Home Automation
Smart solutions for assisted living
As an ageing population continues to put a strain on health and social care, Marie Parry, Group Marketing Director for Scolmore, looks at the issues surrounding assisted living and the part the electrical industry can play in providing solutions in this growing sector.
will be more than 65 years old, increasing the cost of health and social care. While our increasing longevity is something to celebrate, the economic, social and political implications are very significant. As the population ages, the incidence of
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chronic disease is on the rise, in particular the prevalence of dementia. Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Because we are living longer, traditional
arrangements for supporting those with the long-term health issues that come with age are unsustainable. The construction industry has a central role to play in how we cope with this pressing issue. For example, the way we design houses now and in the future will help people with different levels of mobility and capability to remain in their homes. Current thinking is to integrate traditional building technologies with new and emerging ones. There are enormous potential benefits from using mobile devices and services that operate seamlessly with home-based solutions, supporting users to manage conditions inside
28 | electrical wholesalerMay 2019
ewnews.co.uk
ccording to the Office for Budget Responsibility, by 2065, 26% of the population of England and Wales
the home. This is where the concept of assisted living comes in.
A helping hand Assisted living includes approaches, services, solutions, capabilities and related technologies that help elderly people and those with chronic conditions to live active, independent and dignified lives with maximum personal control. For construction professionals, the challenge
is to integrate new and emerging technologies into the design of buildings to make them 'intelligent' or 'smart'. Which products and technologies are used depends on the building type and function; those used in smart homes aim to enhance occupants' lifestyles or quality of life.
One of the most important ways to harness the power of a connected home is to enhance assisted living. The assisted living market is a
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