Tai Calon has been given a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and the tech company Amica, to turn one of our flats at Llys Cwm Llwydrhew into a show flat for smart tech focusing on technology for people with dementia.

BGCBC Social Services secured ICF (Integrated Care Fund) grant, and to facilitate the initiative, Tai Calon has provided a one-bedroom flat at no cost to showcase the equipment. The flat is situated in our Supp
orted Living Scheme at Llys Cwm Llwydrhew, a quiet area of Six Bells on the outskirts of Abertillery.

The ‘Smart Flat’ will showcase smart technology to professionals, service users and families to see the range of innovative technology-enabled care (TEC) equipment available and how it can help people live independently in the community.

The showcase will help demonstrate the benefits that TEC equipment can have on the lives of the citizens of Blaenau Gwent, which includes:

  • Increasing confidence and independence
  • Help to manage or minimise risk
  • Support and reassurance to family/carers/friends
  • Reduce the need for care packages
  • Prevent hospital admission
  • Support early hospital discharge
  • Delay or prevent the need for residential care

The aim of this showcase flat is not only to raise awareness further and demonstrate the benefits of TEC equipment, but it will also be an opportunity for you to visit and see what a supported housing scheme can offer if you have someone in mind who may benefit from this technology.

Some of the technology in the flat include

  • Auto Door Openers,
  • Auto Curtains
  • Movement/Heat Sensors
  • DDA Pager Package
  • Smart TV
  • Voice Controlled Fan
  • Fall Detector
  • Digital Lifeline Service
  • Remote control Socket
  • voice control.

The assistive technology also includes a demonstration sensory room. This room aims to help those who have learning difficulties, developmental disabilities or sensory impairments learn to interact with the world around them in a safe environment that builds up their confidence and their ability. Some of the equipment in this room include a projector, fibre optics and lifelike comfort pets, which help provide excellent tactile stimulation.

The Abilia MEMOplanner is a large screen that takes away the effort of keeping track of everything in day-to-day life. My Home Helper tablets placed around the flat will aid this too, by reminding residents what activities and appointments they have, clearly displaying the date and time.

Have a look at what’s been installed in the flat by taking a virtual tour here. The website provides an interactive 3D look at the Smart Flat where you can click on each item to learn more about what it does.

If anyone is interested in going to view the flat, please get in touch with Anthony Rowson Anthony.rowson@taicalon.org or the Scheme Co-ordinator Carl Dance carl.dance@taicalon.org