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Independent living covers a range of services including
developing
sheltered and extra care housing schemes, such as
'better homes - active lives', for older people and those with
mental health problems. We also provide an
independent living scheme for adults with learning
disabilities.
We are keen to make use of new technologies that can help people
extend their capability to cope independently. Kent is already well
advanced in piloting the use of
Telecare
community
alarm schemes and
TeleHealth
which allows users to monitor their medical conditions - such as
diabetes, asthma and heart disease - by using touch screens, video
link-up and digital cameras. Early studies have shown that
TeleHealth can cut hospital admissions by almost half and reduces
travel time and costs for patients who can carry out the screening
at home, rather than going to their doctors' surgeries.
We are also reviewing developments in 'Smart Homes' where
electronic networks allow domestic devices and appliances to be
controlled centrally or remotely. Such resources can include using
a remote button to open windows or doors, switch on lights, turn on
a kettle or run a bath, for example. Kent County Council has
several links with
home improvement agencies to assist people in living
independently in their own homes. This kind of technology is still
in its early stages but it may in time allow us to build further
innovative aids into our services.
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