Blackwood and the University of Edinburgh are looking to start a research trial into the use of technology to detect when a vulnerable person may need assistance. However, before we can do this we want to gain public opinion on the service, to help us co-design the system and ensure it meets a broad range of requirements.

Doing everyday tasks at home, like making a cup of tea, doing the washing, cooking dinner or having a shower, uses electricity or other types of energy. If we could tell when someone might be in need of help from looking at patterns and changes in energy use, would this service be of benefit to either you, a relative or a friend? 

The service could, for example be used to either raise an alarm in a similar way to a community alarm service but it wouldn't require the individual to do anything other than carry out their daily tasks nor would it require obtrusive equipment. It could also detect changes over a longer period of time that indicate for example that a person isn't coping in the same way as before. This information could be used so that a relative or professional carer could respond. The data could also help inform the need for a formal package of care to be put in place or to support a clinical diagnosis. 

The system would only require the person to give permission for the service so that their smart meter energy usage data could be used to inform alerts and triggers. To help us with our research please answer these 6 short questions using the following survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9RJ2YHY