What do users say?
Hear from residents, housing managers, and care providers.
“I don't notice the sensors, don't even know they are here.”
Housing resident.
Our research has revealed that people have a range of feelings about the use of sensors. We’ve collected the most common points here, and grouped them according to the kind of user involved.
Residents
Most residents did not really notice the sensors in their homes.
People did not feel that their privacy was affected. In some cases they felt a sense of security and comfort knowing that the sensors were there.
“Sensors do not bother me at all.”
Housing resident.
People without sensors in their homes were more concerned about privacy.
Members of the public with no experience of sensors had concerns about being watched or monitored too closely, and were worried about privacy invasion and intrusiveness. These perceptions could hinder people’s willingness to use the technology.
“It has got to be the patient’s choice to have sensors.”
Public member.
Residents already receiving healthcare services welcomed home sensors.
This group tended to be familiar with more intrusive monitoring, were less concerned about its application, and more likely to accept it. We found that in general, health and vulnerability were important factors influencing attitudes toward sensor systems.
“We’re older and see the benefits of stuff being monitored.”
Housing resident.
Housing associations
Housing providers found that sensors were effective for protecting the health of residents and homes.
Data also improved efficiency and planning, but came with the responsibility of needing to respond to the risks identified.
“Sensor data helped to rationalise workloads in a manageable way.”
Housing manager.
Sensors also helped maximise the life of buildings.
They were particularly useful for older or mixed housing stock, helping to identify previously unknown building issues and problems that could be fixed with repairs rather than replacements – saving both time and money.
“It’s cheaper to fix a leaking roof early, rather than replace it later.”
Housing manager.
Sensors allowed housing associations to take proactive action.
It is not feasible to focus on every customer at all times. Using sensor data helped to identify residents that may need support, providing opportunities to discuss the causes of possible issues such as income, rent arrears, and heating costs.
“The system moves us from being reactive to becoming pre-emptive.”
Housing manager.
Healthcare providers
Using sensors to help provide care is in its early stages.
The technology is generally viewed as a positive addition that can help support care for a greater number of people, but there are also some challenges.
“Like a fire alarm, it could become standard and ultimately save lives.”
Healthcare provider.
Concerns were raised about workload and who has responsibility to act.
Healthcare providers noted that a clear process should be identified for who is monitoring, alerted, and must respond when changes to a resident’s usual behaviour occurs.
“Having the capacity to monitor and use the data is a challenge.”
Healthcare provider.
The system must be easy to use.
For a sensor system to be practical and useful, it must include automated notifications to minimise workload and avoid manual data scrolling.
“Notifications are important – they make demands on staff much lower .”
Healthcare provider.
