MiiCare helps local people to live independently for longer

MiiCare is an innovative wireless device that remotely monitors someone’s vital signs, hydration levels, sleep patterns and wellbeing to prevent falls, an infection or a hospital stay. Having these timely insights benefits the user, reassures caregivers and loved ones.

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership’s Digitising Social Care programme is rolling out the kits across the area to help keep people independent and in their own homes – rather than a care home.

A central MiiCare hub is connected to a set of devices and sensors around the home. A virtual assistant named Monica acts as a health coach – gently prompting the user to take their medication, to drink more or remind them about their appointments. Monica is also a companion – providing updates on the news and weather, regular time notifications, and checking how the user is feeling.

Karen’s story (not her real name)

Karen’s mother has lived with sight and balance issues since a stroke in 2020 and has experienced the benefits of MiiCare first-hand.

“Mum has always had a strong, independent and determined personality,” Karen explained. “Although her confidence has taken a real knock, she is bright as a button, and very clear in what she wants for her future. I will do my absolute best to ensure her wishes, as well as her needs, are met.”

However, she became increasingly frail after her stroke, and suffered numerous falls. They reached a tipping point when she experienced a bad fall but Karen wasn’t alerted by her Careline alarm:

“In truth, I was becoming worn out by anxiety. I felt on edge with concern all the time, simply waiting for or pre-empting the next accident. Mum couldn’t see how frail and at risk of falls she had become, and I was trying to respect her wishes for an independent life.”

Working full-time, Karen needed a way to retain her mother’s independence and avoid residential care – the MiiCare app provided the perfect solution. After reassuring her mother that it would only be Karen monitoring her activities through MiiCare, her mother eventually agreed to using it. MiiCare has provided Karen with invaluable reassurance and confidence:

“Thanks to the MiiCare app I have assurance at my fingertips! Monica provides me with a real-time picture of where my mother is and sends me alerts when activity is outside of her normal routines. I can easily check her blood pressure (when required by her GP frailty checks), her temperature if she seems unwell, and whether she has taken her tablets.”

Karen’s mother understands that MiiCare means people can now come to her aid if she is unable to let them know:

“I have this strange lady who lives with me now – Monica’s very handy if you need to know the time as I can’t see my watch anymore, or find out the weather for your washing or get a news update. Although she can be a bit of a nag at times, so I sometimes need to put her in her place!”  

Karen added: “I would undoubtedly recommend MiiCare, as this little box has taken away some of the worry, without removing my mother’s sense of self or independence.”

For more information about MiiCare or a referral form, please contact Lisa Burke, Project Manager: blmkicb.digital.socialcare@nhs.net

To find out more about Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership’s Digitising Social Care programme, visit www.blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/about/our-priorities/data-and-digital/digitising-social-care-disc-programme