Cutting-edge smart technology is helping to transform care
options for older people – helping them to stay in their own
homes for longer.
The technology includes voice-activated devices and smart
speakers, which remind people to take their medication, have
remote GP check-ups and allow care-givers to monitor whether
appliances have been left on.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing learned more about
technology-enabled care during visits to two projects in West
Wales yesterday (June 2).
She had a tour of the SMART Home Lab at Aberystwyth University,
which is trialling a fully-functioning and connected bungalow to
test assisted living technology.
The Supporting Care Circles project uses an online dashboard to
collect information from a range of sensors placed in a person's
home, which allows carers, families and health professionals to
keep a remote eye on a loved one.
This involves monitoring which room a person is in, which
appliances have been used, room temperature and if cupboards,
fridges, blinds etc, have been left open.
The Minister also visited Penmorfa Centre for Independent Living
in Aberaeron, which provides smart devices to help people access
information and stay in their own homes for longer.
said: “Smart home
technology will play a crucial role in improving quality of life
and independence for older adults while supporting our dedicated
health and social care workforce.
“Helping people to remain at home for longer, with the right
support, will provide a massive benefit in avoiding unnecessary
hospital admission and delayed discharge from care.
“It has been fascinating to learn about the latest technology, to
support people to manage their health, maintain their
independence and improve their quality of life.”
Dr Patricia Shaw, Senior Lecturer at the Department of
Computer Science at Aberystwyth University,
said:
“The smart home lab gives the university a space to co-create
technologies and evaluate how they work in a real-life context.
It also provides a space for the whole social care ecosystem –
spanning health and social care professional, public and private
care providers, and the elderly themselves – to explore new
solutions.”
Councillor Allun , Ceredigion Council's Cabinet
Member for Through Age Wellbeing, said:
“Ensuring our community can live independently at home is of
paramount importance. Since opening its doors in May 2024, the
Penmorfa Centre for Independent Living has welcomed more than
1,200 visitors.
“It's fantastic to see such a wide range of solutions all under
one roof. We invite everyone to visit and explore the wealth of
resources available at the Centre.”
Notes to editors
- The SMART House Lab has been built through Higher Education
Funding Council Wales funding, and its research supported by a
partnership between Powys County Council and Aberystwyth
University and funded through the Regional Partnership Board and
Better Care Programme at the Health Foundation, as well as
£270,000 from the Welsh Government's Regional Integration Fund
for their Home Support Service.
- The partnership between the Council and the University is one
of 10 which benefitted from a £2m innovative technology care
programme managed by the Health Foundation as well as funding
from the Powys Regional Partnership Board.
- The project explores how technology can support the Council's
Home Support Service, which receives an allocation from the
Regional Integration Fund, to foster care circles in Powys and
provide enhanced relational and proactive support.
Penmorfa
You can find further information and opening times here: Penmorfa Centre for
Independent Living - Ceredigion County Council
