Housing Technology for the Elderly Debuted in Scotland
A digital hub featuring new housing technology aimed for older people has launched in West Lothian. Housing Industry Leaders explores how this technology can improve the care of the elderly and enhance their lives.
Showcasing the latest in digital care advancements, the Bield Tech Hub in Linlithgow was opened by housing provider Bield Housing and Care.
Consisting of four spaces including two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living space, the tech hub was fitted with different technologies for visitors to test.
The first of the three main technologies being showcased, Anthropos, maps individuals’ daily routines using sensors placed in strategic locations, such as on doors or on the kettle. Insights are sent to family or staff, and crises can be averted should the system detect a change in routine.
Aquarate drinking cups were also exhibited. By automatically measuring liquid volume automatically, the individuals’ fluid intake can be tracked to ensure that optimal fluid levels are maintained. This technology can also be personalised to accommodate the individuals’ specific needs.
Finally, Vayyar offer room sensor that utilises 4D imaging radar technology that is capable of instantly detecting falls without the need for wearable devices. In monitoring daily routines and behaviours, the device can indicate issues and instantly relay these to aid those in need.
Bield CEO, Dr Lynne Douglas, said: “Our team have worked hard to ensure that Bield tenants, customers and their families are beneficiaries of extremely relevant tech that could make a real difference to their day-to-day lives – we are certain that the three technologies achieve that.
“Preventative care technologies across the board underpin our major tech revolution at Bield and we’re confident that there will be fewer falls and emergencies, generally helping people to live independently for longer and be more confident in their homes.”
Funding facilitates technological advancement
Bield Housing and Care, who strive to enable older people to live as independently as possible, secured £75,000 in funding through the Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation (TAPPI) project.
Led by the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, the TEC Services Association, and funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust, TAPPI seeks to improve the way technology is used in housing and care for older residents by highlighting the opportunity to enhance their lives, while addressing the barriers preventing its adoption.
The funding provides Bield with an opportunity to collaborate with tenants, staff and partners to gain insight into an array of devices, apps and systems across various housing settings.
In working together, the housing charity’s staff and tenants will, for the first time, achieve the collective outcome of being able to support independent living through producing digital services.
Lynne continued: “We are delighted to have officially opened the Bield Tech Hub and we’re sure it will bring life-changing technology to West Lothian and further afield.
“It was fantastic to give our stakeholders and project partners the opportunity to see first-hand what their support has facilitated.
“It’s very important that people get the chance to familiarise themselves with this incredible tech made available through the TAPPI project and get a true insight into housing of the future.”
