Published on Friday 23 January 2026
Results from a pilot study into the use of acoustic monitoring systems in care homes have shown encouraging reductions in the number of falls and ambulance callouts.
Six care homes across the county took part in the pilot, which used artificial intelligence, sound and motion-based technology to enhance resident well-being and safety.
Acoustic monitoring relies on motion and audio sensors strategically placed in residents’ rooms, with a wi-fi connected sensor that detects changes in sound during the night and then alerts staff via their handheld device.
It picks up sounds and motion that could indicate potential issues, such as signs of distress, including choking or coughing, requests for assistance and restlessness during sleep or getting out of bed.
The pilot, which was delivered as part of the Department for Health and Social Care Digitising Social Care (DiSC) programme, covering both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas, found (comparing pre and post installation metrics):
- The total number of falls declined by 49.2%
- The number of unwitnessed bedroom falls fell by 58.2%
- Ambulance callouts reduced by 63.7%
- Transfers to hospitals fell by 79.3%
- Number of days in hospital reduced by 72.6%
- Safeguarding notices fell by 51.9%
Councillor Steve Robinson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Dorset Council, said five out of the six care homes involved in the pilot saw positive outcomes.
“This acoustic monitoring pilot has shown there are real benefits for both care home residents and staff.
“This preventative pilot has substantially cut the number of night time falls by residents in the care homes taking part and reduced the need for stays in hospitals. And the real time notification has allowed staff to respond promptly without the need for intrusive regular night-time checks that might disturb residents and instead concentrate on providing more personalised care.”
Councillor David Brown, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “These results show the positive impact that innovative care technology can have in supporting both residents and staff. Falls are one of the leading causes of harm for older people in care homes, often resulting in injury, distress and hospital admission.
“The results of this pilot will be of reassurance to families with loved ones in these homes that not only are they receiving good care, but investment in technology is helping to keep them safe and well. This is the kind of preventative, forward thinking approach we are championing through BCP Council’s new Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy.”
There were other associated benefits discovered through the pilot. The reliability of the system, operated by Ally Cares, was rated 100% positive with the supplier support rated exceptional or good in all cases.
Two thirds of the homes reduced scheduled night checks as a result and half reported improved sleep quality among residents.
Thomas Tredinnick, CEO and Co-Founder of Ally Cares said: “We’re genuinely delighted with the results and the impact this project has had. It reinforces something we see repeatedly: safer nights don’t come from checking more often, but from understanding what’s actually happening.
“When teams respond to real signs of need rather than routine rounds, unwitnessed falls, ambulance call-outs and hospital admissions fall. Just as importantly, residents sleep better, improving dignity, outcomes and easing avoidable pressure on the wider health system.”
The report is due to be published by the NHS soon.