New Case Studies from Herts Careline

2​9 May 2026

Case Study One: MR X – Hospital admission required after the Vivago smart watch noticed deteriorating circadian rhythm.

Background
MR X is an 81‑year‑old gentleman who lives alone and has a medical history of stroke and high blood pressure.

While monitoring the data provided by the Vivago watch, Careline recognised in February that MR X’s activity level curves were quite low. Careline took the proactive approach to contact Mr X and he reported that all was well.Careline took action by monitoring the situation closely. . The following month, MR X’s Circadian Rhythm was noted to be very low, and the App indicated that he was not sleeping at night.

Intervention
Careline contacted MR X’s son, who has access to the app on his phone. We explained what the data indicated, and the son took MR X to his GP. They brought the App with them to demonstrate the data, and as a result the GP insisted on MR X being sent immediately to A&E with a referral letter. MR X was admitted to hospital that same day.

Careline remained in contact with MR X’s son, who expressed his appreciation for the Careline service and the clear data evidence that could be shared with the GP.

Outcome
Careline telephoned MR X’s son a week later to carry out a welfare check. MR X remains in hospital, as he was found to have significant fluid retention in his lower legs and Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. This contributed to his very low Circadian Rhythm, as identified and evidenced by the data collected through the Vivago watch, which showed him to be active throughout the night.

During his hospital stay, additional cardiology issues were identified, and a full review of MR X’s medication was undertaken. The son reported that MR X is now feeling much better in himself and is moving around the ward, with hopes of returning home soon. The hospital is also putting a care package in place, and MR X will continue to wear his Vivago watch so that Careline can continue monitoring.

Conclusion
This case demonstrates how the swift intervention of Careline, through monitoring data from the Vivago smart watch, contributed to MR X receiving urgent medical care that he was reluctant to seek himself. The timely use of data may have played a crucial role in preventing further deterioration in his health and potentially in saving his life.

Case Study Two: MRS Y - Lady with Alzheimer's attempting to leave home at night has door sensors to keep her safe.

Intervention
During the first quarter of the year, Call Handlers summoned the British Red Cross Responder Service on numerous occasions, sometimes more than once in a single night. On some occasions, the ambulance service was also called to carry out welfare checks.

MRS Y does have family contacts who have cameras installed in her home; however, they frequently do not respond to calls from Careline.

Outcome
Careline liaised with MRS Y’s son and supported in submitting social care referrals. Through joint working and a focus on proactive and preventative care between the involved parties, a night-time carer was sourced for MRS Y. This support began at the end of February, and since then, overnight calls have been less frequent.

Conclusion
The door sensors have proven to be a positive addition to MRS Y’s home, helping to keep her safe and encouraging her back inside when she attempted to leave during the night. However, technology can and should work in conjunction with the appropriate in person care, and in this case, it was necessary to extend the Careline support by arranging a more formal care package to ensure MRS Y’s safety to a greater extent.

As a result when MRS Y required hospital admission, the nighttime carers were already in place and able to support the process.

Case Study Three: MRS Z – from frequent caller to respite and tailored care.

Background
MRS Z is a 78‑year‑old lady who lives alone and has dementia and a high risk of falls. She uses Careline telecare sensors to help maintain her independence and originally joined Herts Careline through the Hospital Discharge free‑of‑chare six‑week program.

During February, it became apparent that MRS Z was becoming a frequent caller to Careline and the emergency services, including NHS 111. During calls she could become verbally abusive, and carers had been instructed that if this occurred, they should leave the property. This placed additional pressure on Careline and required the British Red Cross (BRC) to attend an increasing number of welfare call‑outs.

Intervention
As MRS Z’s behaviour escalated, with increased verbal abuse towards call operators and repeated calls for toileting needs, often reporting falls that had not occurred, it became clear that a more serious intervention was required. Both BRC staff and carers were instructed to attend visits in pairs for safety reasons.

Although MRS Z had a daughter living locally, she rarely answered the telephone, leaving MRS Z of the responsibility with her 18‑year‑old grandson, who lived at the property and worked full-time.

Careline liaised closely with the family and MRS Z’s social workers to assess the home environment. Following a fall at home that resulted in hospital admission, Careline’s evidence trail, alongside social worker support, enabled MRS Z to be fully assessed while in hospital.

Resolution
As further assessments were completed; MRS Z was placed in a pleasant care home initially for a short period of respite. This placement has since become permanent, with more tailored support now in place to meet her ongoing needs.

Conclusion

While Careline can significantly support people to maintain independence at home, this case highlights the importance of recognising when escalation is necessary in complex situations. Doing so ensures individuals receive the appropriate level of care and enables us to fulfil our duty of care. MRS Z is now safe and well and is reported to be enjoying her new care home.