The B-CONNECT project, funded by the Sláintecare Innovation Fund, is a pilot initiative focused on leveraging support coordination and Active and Assisted Living (AAL) technologies to support older adults with complex conditions to remain living at home. ALONE undertook the delivery in partnership with Beaumont Hospital, the Dublin North Integrated Care Team for Older Persons, and Northside Home Care Services. The project tested the use of technologies like smart devices, tablets, and sensors to promote self-management, reduce isolation, and enhance safety and social engagement.
The evaluation of B-CONNECT, using a realist synthesis approach, demonstrated significant improvements in participant/family resilience (77%) and a reduction in carer stress burden (92%). While overall quality of life showed a slight decline primarily due to a reported loss of autonomy (87%), other aspects like control, self-realization, and pleasure remained relatively stable. For the health system, B-CONNECT contributed to avoiding emergency department presentations (5 cases) and facilitating timely hospital discharges (12 clients).
Qualitative feedback highlighted the benefits and usefulness of the technologies for communication, companionship, and providing reassurance to family members. The project also focused on community network capacity building and explored ways to improve equitable access to technologies for older persons. The learning from B-CONNECT is informing ALONE’s strategic direction for scaling and replicating the model as part of the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) strategy.
Originally published in June 2021.
