Trio of firms partner up to introduce smart tech into supported housing

A trio of firms have partnered up to integrate smart technology into a new housing development which supports the independence of adults with learning disabilities.

Software provider Tunstall Healthcare, Northampton Partnership Homes and construction firm Jeakins Weir worked in collaboration to install Tunstall’s smart technology so that staff and carers can provide more person-centred support. It will also help care managers gain greater insight into how best to allocate resources to ensure each resident’s needs are met.

The tech firm’s communication system, Communicall Vi, has been installed at Oak Tree Rise, a development of eight bungalows for young adults with complex needs. The system includes an integrated platform which provides and manages a 24/7 alarm communications, door entry, access control and telecare.

The smart scheme saw Tunstall work closely with Jeakins Weir to integrate the technology into the planning stage of the build. Its has been designed to support the use of telecare sensors and wearable tech to promote independence for residents. The core system is linked to speech modules, configured via a web browser or system control panel.

Gavin Bashar, UK managing director of Tunstall Healthcare, said: “Technology enabled care solutions (TECS) maximise independence and safety, making it a crucial consideration at the architectural planning stage. Working together with commissioners, providers and specifiers to ensure that the latest TECS are integrated into projects means we can create new models of care, which are more personalised and focused on enabling independence.

“Tunstall Healthcare is delighted to be a part of a fantastic ‘smart’ scheme that will have a really positive impact on the lives of people who live at Oak Tree Rise. This is a great example of how we can improve lives by collaboratively considering the potential of technology at the outset of planning new developments.”

The idea of smart homes to aid health and wellbeing has been raised before. In 2018, a report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers claimed the NHS could save billions of pounds by kitting out the homes of older people to help them keep mobile.