Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has unveiled a pioneering new NHS service designed to transform dementia care through remote, at-home monitoring. This innovative service leverages smart home technology to provide continuous, specialist support for some of the most vulnerable individuals living with dementia in the community.
The MinderCare system uses a discreet network of sensors installed in patients’ homes to collect real-time data on daily routines, sleep patterns, and vital signs. This information is securely transmitted to a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and clinical specialists who monitor the data daily via the Minder platform – a secure digital research system.
The system, developed by the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Care Research & Technology Centre at Imperial College London, is led by Professor David Sharp. It is supported by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and funded by the medical research charity LifeArc. The service is also backed by infrastructure support from the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre.
Commenting on the innovation, Professor David Sharp said:
"We need to develop new ways to care for people living with dementia. New technologies can support our existing dementia services to provide more responsive and personalised care.
“MinderCare is an exciting partnership between the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust that trials a radically new way of dementia care that is anchored in the hospital but reaching out into peoples homes, with the aim of delivering cost-effective care that improves quality of life and reduces hospital admissions."
By identifying subtle changes in behaviour or health – such as disrupted sleep, reduced movement, or unusual activity patterns – MinderCare enables earlier interventions and more appropriate treatments. This proactive approach aims to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and help individuals maintain independence for longer.
For example, the system can detect signs of respiratory or urinary infections through changes in heart or breathing rates, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment. It can also monitor responses to medication, particularly in managing sleep disturbances, a common issue among dementia patients.
The technology includes door, appliance, and movement sensors, as well as a bed mat that tracks sleep quality and vital signs. Importantly, none of the devices record sound or video, ensuring privacy and dignity for users. The design is intentionally unobtrusive, blending seamlessly into the home environment.
MinderCare not only supports clinical teams with valuable insights but also provides reassurance to families and carers. By offering a clearer picture of a loved one’s wellbeing, it helps families stay informed and involved in care decisions.
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