Technology
The SmartSocks™ (patent pending) are used as an aid to assist care staff to provide psychological or physical assistance at an earlier stage than they may otherwise be able to. People who spend time in their own room in a care home are not visible to care staff who may not be able to pick up on heightened distress or agitation until it becomes verbalised and has significantly decreased wellbeing.
Benefits
An alert from the SmartSocks™ that a person’s anxiety or stress levels were raised would allow for a more-timely intervention by the care team. A timelier intervention is likely to increase the wellbeing of the person wearing the SmartSocks™ and decrease the impact that increased anxiety, or agitation has on staff and other people in the environment.
Used by people with dementia, autism spectrum disorders, and some learning disabilities, the SmartSocks™ can improve quality of life, reduce agitation, decrease burden on families and carers, and save costs for health and social care.
For social care organisations
Jacqui Arnold, Head of Customer Experience at Milbotix, explains how the Milbotix smart socks could help people working within social care organisations to reduce distress and agitation.
How the SmartSocks™ work
Innovations
The SmartSocks™ incorporate research innovations developed in Bristol, UK and Osaka, Japan.
Why socks?
Some people find wearables overly complex, uncomfortable, and/or stigmatising. Maintaining regular patterns of charging and use can also prove challenging. The SmartSocks™ are designed to increase acceptance and adherence. They will be machine washable with no need to recharge.