Sovrinti Case Study
Atypical Bathroom Behavior Example
Maintaining independence for older adults is a crucial goal in long-term care. Early detection of health concerns plays a vital role in achieving this objective. This study explores the potential of the Sovrinti system, a technology designed to monitor activity within homes, to identify changes in bathroom habits that might indicate health issues in aging individuals.
Background:
The Sovrinti system was piloted within a home care agency during 2022-2023. The study focused on a 59-year-old woman living independently with 20 hours of weekly caregiver assistance. The primary goal was to evaluate the system's effectiveness in identifying trends in bathroom habits and its potential to integrate seamlessly into existing care workflows.
Results:
Analysis of five months of data revealed:
A significant increase in toilet flushes (approximately 40%) over the monitoring period.
A shift in morning activity patterns, with nearly half (48%) occurring between 6-11 am.
Potential Interventions:
These observed changes warrant further investigation by caregivers. Increased bathroom visits, particularly in the morning, could be indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or require a medication review. Early detection of these conditions allows for timely interventions and promotes continued independent living for the client.
Further Research:
The study highlights the value of incorporating additional data points, such as light usage, sink activity, and location, for a more comprehensive picture. Future research could analyze bathroom visit duration, frequency of caregiver assistance, mealtime timing, and nighttime trends to further refine care delivery strategies.
