On Thursday, Williams Court, Narberth became the home of ateb’s contribution to a ground-breaking technological research study, aimed specifically at independent living amongst the over 55s. It was a lively and enjoyable session where customers were told they were ‘making history’. 

Yes, technology already exists that recognises when a person has already fallen, but this study is very different and aimed at ‘prediction and prevention’.

Smplicare is a University of Edinburgh start-up that aims to ‘transform everyday wearables (ie Fitbits and smart watches) into powerful tools for preventing age-related health risks starting with falls.’

Why is this so important?  Each year in Wales alone, it is estimated that the combined falls amongst older people costs the NHS in Wales a staggering £2.3 billion. Regardless of the monetary costs, falls can have long-term and devastating effects on older people, with many losing their independence as a result.

At ateb we aim for our customers to remain as independent, safe and healthy and in their own homes for as long as is possible, so this research is invaluable to our work.

Our 9 customers have agreed to a 6-month observational falls study where they commit to wearing their wearables daily and do a weekly weigh in on their smart scales, providing invaluable data ‘changing lives’.

Customers commented “I enjoyed the session and am enjoying learning new things about my health thanks to the Fitbit and scales.”

“I find it very informative, finding out things about myself that I wouldn’t normally know, plus it helps them to build a data base for the project they are working on.”

To register your interest in volunteering with Smplicare on this or future projects, you can sign up at www.smplicare.com

Published: 18/09/2023