A pioneering research project which uses XBox technology to monitor the welfare of elderly people has been shortlisted for a national award.
The MiiHome project, which is being trialled in Salford, aims to help older people live more safely in their homes for longer by tracking their movements using artificial intelligence.
The project is a collaboration between housing association Salix Homes, working alongside Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, and The University of Salford.
Now the project has been shortlisted in the Innovation of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards, which recognises excellence in the housing sector.
The project has seen X-Box Kinect sensors, which detect movement, fitted into a number of properties at Salix Homes’ sheltered living schemes, which provide accommodation for older people.
Jonathan Drake, service director at Salix Homes, said: “The idea of MiiHome is that it acts as a sort of ‘digital guardian angel’ which is able to detect changes in behaviour that could mean something is wrong, for example someone’s gait may have slowed down, or they may be getting up more than usual in the night.
“Its aim is to provide an early warning system to enable a health professional to step in and provide the right sort of care before the situation escalates, and hopefully reduce hospital admissions and pressure on our already overstretched NHS.
“It’s a trial-blazing project which could change the landscape of how health and housing is delivered in the future, so to be nominated for such a prestigious industry award really is the icing on the cake.”
