HC-One’s Rievaulx House Care Home in Armley, Leeds, is proud to announce an exciting collaboration with the
University of Leeds on the groundbreaking echome wearable technology project.
This innovative initiative, developed in partnership with researchers, arts professionals, Yorkshire Dance, and artists Thom McKeon and Eleni Green, uses sound and movement interaction to enhance the lives of residents, particularly those living with dementia.
The echome technology harnesses the power of sound to inspire movement, play, and connection, which creates engagement and activity among care home residents. The echome is a box linked to a wearable sensor that creates sounds responding to users’ movements in real time.
The echome sensor attaches to any part of the body and custom-made software converts movements into sounds through a box with a built-in Raspberry-Pi computer. Some of the settings create the sounds of acoustic instruments, where others are based on everyday sounds and field recordings like birdsong.
For example, circling your arm might make a flourishing piano sound that repeats, but if you moved your arm to the side the notes and rhythm might change. By integrating music and motion, the project aims to create meaningful and joyful experiences that support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Samantha Foster, HC-One’s Rievaulx House Care Home Manager, said:
“We’re thrilled to have this wonderful project in our home. Music and movement are incredibly important to our residents, helping them connect through sound and stay active and engaged.
“We are deeply grateful to the University of Leeds for this fantastic opportunity to work together.”
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