Technology’s growing role in home help
A new campaign called AT Home begins next week to encourage people to think about how new technology and devices can help people to continue to live independently in their own home.
This type of support, known as Assistive Technology, is becoming increasingly important as councils like Telford & Wrekin’s social care budget comes under increasing pressure due to cuts in Government grant.
People approaching older age often aren’t aware how assistive technology could help them remain independent and in their own home later in life.
Figures show that almost half of people aged over 65+ have a limiting long-standing illness that affects them in some way.
In many instances Assistive Technology, used as part of a wider package, can help maintain independence, enabling people to live longer in their own home, helping to avoid moving into specialist housing or a care home in later life.
Telford & Wrekin is joining forces with 13 other councils in the region to promote AT Home and raise awareness of the simple bits of technology that are available from the high street to assist people to remain independent at home and to prevent them from relying on increasingly stretched public services
Cllr Arnold England, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is a very a simple message about what you can do to help loved ones stay at home and maintain their independence without needing to involve council services .
“With the Council facing at least another £30 million of cuts over the next 3 years due to continuing cut in Government funding, after cuts of £80 million since 2010, we need to change the way we provide these services.
“Using assistive technology is one of the easiest ways to get the support they need, remain independent without reliance on more costly ways of delivering services.”
Next week the Council’s Assistive technology team is out and about in the borough for anyone to come and talk with them about how they might be able to use assistive technology. The roadshows are:
14 December Princess Royal Hospital entrance 9.30-12.30pm
15 December Wyevale Garden Centre, Donnington, 9.30 – 3.30 pm
17 December Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre, 9.30 – 2pm
