Fanchea Kelly: Technology is the key to living longer and better

Now is the time for Scotland to have a new standard of accessible living. We currently have shortfalls in available homes for people who need high levels of accessibility, and demand will grow with an aging population and more people living longer.

Technology gives older people more control over their lives

Yet at the same time there are major opportunities to correct this shortfall and lead the way in Europe. Technology now enables many home adjustments – heating controls, opening blinds, managing your life from a home hub. This technology is even more important if you have a disability which restricts your mobility – and increasing numbers of Scots do have such restrictions, whether from birth, or as we get older.

The motivation for many customers to use technology in a way which supports their choice and control over their life is an inspiration for Blackwood. Even those of us who are digital immigrants are driven to master the use of devices and systems to complement our lifestyle, talking to friends and relatives across the world, sharing knowledge, and joining in social activities. Our mission has been to invest in innovation which simplifies life for our existing customers and which changes lives for the future. Our new Blackwood House, which is supported by our Design Guide for accessible living, will become a reality in Dundee in the near future. We’re delighted to work with housing, health and social care colleagues in Dundee, and with our prospective customers and their families, to personalise the final stages of the development and build confidence in using the technology. So what will be different for the first tenants to benefit from these beautiful new homes?

First they’ll have their own home. This is a thrilling - possibly nerve-wracking - and essential component of independent living. However that alone isn’t enough. Living independently, making their own choices, deciding what care and support they need, and exploring how to live life to the full won’t happen unless their home comes supplied with the new proprietary technology.

For that, we use a system called CleverCogs. It will link tenants to their care staff and housing officer. It will create a virtual circle of family and friends as well as connect them to service providers. As well as knowing which staff are scheduled to visit, tenants will also have access to their favourite music, programmes, and interests. They’ll be able to video call friends in the next house or in another country, so their horizons will expand.

As well as that, their home will have great circulation space so no need to worry about a wheelchair or walking frame’s turning circle.

Best of all tenants will live in a small community, with great views of the Tay. So on top of technology and design there’s the benefit of good old fashioned human interaction which we all need to thrive.

Fanchea Kelly is Chief Executive at Blackwood, a not-for-profit organisation that provides affordable, accessible homes and care and support services across Scotland.