Argenti: Helping vulnerable people stay independent during the COVID-19 outbreak

During the pandemic, technology that helps elderly and vulnerable people live independently has been even more valuable. PA Consulting explains their role
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We’ve been working with UK local authorities in Dorset, Hampshire, Barnet and Essex to use innovative technology-enabled care, including wearable detectors, door sensors and personal GPS, to help elderly or vulnerable people live independently in their own homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that service has never been more valuable. It’s helped people stay autonomous, as well as combatting isolation by keeping them in touch with their families. And it’s taken the pressure off social care and healthcare services – that were already stretched. By adapting how teams work, we’ve made sure service users stay safe despite the restrictions, without compromising their independence.

Key Successes: 
  • supported more than 17,000 vulnerable people who use our equipment
  • introduced innovative ways to run the service despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • introduced 150 users to care technology to support people living with conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, MS and mental health issues
A valued help in a time of crisis 

With less money available for social care and more people than ever needing it, there’s a growing realisation that technology can help fill the void.

Argenti, our innovative approach to technology-enabled care, gives advanced automated support to those in need 24 hours a day and connects care workers to service users for better, more efficient care. The technology includes wearable detectors and other devices to alert the service if someone has a fall, prompt users to take medication or allow users to get support when required. It also includes door sensors or personal GPS devices to enable users to access the community safely and confidently, or sensors to detect abnormal temperatures or flooding in the house. The service alerts users’ relatives or care staff from its 24-hour monitoring centre. And it includes ongoing innovation to explore the potential of utilising cobots, smart socks to provide social care support.

It’s helping more than 17,000 people live independently in four local authority areas. They range from elderly people with dementia or mobility problems to parents of children with severe physical or mental disabilities who benefit from technological support to better manage their situation.

Local authorities refer people to the service. Argenti then works with them to assess their needs and matches the right combination of technology to help them live more comfortably in their own homes. This stops them relying on round-the-clock help at home or residential care.

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