Hi I’m Katie, thank you for taking the time to read a little more about me and my project.
Currently, I am in my final year, just finishing up my thesis, in Chemical Engineering PhD at the University of Bath. My PhD focused on modelling cancer for drug development. Before the PhD, I studied Bioengineering at Sheffield with a speciality in tissue engineering.
Alongside studying I spend a lot of time with family, my grandparents are two of my favourite people. My Grandad (Brian) is one of the most joyful people you’ll ever meet he literally lights up every room, could make friends with an empty chair given long enough, and in my opinion the best table tennis player ever seen, certainly the most competitive! While my Nanna (Shirley) is generous beyond words, you’ll see in the photo below her with Holly their spaniel they visit hospitals and care homes with pets as therapy.
For some more background my Grandad, like many, was diagnosed with vascular dementia, roughly five years ago. Vascular dementia is unique due to its non-linear progression meaning we see sudden increases in his symptoms. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict when these drops will happen, so his needs often increase with no warning. In January last year we had one of these big drops, meaning he needed much greater support than previously. Which is where we hit a snag. Like many people having a carer come in, although the best option on paper, was his version of a nightmare. It signified the end of his independence, the end of his normal, and from his side the end of his quality of life. So, we looked at other options…
Those other options led me to where I am today. A lot of the tasks he was and still does struggle with can be alleviated, managed, or at least reduced through the addition of technology. We sat down and talked through everything. All the complications dementia was bringing. Looking both for my Grandad and my Nanna who acts as his primary carer; she does so much and takes the best care of him. Together we made plans, then new plans, and more new plans until we had systems that worked for them.
Most people are aware dementia primarily impacts memory so most of the technology systems in place look to support there. He gets a helping hand without ever needing to ask for help, everything hinges on different sensors and feedback loops so he never has to touch a button or give a command. I will say my grandad truly believes most of it is magic, and Alexa must be a wizard, but the system works. He is safer for example previously he fell out of bed at least once a week, when we put in place the system, we had none in six-months. But more importantly, he’s more independent, he can get ready without a carer, he can be left alone in the house, and he can make a cup of tea without support. To you or I these tasks are basic but for him, they mean the world.
Now I never saw this project as anything more than this, it was always just meant to help and support my grandparents. But within a week I had seven requests. Seven requests for similar systems, but all with their own quirks, their own needs, their own random requests- my favourite request was help to cheat in scrabble with the grandchildren! From these requests, my project grew. It became obvious this could help more people than just my family, so I started working on Taigh Companion. With the hope to be able to support more families and show how much help smart home technology can be when used with care in mind!
While building Taigh Companion I’ve been extremely lucky to have great support from Bath University and the Enterprise team who so kindly introduced me to the RS team, who have helped me get involved with their grassroots program. I’m so grateful for their support as this project grows, and can’t wait to take you all along for the ride!
Comments