Cool devices to watch over you

Who can predict the impact of new technology
on social care in the years to come?

The London Borough of Camden has made a bold
attempt in a new report on implementing electronic government in
the borough.

In its e-government vision, Camden illustrates
how “passive monitoring” could help older people stay in their own
homes for longer.

Sensors could alert the authorities if there
was a fall in room temperature or if the fridge was not opened for
a long period.

The report says “this is not only beneficial
for the elderly person… but is also less expensive than
residential care.”

But Andrew Stephens, head of Camden Connect,
the council’s e-government team, said that money would not be the
guiding influence. “It’s not a question of cost primarily but a
question of quality of life,” he said.