Independent living

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.