “smart mattress” to track sleep disturbances and Jyoti’s heart and breathing rates, which can spot early signs of an infection.

Alongside this trial, Jyoti is also testing out smart socks and a special watch that also contain sensors to monitor her body temperature and keep track of any long-term changes in her gait – indicating frailty.