This week Staffordshire is blazing a trail when it comes to helping people stay safe and independent at home as their health changes or they become that bit older.
Bilbrook AT Home in Codsall officially opened its doors on Tuesday. This brand new service has been launched which means people in Staffordshire can try out technology and gadgets to maintain independence in a ‘real life’ home setting.
Those who are referred can ‘try out for real,’ technology, gadgets and gizmos from the advanced to the simple that can help them live a more independent life safely at home. Broadly termed ‘assistive technology’ (AT), this equipment covers everything from help pouring from a kettle, automated medication dispensers through to remote monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs..
We know that being able to stay in your own home for as long as possible has tremendous health benefits. Over the last two years in Staffordshire we’ve made real progress in ensuring social care and health services focus more on early intervention to prevent or delay the onset of more serious health deterioration. Good luck to the team at Bilbrook AT Home and if you want more information on assistive technology, you can go to www.staffordshirecares.info.
Congratulations to all those who have been involved in the Hoard exhibition in the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford. We set a target of 10,000 people to attend, and when the doors closed 21,000 people had been to the exhibition, which is a fantastic result. The Hoard is moving on to Lichfield Cathedral and Tamworth Castle throughout the summer.
Now we are into the start of school holidays many of you will be enjoying some time off. Do take advantage of a Shugborough 2 for 1 offer if you get chance and enjoy the break.
Eric Robinson is Deputy Chief Executive and Director for People. Nick Bell is on holiday