A new website has been launched offering practical advice and support to people coping with disabilities and long-term health conditions who wish to remain living independently in their own homes.
Called www.independentforlonger.com, the website signposts individuals and families to information and personal real-life case studies on various technology enabled care services (TECs) which enable users to maintain their independence, support themselves in their own homes and to manage their own health conditions.
Tynetec, a brand of Legrand Assisted Living & Healthcare, is the company behind the platform which has also received endorsement from renowned TV Doctor Hilary Jones.
National sales manager for Tynetec, Stuart Carroll, says: “One of the consequences of the UK’s ageing population is a large increase in incidences where family members or friends find themselves managing a loved one’s long-term health condition within the home environment.
“As a result, the range of assistive technologies, tools and services available to support both care provider and care recipient is also increasing. There remains however, a severe lack of public awareness and understanding of what is available, which can often result in a premature move away from the home into some form of institutional care.
“We’ve developed the Independent for Longer website to combat this lack of awareness as there are times when people want help and need help, but they simply don't know where to find it.
“Essentially our aim is to create an evolving online community that’s packed with advice, guidance and case studies from real people with a first-hand knowledge and experience of how technology can help.
"Although Tynetec is hosting the website, our long-term aim is to grow it, by encouraging contributions from the many excellent individuals and organisations which provide the care and support that facilitates independence for longer.’’
Dr Hilary Jones shares his own story on the site after his mother suffered a fall at home. He found himself seeking a solution that would maintain her independence and give the family vital peace of mind.
He says: “We know that 90 per cent of people would rather remain independent in the comfort of their own homes and wish to stay close to family, friends and their community rather than be cared for elsewhere, yet conditions can arise when people get older that challenge that ability to remain living at home safely.
“This is where technology can play a vital role in helping people to manage their risk long-term and ensure that they do stay independent in their own surroundings for as long as possible.
“The challenge is how anyone would know about the technology available to them if they don’t even know it exists. This is why the independent for longer community is so valuable. It is bridging the information gap between technology enabled care services and the people who can and do benefit from them.”
TECs are available from a variety of providers including local authorities, housing associations and private service organisations and are often described as community alarms, personal alarms and lifeline services.
