Housing provider is using innovative technology to support its customers
New technology is being hailed by a housing association as a “landmark moment” after it was proven to help disabled people live independently.
The Night Support Service (NSS), set up by housing and care provider Blackwood, allows people with a range of disabilities to remotely access care.
A new facility is currently used by 17 people at the association’s Laura Fergusson Court development in Edinburgh and aims to increase this number to 35.
Customers can access care support via video calls with expert staff from the hours of 10pm to 7am. It works as part of the patented CleverCogs system, a service that allows disabled people to access a touch screen hub which can perform a host of actions, from remotely opening blinds, to connecting with family and friends.
Staff can provide a physical response to customers within 10 minutes - Angela Currie
Angela Currie, Blackwood housing and care director, said: “It is no surprise that other local authorities are looking at the value and quality of replicating the service in their areas.
“It extends the range of options available to people who need support at night and helps them maintain their independence while also helping to increase digital inclusion and reduce issues around loneliness.
“We’ve already had stories from customers who have been impressed by the technology, with many acknowledging that it enables them to have more freedom while also having the safety net of expert care, as our staff can provide a physical response to customers within 10 minutes.”
So far, the system has resulted in savings of in excess of £400,000 for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership in the 18 months the project has been in place.
Councillor Ricky Henderson, chair of Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, said: “We welcome this innovative approach to delivering safe and effective person-centred care to people who need a bit more help to live independently.
“We know that often people need additional reassurance and the ability to contact someone quickly, rather than having someone in their home 24/7 and this is a really innovative way to do that. Using technology linked directly to professionals at the other end can make sure tenants have the support they need, when they need.”
Blackwood was founded in 1972 by Dr Margaret Blackwood and is a pioneer in accessible and affordable home design for disabled people. It has over 1,500 homes in 120 developments across all 29 mainland local authority areas in Scotland.
