Care homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have recorded significant improvements in resident safety following a pilot of acoustic monitoring technology.
Six care homes took part in the trial, which used artificial intelligence with sound and motion sensors in residents’ rooms to detect changes overnight and alert staff through handheld devices. The system identifies sounds and movement linked to possible problems, including coughing, calls for help or attempts to get out of bed.
Comparing figures before and after installation, the pilot found total falls reduced by 49.2 per cent, with unwitnessed bedroom falls down by 58.2 per cent. Ambulance callouts fell by 63.7 per cent, transfers to hospital by 79.3 per cent and days spent in hospital by 72.6 per cent. Safeguarding notices also dropped by 51.9 per cent.
The pilot was delivered through the Department for Health and Social Care Digitising Social Care programme across Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas. Five of the six homes reported positive outcomes.
Councillor Steve Robinson said the technology allowed quicker responses without disturbing residents through routine night checks, helping staff focus on more personalised care. Councillor David Brown said the results would reassure families that technology investment is supporting safety and wellbeing.
Additional findings showed two thirds of homes reduced scheduled night checks and half reported better sleep among residents. The NHS is expected to publish the full report shortly.
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