News Release

Benefits of homecare technology highlighted in report

15th December 2008

A report highlighting the benefits of using new technology to help older people and people with disabilities maintain their independence has been published by Aberdeenshire Council.

For the last 18 months, Aberdeenshire Council’s Department of Social Work has been involved in a project to discover how new technologies can be used to help the elderly and people with disabilities when it comes to everyday tasks.

Funded by the Scottish Government through the Telecare Development Programme, Aberdeenshire Council worked in partnership with the NHS Grampian, voluntary organisations and The Robert Gordon University to develop the use of technology to help people remain independent in their own homes.

Equipment ranges from smoke alarms, flood and heat detectors, fall detectors, and movement sensors to environmental controls.  Equipment which enables individuals with severe disabilities to operate a wide variety of domestic appliances through remote controls was also used as part of the study.

Out of 51 people referred to the project, 34 people benefited from an increase in their independence at home, 8 people managed to stay at home instead of entering into a care home, and in 6 cases an unplanned hospital admission was prevented.

Bill Stokoe, strategic development officer for community care, said: “This project reflects how we are going to go about looking after the people in our community both now and in the future.

“The work that has been carried out as part of this project is only the beginning.  Our next challenge will be to discover the best method for making these technologies available and accessible to everyone who needs it.”

Councillor Gurudeo Saluja, chairman of the Social Work and Housing Committee, said: “Studies such as this one are vital to ensuring that people are receiving the best possible care.

“Maintaining as much independence as possible can do so much to help people’s morale.

“I am extremely encouraged that this project has already made a difference to the people who were involved so far.  I am looking forward to seeing the results in the future.”

Professor Richard Laing of the Robert Gordon University said: “The project has led to excellent research results, and it has been pleasing to see that the work has had such an immediate positive effect. The University is currently looking to develop teaching and research as a direct result of the work.”

Sandy Dustan, lead for older people’s services at Aberdeenshire Community Health Partnership, said: “The report clearly demonstrates how important this technology is going to be in helping people remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.”

The report is available on the Aberdeenshire Council website, www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/about/departments/AberdeenshireTelecareProjectEvaluationReport.pdf

A copy can be also be ordered, at no cost, from the Department of Housing and Social Work, Aberdeenshire Council, Woodhill House, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB.

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