Millions of vulnerable people to benefit from new IoT monitoring service

Millions of people are now being enabled to lead more independent and better-protected lifestyles thanks to a new smart IoT monitoring device, called Memo Hub.  Memo Hub supports the vulnerable to live confidently and safely at home, offering additional reassurance amid the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Created by next-generation telecare expert Alcuris Ltd., with the help of IoT connectivity specialist Eseye, Memo Hub connects to smart devices around a person’s home via Zigbee and Bluetooth, and monitors their daily activity., Typically it monitors a variety of items activity, such as when kettles and televisions are used and how often. Memo Hub then uses Eseye’s AnyNet Connectivity Management solution to reliably and securely backhaul the l data to the Alcuris database on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud services platform.

The information and insight is then delivered to families and caregivers, via the Memo App or the Dashboard, triggering an alert if their usual pattern of behaviour changes and if there is cause for concern over their wellbeing.   Any potential issues are flagged to caregivers quickly and preventative actions can be put in place.

Alexander Nash, Founder and Director of Alcuris, said: “Our mission is to help older people, and those living with physical or mental health impairments, lead longer, happier and more independent lives, something that everyone deserves. With the threat that we are now facing, in the midst of this global coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial that the wellbeing of vulnerable people living alone is supported.”

Alcuris partnered with Eseye for its unique multi-network AnyNet 4G cellular IoT and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) connectivity expertise, which provides the highly reliable, resilient and critical connection between the Memo Hub and a 24/7 alarm monitoring centre and allows for multi-network switching instantly.

With more than 99% connectivity uptime, this multi-network reliably delivers data to Alcuris using Eseye’s native integration with managed cloud service, AWS IoT Core. This enables Alcuris to securely store data and perform in depth data analytics. Eseye’s multi-network system also allows for the uploading of software updates to the Memo Hub, ensuring it is permanently performing at peak levels. Effective and robust connectivity management is crucial - a connection failure could be the difference between life and death.

Nick Earle, CEO of Eseye, said: “This is a significant step in the provision of care and support for independent older and vulnerable people. It’s a potentially lifesaving technology, and we are delighted to be a part of this innovative new product and service – especially at a time of such uncertainty and worry for families everywhere. The possibilities for IoT to enable market disruption and enhance our everyday lives are endless, which is why it is core to the Eseye vision.”

According to Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), there are more than 3.8 million individuals over the age of 65 living alone, while more than a million older or disabled people receive social care funded by the state.

Memo Hub will lead to more efficient caregiving: including improving how carers and support workers prioritise visits and expediting the process of checking in/out of patients’ homes – an important tool during times of restricted access. The service will also ease NHS pressures, as issues can be identified early and remedied so that hospital admissions are reduced.