MATCH (Mobilising Advanced Technologies for Care at Home) http://www.match-project.org.uk/ is a collaborative research project focused on technologies for care at home. The project has specialised expertise in home care networks, lifestyle monitoring, speech communication, and assistive technology (devices for disabilities). The intended end users are those at home with long-term illness, physical or mental impairment.
Increasing numbers of people with an infirmity or disability prefer to stay in their own homes. This is socially beneficial as they can remain in a familiar environment, close to family and friends. Due to an ageing population, increasing numbers of older people will require home care. It is also economically beneficial since it may be costly and impracticable to provide sufficient specialised care facilities. The strain on health services means that more people will need to be treated in the home. In a rural environment, care provision is particularly problematic.
Assistive technology helps those with disabilities cope with normal life. Specialised technology is also being used to monitor situations such as someone becoming immobile or incapable. Through use of sophisticated networking and management software, abnormal situations are detected and reported to a responder.
The project is helping in a number of ways:
The project is funded by the SFC (Scottish Funding Council) from 1st November 2005 to 31st October 2009. The project is a collaboration among the Universities of Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling (lead partner). The project is also supported by external partners British Telecom, Dementia Services Development Centre, Falkirk Council, Hanover Housing Association Scotland, ITI Techmedia, NHS Forth Valley, Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, Sensorium Commercial, Tunstall Group and West Lothian Council.
If you would like more information on MATCH http://www.match-project.org.uk/ or would be interested in joining the consortium in any capacity, please call Louise Bellin on +44 (0) 1786 467429, or email Louise Bellin.