Smart mattresses, motion sensors, and internet-connected door monitors are currently being tested in UK homes to help people with dementia maintain their independence. A clinical trial launched in 2023 involves researchers from the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London evaluating how home-monitoring technology tracks daily routines and health changes.
How Home-Monitoring Technology Works in Dementia Care
The trial—funded by the medical research charity LifeArc—connects a network of household sensors to a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and clinical specialists. A home in west London occupied by participants Jyoti and her partner has been fitted with internet-linked devices designed to track daily habits. Door sensors record if someone leaves in the middle of the night, while movement monitors check for signs of a fall. Additionally, kitchen appliances feature sensors that track whether Jyoti has eaten and is sticking to her daily routine.
Tracking Vital Signs and Mobility with Smart Mattresses and Socks
Beyond daily routines, the technology monitors physiological indicators of health and physical decline. The couple sleeps on a smart mattress that tracks sleep disturbances alongside Jyoti’s heart and breathing rates, metrics that can spot early signs of infection. Alongside the mattress, Jyoti is testing smart socks and a special watch equipped with sensors. These wearable devices monitor body temperature and track long-term changes in gait to detect indicators of frailty.
Clinical Goals and Future Outlook
The primary objective of the trial is to collect continuous data that allows clinical teams to spot early signs of changing health and care needs. By identifying issues such as infections or mobility declines before they escalate into emergencies, researchers hope the technology will help people maintain independence for longer. The UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London continue to evaluate the data streams sent back from the home to refine how remote monitoring supports daily care.
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