READING Borough Council has announced that it is launching a pilot scheme to bring new technology into the adult care system.
Its Independent Living Technology Enabled Care (TEC) project will see new devices used to help residents who require care to remain independent while receiving support within their own homes.
The council will work with providers Howz and Lilli,officers from the Council’s Digital Technology and Change service, Adult Social Care, and Housing teams will install devices such as sensors into the homes of those who need care.
Movement sensors will collect information on daily routines, including sleep patterns, bathroom usage, and meal preparation, and establish what constitutes normal schedules for the resident.
Once “standard” patterns have been established over a period of around two weeks, the sensors will flag up any significant changes of activity such as increased bathroom usage or a decrease in food preparation.
These can be sent as notifications to family members and close friends via an app, which can help those recently discharged from hospital or people who require long-term care.
The scheme has already got underway as several residents are already participating, with early data from the project showing promise in informing decision-making and providing reassurance.
It joins a number of other technological support systems including medication dispensers, memory alarms which help residents with regular reminders, and pressure pads which detect falls.
Cllr Paul Gittings, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for adult social care, said: “Residents continue to tell us their preference is to live independently at home for as long as they are able to, including after they are discharged from hospital.
“As a result, the Council has a ‘home-first’ strategy in place and we are now keen to develop that further by piloting new technology which have real potential to enhance the quality of life and independence of vulnerable residents in our communities”.
“This pilot project is helping the Council to provide personalised and preventive services that empower individuals and their families.”
He continued: “By embracing technology and investing in the wellbeing of our residents, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter what their personal circumstances are.”
More information about the services and systems the council offers for adult care residents is available via: reading.gov.uk/adult-care
