Improving incontinence care

Incontinence is a problem that affects as many as half of all care-home residents, and a total of 13 million people across the US. Current monitoring solutions on the market are one-time use and expensive, and if help is delayed, wet pads can result in UTIs and pressure ulcers, not to mention have a measurable environmental impact.

I have this challenge

the problem

Many who suffer from incontinence choose to wear incontinence pads that absorb accidents, mitigating embarrassing situations until a carer can come and help. Still, when in long term care, having someone check on your bathroom habits regularly can be dehumanizing. Making more reusable, smart tech driven options could help reduce waste, relieve those charged with caring, and empower those needing care.

ideas

One team supported by the Nominet Trust is making a difference. ChangeAlert is an integrated system that alerts carers to pads that need to be changed. A washable, long-lasting moisture sensor is placed into a pad, and connects to a simple monitoring bracelet worn by a carer, or to their smartphone. When the pad is wet, a signal is sent, and the carer can take action to change the pad immediately. ChangeAlert maintains the dignity of patients by removing the carer’s need to check and ask after them, while making actionable data accessible to those who need it.

attributions

https://www.socialtech.org.uk/projects/changealert/

Emily Nelson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-nelson-bbaba7183/

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