A new report from Housing Learning Improvement Network (LIN), which focuses on the role of assisted living technology in social housing for vulnerable adults, was launched this week at the CIH Eastern Conference and Exhibition. The report follows two previous Board Assurance Prompts (BAPs), which examine the application of assisted living technologies in general needs and specialised housing for older people.
The report, entitled 'Supporting Vulnerable Adults: the application of assistive living technology to support independence', describes how technology can help support vulnerable people such as those with mental health issues, learning disabilities, those recovering from alcohol or substance misuse, and people fleeing domestic violence.
With over five million people aged between 18-64 years living with a mental health issue, assisted living technology offers senior managers and board members a range of solutions to enhance their services, mitigate risks and strengthen the ability to provide flexible and relevant support.
The latest BAP, which has been developed by Housing LIN in partnership with Nigel Appleton of Contact Consulting and the GGI (Good Governance Institute), aims to advise leaders and decision-makers within housing organisations on the application of assisted living technology, using five key assurance questions to ensure they take full advantage of the opportunities presented by technologies such as telecare and telehealth.
Jeremy Porteus, Director of Housing LIN said: "Housing is recognised as a key factor in creating pathways in which people who may feel vulnerable can feel safe and secure. Many people, who might have been supported in long-term institutional settings in the past, are now being supported within the community."
He added: "Whether it is creating a social network or managing a long-term condition, assisted living technology can enhance and support services that organisations are able to offer, strengthening relationships between the housing provider and relevant health and social care organisations. Drawing on examples of best practice, this BAP offers guidance to support the development and implementation of assisted living technology systems."
Andrew Corbett-Nolan, Chief Executive of the Good Governance Institute said: "Assisted living technology provides support in areas that could otherwise undermine confidence and reduce the capacity for independent living. By using the Board Assurance Prompt, housing providers can identify benefits to health and social care partners, and demonstrate results in delayed admissions to hospital and residential care."
The report is supported by an educational grant from Tunstall, and together with two further Board Assurance Prompts, is available from: http://www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/browse/HousingOlderPeople/OlderPeopleHousingProvision/Telecare/
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Tunstall Healthcare Group is the market leading provider of telehealthcare solutions, with over 2.5 million users globally. Tunstall's solutions support older people and those with long-term needs, to live independently, by effectively managing their health and well-being. Tunstall provides technology, expertise and advice to millions of people enabling them to lead independent more fulfilling lives.