Innovation That Actually Solves Real-World Issues

Ann Marie Cheeseman is the community alarm manager at Adur & Worthing Councils . She's interested in a practical and pragmatic approach to innovation that solves real-world issues (there was no mention of A.I. in our conversation!). Still, they make a material difference in how providers can support people at scale.

Ann Marie needs a pendant with an in-built microphone and a speaker. This innovation would be transformative since, today, if an individual has a fall in the garden or upstairs away from their hub, it becomes complicated to understand their wellbeing and consequently support them. Having a microphone and a speaker would allow the agent in the monitoring centre to know exactly where the person is, how safe they are, and whether they need help. It would save lives and save people from long-lies. It would also be simple for service users to understand: it's not a farfetched idea.?

Ann Marie notes that the big suppliers have been working on this innovation since she started at Adur and worthing… in 2003! They've been asking suppliers for this simple innovation, and it's still not on the market. "Why don't they build it?! It would be brilliant," she told me.?

With 1,334 dispersed units and eight sheltered schemes, Adur and Worthing is a small community-led service close to its users and prioritises a personalised service and excellent support.??

The role of the mobile phone is growing for those who can use them. Poor dexterity and bad eyesight limit their use. More bespoke solutions like MindMe, have one button, which is easy to understand (and see).?

?Ann Marie is seeing more 'home-spun' solutions, such as families installing video cameras in the hallways of their loved ones' homes. This is an effective solution for families to deploy. However, it may not scale nor be commercialised: she questions how this looks from a data security standpoint. Nevertheless, video monitoring in nursing homes may become central to providing services.