An upgraded energy system with smart meters at its heart could transform the way society cares for the most vulnerable, according to a report by 2020Health and Smart Energy GB.

The report highlights how smart meters could act as part of a telehealth system sitting in virtually every home in Great Britain within just a few years. Energy usage patterns from smart meters could make it easier and less stressful for family members who live apart to look after their relatives.

The report found that 81% of adults would be comfortable letting a family member live on their own for longer if they could be alerted to unusual changes in behaviour. Nearly three-quarters believe technology has the potential to change the way people live and care for themselves.

Independent social enterprise think tank 2020Health believes smart meter data could help the NHS improve care for people living with conditions such as dementia, making it easier for them to live independently in their homes for longer.

Smart meters will enable a more resilient energy system, help build a cleaner Britain and give consumers control over their energy use, but 2020Health’s research, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, suggests the benefits could extend further.

Around 850,000 people already live with dementia in the UK and that number is expected to grow to 1.6 million by 2040.In just a few years, data from smart meters could be used to help provide better care and potentially reduce the £26bn a year spent supporting sufferers, a third of which is money spent by people with dementia and their families.

The report suggests that energy usage patterns from smart meter data could be used as a non-intrusive way to understand the daily habits of people with illnesses such as dementia, Parkinson’s and depression. Irregularities in these patterns could alert relatives or healthcare workers that the person may need additional support.

For example, later use of the kettle in the morning could indicate insomnia, pain or memory problems. Increased energy use in late evenings or at night could include sundowning syndrome, which is often a sign of progression from early stages of Alzheimer’s to more serious deterioration. Complete inactivity of appliances such as the TV or oven could indicate a fall, stroke or acute illness.

If unusual behaviour was detected, an alert would be automatically raised and sent to a family member, care worker, telehealth hub or doctor to respond. Not only could this provide professionals with important insights into the health of the patient, but it could also allow family or friends to act as first responders to possible low risk health concerns. This could alleviate pressure on the social and healthcare systems, and ease the burden on carers.

The report is released as consumer research reveals 81% of Britons agreed that if there was a way of being alerted to any unusual behaviour, they’d would be more comfortable with their elderly or vulnerable loved ones living independently at home for longer.

Furthermore, with four in five aware that the NHS is under more pressure than ever before, nearly three-quarters of adults (72%) think technology has the potential to change the way people live and care for themselves. In fact, adults welcome telehealth that could assist the lives and independence of vulnerable friends and family, with just over two thirds (67%) agreeing non-intrusive remote health technology could help people caring for those with dementia still living in their own home.

Plus, six in ten (61%) agree that having smart healthcare technology in a loved one’s home would give them more peace of mind.

Choreographer and TV star Arlene Phillips, who cared for her father when he had dementia, said: “It’s so hard to detect the signs when you don’t live with your relatives. I found out that my father would often leave the hob on overnight. Not only was this a symptom of Alzheimer’s developing, it was also dangerous. Had this technology been around when I was looking after my father, it would have greatly helped me understand what was happening with him.”

It is not only neurodegenerative diseases that remote health and care technology could detect. There is evidence that smart meters present an opportunity to gain insights into cases of fuel poverty, neglect and unhealthy living conditions. If a building’s thermal efficiency rating is known, then a combination of daily average electricity and gas readings, together with external air temperature and solar irradiance data, may be enough to detect the under-heating of homes.

“We were excited to find that an informal care offering with smart energy technology has already become a reality in Japan,” said Julia Manning, director of 2020Health. “Scaling affordable health and care in Britain is always a challenge but remains urgent. Our ageing society indicates a future of much greater healthcare need, and smart meter technology could prove useful in making it easier and safer for people with conditions such as dementia to live independently in their homes for longer, delaying transition to the care home setting and providing peace of mind to family and loved ones. Harnessing this technology could bring benefits to all: patients, caregivers, family members and healthcare providers across the UK.”

Consumer research was conducted with 4000 respondents in November 2020 by One Poll, as commissioned by Smart Energy GB.

There are 21.5 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. These households in England, Scotland and Wales can now see their energy use in near real time and receive more accurate bills.

Smart Energy GB is the campaign for a smarter Britain. Its task is to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to be cleaner and greener with their energy use.