Peterhead TEC Room launched in bid to switch people on to Technology Enabled Care
Tech phobes are being targeted in a bid to get people switched on to a wide range of clever gadgets, which could change their life for the better.
Health & social care experts have launched a one stop shop to show people how technology can help them live independently for longer.
The TEC Room (Technology Enabled Care) can be found on King Street in Peterhead and has been launched by Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership (AHSCP), in a bid to demonstrate how tech and living well can work hand in hand.
From those navigating a dementia diagnosis to adults with a learning disability, it is hoped the concept will enable people to understand how even basic technology can help restore independence.
The initiative has seen a room at a former day centre transformed into a cosy bedroom, so visitors are able to get to grips with how equipment works in a home setting.
Members of the public will be able to book a monthly slot with demonstrations on offer from occupational therapists from AHSCP, who already routinely prescribe technology when caring for service users within the community.
Examples such as activity monitoring, fall sensors and home consumer options including Amazon Alexa can all be tried out. The team behind the project believe some people are still reluctant to turn to technology, particularly the older generation.
They now hope that even the most cynical of users may be switched on thanks to The TEC Room, which will also be used to train AHSCP staff including home carers surrounding the benefits of technology.
The smart initiative is just the beginning for AHSCP, which sends out thousands of technology related prescriptions every year from its Joint Equipment Services based in Inverurie.
Digital Project Manager at AHSCP, James Black, believes enabling people to get to grips with the basics could be life changing.
“We really want to reach those who may never have considered technology when it comes to taking care of their health,” he said.
“For every person who is completely comfortable with technology, we think many people are still a little unsure as to how it could help them long term.
“These are the people we want to reach, and The TEC Room has been many months in the making.
“It’s been a real team effort, and the room was transformed by our Unpaid Work Team who decorated it in record time.
“We hope people will find it really beneficial to not only come and along and look at some examples of technology, but also have a member of staff talk it through.”
At the heart of The TEC Room is the hope that both staff and members of the public will be able to learn how technology can promote independence and enable people to remain at home within the community for as long as possible.
“Technology is never a replacement for the kind of expert care which our staff provide to residents living in communities across Aberdeenshire,” said James.
“But it can be a helping hand and provide some much-needed reassurance to family members.
“Activity monitoring for example, can send a notification so you know that your loved one is making a cup of tea at the same time every day. But if that notification doesn’t come through, it can be a very early indication that something may be amiss. This enables people to spring into action far quicker, which can only be a good thing.
“We also want to promote the home consumer element, because technology such as Amazon Alexa can be so helpful for everyday life. From reminders of appointments to when medication is due, it can enable you to take control. We’re currently investigating how we might use technology solutions to enhance elements of care across our services at AHSCP. Whilst we’re at an early stage on this journey, we’re very excited about the opportunities which lie ahead.”
The TEC Room has received the full backing of the Integrated Joint Board, which oversees AHSCP.
Chair John Tomlinson believes the concept is a vital cog in the world of health and social care.
“We all like to think we are familiar with technology, when many people actually feel unsure as to how it can be applied day to day,” he said. “We have an aging population in Aberdeenshire, and we want people to be informed about their choices when it comes to staying independent. We also want families to be reassured that they can check in on their loved one from afar, and see that person thrive within their own home in their own community. A power of work has been done to make The TEC Room a reality, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how it progresses.”
Vice Chair, Councillor Anne Stirling, has also welcomed the initiative, and believes it will be particularly beneficial for those living in more rural areas.
“We all want to be well informed about the choices we make concerning our health, which is why we’re encouraging people to embrace technology as they grow older,” she said. “When we are fit and well, it can be hard to imagine that we might need help with simple tasks such as opening the curtains. There can be a whole host of reasons as to why this may become difficult, but here at The TEC Room you can try out software which opens the curtains at the tap of a button. That’s the tangible difference of seeing what’s going on in the outside world, whilst flourishing in your own familiar environment.”
To find out more including how to book a visit to The TEC Room, go to www.engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/aberdeenshire-hscp-tec-room