Alea by AssistMe: The digital assistance system for modern care

Digital solutions are becoming increasingly important in care – not as a replacement, but as targeted support in everyday life. The Berlin-based start-up AssistMe shows how data-based systems can relieve the burden on nursing staff, conserve resources, and at the same time improve the quality of care for residents. The focus is on an approach that uses technology where it can provide concrete help.

A Berlin start-up with a clear focus on care

AssistMe is a young company from Berlin, founded in 2017. In the early years, the team explored various product ideas before a clear focus emerged. After an initial product generation, which had already been tested, a phase of further development followed. Although the coronavirus pandemic led to delays, it also provided time for intensive scientific support. A long-term study ultimately formed the basis for the second generation of the system, which is now being presented. The target group is clearly defined: nursing homes. These facilities face high physical and organizational demands coupled with a chronic shortage of time and staff. This is exactly where AssistMe comes in – with the aim of not automating care, but organizing it in a more targeted and efficient manner.

Digital incontinence management as a core application

At the heart of the system is digital incontinence management. It is a combination of hardware and software that works as a networked system. Sensors detect relevant conditions directly on the resident and transmit this data to an app. Caregivers receive real-time notifications when a product is full or when a critical situation is imminent. The key advantage is that manual visual checks are no longer necessary. Instead of routinely waking residents, caregivers receive a specific notification at the right time. This means a noticeable reduction in workload, especially during night shifts – both for staff and for residents, who can sleep undisturbed.

More than incontinence: movement, falls, and pressure ulcers

The system goes beyond pure incontinence management. Motion sensors are also integrated, which detect falls or movement patterns in bed, among other things. This data supports pressure ulcer prevention by enabling caregivers to identify when repositioning is necessary. This makes care more predictable. Instead of reacting to situations, measures can be taken proactively. Care time is used where it is actually needed. This not only helps with work organization, but also reduces health risks for residents.

Proven savings potential through studies

A key point is cost-effectiveness. A comprehensive study, conducted at the level of statutory health insurance, showed that the system can achieve significant savings. Time and material costs can be significantly reduced, which has a direct impact on the cost structure in care facilities. In addition, individual nursing homes have conducted their own economic analyses. These show that savings in the area of incontinence alone—for example, through reduced material consumption, less waste, and more efficient processes—can pay for the investment in the system after a certain period of time. Further effects result from the avoidance of consequential damage such as pressure ulcers, the treatment of which is associated with high costs.

Prospects for reimbursement and widespread use

Parallel to the technical development, discussions are underway with nursing care insurance funds about reimbursement models. The available study data serve as an important basis for argumentation. The goal is to integrate digital assistance systems into standard care in the long term. AssistMe does not see itself as a short-term solution, but as a building block for structural improvement in care. The approach shows how digitalization can help relieve the burden on nursing staff, reduce costs, and at the same time improve the quality of life of residents – pragmatically, data-based, and close to the real requirements of everyday care.