TIHM Monitoring Service

The TIHM Monitoring Service is a free of charge, remote monitoring service that is increasing support for older people across Surrey, North East Hampshire and Farnham, and Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead. It is available to people of any age who have been diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and people aged 65 and over who have a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. Regular carers supporting people who qualify for TIHM will also be offered the Service.

The TIHM Monitoring Service combines a small package of easy-to-use remote monitoring devices that are installed in people's homes collecting information about health and wellbeing, with a dedicated NHS Monitoring Team that is clinically led. The collected health data is automatically analysed by the technology and if health or wellbeing issues are detected, an alert is flagged on a digital dashboard overseen by the Monitoring Team. The Team will investigate the alert and provide the necessary support and advice.

This is an important service designed to reassure people and help identify signs of ill-health early on so that prompt advice and support is provided. The TIHM Monitoring Service is based on an award-winning system, known as TIHM (Technology Integrated Health Management) for dementia that has been developed by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Surrey and smart home monitoring provider, Howz. Background about the study is provided in the links at the bottom of this page.

Aims of the Service

The aims of the service are to:

  • reassure people about their health and reduce anxiety about health concerns
  • identify signs of ill-health early to help people receive prompt advice and support
  • ensure that if a person does become unwell, there is up-to-date information about the person's health status to share with health professionals providing support
  • reduce the amount of time people need to spend in hospital
  • improve people's quality of life and increase their ability to live independently

Who can apply for the Service?

The service is available to:

  • anyone who has a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, regardless of age, who lives at home and is registered with a GP in either Surrey, North East Hampshire and Farnham, or Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead.
  • people aged 65 and over who have been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety and who are registered with a GP either Surrey, North East Hampshire and Farnham, or Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead.
  • regular carers of people who qualify for TIHM will also be offered the Service. The carer can be a partner, relative, friend or carer who provides regular support

Please note:

  • People who are able to use the devices independently, without help, do not need to have a carer to receive the TIHM Monitoring Service
  • Don't worry if you do not have broadband, you can still receive the service. We'll be using a mobile Wi-Fi device to connect anyone without broadband or a good Wi-Fi  signal in their home
  • We cannot offer the service to people with dementia who live in a care home

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How does the Service work?

  • The Service uses remote monitoring devices that are provided free of charge and delivered to people's homes. Step by step guidance and support is provided on installing and using the devices
  • The devices you will receive are: a digital thermometer, digital oximeter and tablet and also a door sensor, movement sensor and smart plug
  • The devices monitor physical health such as temperature, oxygen saturation and pulse. They also measure levels of activity in the home. A significant reduction in activity could signal a person has become unwell
  • Data from the devices is automatically analysed and machine learning is used to identify changes in patterns of behaviour. If the technology identifies any health or wellbeing issues, an alert is flagged on a digital dashboard overseen by the Monitoring Team. They will investigate the alert and provide the necessary follow up advice and support
  • All data collected by the devices is kept confidential and stored securely. More information about how your data is protected is provided here. If you have any further questions, please contact our Monitoring Team on: 0800 448 0786

How will the Service support you?

  • People will receive a digital tablet, thermometer, oximeter, environmental sensors and a smart plug
  • Once the devices are installed, a person will be asked to regularly use the thermometer and oximeter. They will also be asked to regularly complete a short questionnaire about their health using the tablet they have been provided with
  • The digital tablet will enable people to access the readings that are being recorded by the devices and observed by the Monitoring Team. People will also, if needed, be able to share this data with health professionals to support informed clinical decision making
  • People receiving this Service will be supported by a dedicated NHS Monitoring Team, that is contactable from 8am-8pm, seven days a week. The team is supported by clinicians and social care teams

How to apply for the Service

The TIHM Monitoring Service is currently paused for new referrals. If you would like to be updated on developments to the service please email rxx.tihm2@nhs.net

Partners involved in the Service

Get involved in research

We are conducting important research into the impact of the Coronavirus on people with dementia. In particular, we will be researching the physical symptoms experienced by people who contract the virus and how these symptoms effect people psychologically.

The research will simply involve answering a few questionnaires. Our Monitoring Team will be happy to discuss this with you. However, you do not have to sign up to the research to receive the TIHM Monitoring Service.

Smart meter research

Separate to the TIHM Monitoring Service, we are also working with our partner, Howz, on a trial to examine the effectiveness of smart meters in monitoring the health of people in the home in Surrey.

This trial,  which is also running in Leicester, is funded by NHSX (a joint unit bringing together teams from the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England and NHS Improvement to drive the digital transformation of care).

Data collected from smart meters is analysed by Howz to identify if there are any significant changes in energy usage in the home that could signal a person is not following their usual routine and may be unwell. Family members and carers can be kept informed of these changes via an app. To participate in the trial a person just needs a smart meter.

To find out more and how to get involved in the trial, click on this link. For information about Howz's privacy policy, please click here.

We will be working with Howz and our colleagues at Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership to assess the potential impact of this information on health and social care decisions.