Council publishes assistive tech guide to showcase range of independent living solutions
As more and more councils embrace assistive technology in order to reduce face-to-face contact throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hertfordshire County Council has launched a helpful assistive technology guide to showcase a range of independent living solutions.
The online guide is intended to inform elderly and disabled people, their families, and their carers about some of the assistive devices available that can be used around or outside the home.
These assistive technology examples help people to remain safe and independent at home, such as medication reminders, fall detectors and personal alarms.
Some items are designed to stand alone. Others can link directly to a carer or family member, or are connected to a team of trained advisors in a monitoring centre, who will ensure appropriate support is provided, giving peace of mind to residents and their family and carers.
The guide is formatted in an easy-to-read way, with the ability to see the types of assistive technology that can be used in each room of the house or outside of the home.
For instance, under the ‘kitchen’ category, the council provides information on medication dispensers, smart plugs, carbon monoxide detectors, fire safety stove guards and smoke alarms for hearing loss.
When you click on a particular assistive device, the guide tells you more about the product and signposts you to other helpful resources surrounding the technology.
Hertfordshire County Council’s guide also signposts individuals to reliable sources to learn more about assistive technology, how technology can meet individual requirements and where it can be obtained.
Throughout the coronavirus crisis, councils in the UK have harnessed the power of assistive technology by working with various providers to help vulnerable residents stay safe and connected.
For example, working alongside HAS Technology, Cardiff Council rolled out an innovative telecare service by providing residents with wearable solutions that help to identify health risks early on.
Additionally, Kent County Council commissioned assistive technology provider Alcove to roll out digital support packages to around 2,000 elderly and disabled residents. This initiative saw residents equipped with a videophone system, which enables them to receive virtual care and health consultations, as well as video contact with friends and family while minimising the coronavirus infection risk to other residents and care staff.
https://thiis.co.uk/council-publishes-assistive-tech-guide-to-showcase-range-of-independent-living-solutions/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Herts-assistive-tech-guide.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Herts-assistive-tech-guide-150x150.jpgGovernment & Local AuthoritiesNewsroomSector Newsassistive devices,assistive technology,assistive technology guide,Fall detector,Hertfordshire County Council,independent living technology,personal alarms,smoke alarmsAs more and more councils embrace assistive technology in order to reduce face-to-face contact throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hertfordshire County Council has launched a helpful assistive technology guide to showcase a range of independent living solutions. The online guide is intended to inform elderly and disabled people, their families, and...Sarah SarsbySarah Sarsbysarah@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine