Supporting Independence Through Technology-Enabled Care: Blue Bird

Two things people living alone are at risk of are loneliness and isolation. Both are now recognised as genuine health issues that, according to studies, collectively heighten the risk of early death by around 26%, increasing a person’s susceptibility to more serious mental health conditions such as depression and dementia.  

For the families of such people, respecting their loved one’s wishes to remain independent but also being fearful for their safety is a difficult road to navigate. They naturally want the person to live happily and freely, but worry what might happen if they don’t have access to the right support or care if their health causes events to go south.

For Monica and her daughter Sharon, this is the exact same situation they found themselves in. Through the help of technology enabled care (TEC), they managed to bridge this gap, maintaining a healthy level of independence while giving the family peace of mind and assurance through regular alerts and visibility of her general day to day.

After losing her husband and undergoing hip surgery, 74-year-old Monica wanted to stay in the home she loved. Her daughter Sharon, however, found herself increasingly anxious about her mother’s safety. A simple, sensor-based digital care solution helped them both find balance - providing reassurance without feeling intrusive on Monica’s privacy, and enabling her to live freely while Sharon stayed connected in the background.

Living alone after bereavement, Monica became more withdrawn. Her mobility was limited and, despite her daughter’s support, she hesitated to ask for help. Sharon’s concern grew, leading to daily calls and constant worry. Both wanted the same thing: Monica’s safety and independence, but neither felt they could achieve it without coming to a compromise.

The situation reflected a broader challenge seen across social care: how to provide reassurance without taking away autonomy,  and how to use technology not as surveillance, but as a means of empowerment.

“Once I lost Mike, I think I withdrew. I just wanted to be left alone in my own misery.”
– Monica

To bridge that gap, TEC was introduced, relying on smart sensors to track Monica’s daily activities around the home. These sensors kept an eye on movement patterns, such as when Monica got out of bed, moved between rooms, or switched on the kettle. The system was tailored to focus on what mattered most to Sharon and the family, providing reassurance that Monica was safe. When any of Monica’s routines changes, automatic notifications were sent to Sharon’s phone, enabling early intervention when patterns indicated she may need support.

The technology worked passively in the background, without the need for Monica to press buttons or make manual contact. For Monica, it meant knowing that help would come if something went wrong, without having to reach for a phone or raise an alarm. For Sharon, it offered quiet confirmation that her mother was safe and active, even when she couldn’t be there in person.

Over time, the system helped both women to worry less about Monica’s health, rebuilding their confidence and sense of normality. Sharon no longer needed to call every morning to check in, and Monica began to move more freely around her home without fear of being a burden.

“I get a ping in the morning that she’s up, or that the kettle’s gone on. It means I can concentrate on my day, knowing she’s fine.” – Sharon

What started as a practical safety measure soon became something far more powerful. The technology quietly reshaped their relationship and transformed concern into reassurance, and dependency into trust.

Monica describes the difference as a “lifeline,” not because it replaced care, but because it gave her the confidence to live fully again. She no longer feared being unseen or forgotten, and Sharon could go to work knowing she’d be alerted instantly if something wasn’t right.

With the constant worry lifted, their relationship changed too. Conversations became lighter, visits more relaxed, and the time they spent together was no longer focused on checking or chasing, and instead, became about enjoying life again.

“Suddenly, I wasn’t on my own anymore. That might sound small, but when you live alone, it’s a big thing.” – Monica

The introduction of simple, data-led monitoring has transformed life for both mother and daughter in the following powerful ways.

• Empowerment over dependence: Monica remains independent, with confidence to move freely and live life on her own terms.
• Reassurance through insight: Sharon receives automatic alerts that provide peace of mind without daily phone calls.
• Early intervention: Changes in routine can now be identified quickly, helping family respond before small issues become emergencies.
• Improved wellbeing: Both feel calmer, safer and more connected without the incessant worry over Monica’s health.

“I didn’t expect technology to bring us closer but it has. I’ve finally got my mum back.” – Sharon

The use of TEC has allowed Monica to remain safely in the place she loves, while giving Sharon the freedom to live her own life with confidence. Together, they’ve found a new rhythm; one that shows the real purpose of technology enabled care by restoring human contact instead of replacing it entirely.

“It’s given us both freedom. Mine to live, and hers to stop worrying.” – Monica

Stories like Monica and Sharon’s show what’s possible when care and technology work hand in hand. If you’d like to see how technology enabled care could help people in your community live safely, confidently, and independently, get in touch with the Access TEC team today.