The story of Mary explains the significant impact checkmarks™ can have on the life of an elderly person giving comfort to the elderly and the relatives.

Mary’s story:

Mary has lived in Stockbridge Village since 1968. She’s not quite as independent as she once was and even though her daughter Jan visits at least three times a day they both jumped at the opportunity to take part in the Smarter Homes trial.

Mary had some discreet ‘Assistive Technology’ checkmarks™ sensors installed in her home (taking little more than 30 minutes). These now provide Jan with an extra level of assurance whenever she is not there. Jan can use the App on her smartphone at any time to check when Mary was last up and about, when she last opened her fridge (drinking her favourite milk) and the temperature in her bungalow.

This was all installed free of charge as part of a 12 month trial project where Villages are working with Knowsley Council as well as organisations and academic researchers at the leading edge of this technology. The cost to Mary is just 31p a week in electricity!

For Mary and Jan the trial has already proved its value. Mary had a fall one morning and Jan was able to spot on her App that all was not well. Jan whizzed round and found Mary on the oor – a little confused and bruised but otherwise OK. Jan visits
frequently but it could still have been a couple of hours before Mary received help.

For others this could have been far longer.

Our hope is that Mary and Jan along with many others will be able to bene t from this technology in the future. Jan is quite clear that she never wants to go back to being without this extra level of assurance. Next step is to find Mary some non-slip socks!