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TATE has been helping people with learning disabilities to take up jobs by providing them with equipment, skills and
training. It installs technology in the home to make everyday living easier for individuals and their carers.
Examples:
• Ian does not enjoy showering. TATE installed a ‘disco shower’. When he turns on the shower, his favourite
music plays and lots of lights flash, making it an enjoyable experience.
• Clare has trialled a smart microwave oven which reads bar codes from prepared meals. This enables Clare to prepare meals independently.
TATE also provides dedicated training and computer programmes to help people with managing budgets, health and safety at work and other important skills, so that they can take up jobs and live independent lives.
www.tateproject.org.uk
In Newham, every household over 75 can now get a free telecare package. The original pilot study showed rea
benefits for individuals and their carers. One carer said, “I think it helps me more than my mum, I feel I can relax a bit more, and I am not so worried when the ‘phone rings in the evening, that I might have to dash out to see my mum.”
West Lothian has supplied 3000 households in the community with a package of six sensors consisting of home alarm unit, smoke detectors, movement sensors, temperature extreme sensor and a flood detector. Additional equipment is available such as property exit sensor and bed sensor. The results have been extremely positive:
Northamptonshire County Council provided over 50 devices to people with dementia and their carers over 2 years and monitored their progress:
Carers were asked about the various problems of caring – such as interrupted sleep, difficulties coping, inability to have a holiday and feeling frustrated. At the end of the project they reported significant improvements in most of these areas.
