A TELECARE Exhibition bristling with down-to-earth devices to help people live independent lives in their own homes opens in Glasgow on January 20.
Among the devices on show will be the Hob Angel which sounds an alarm if a pot is left on a live hob, and a touch screen driven computer system for the elderly and those with learning disabilities.
Glasgow Social Care Providers Forum is organising the event in the city’s Radisson Blu Hotel, with around 20 exhibitors and150 delegates expected to attend.
Cathy Gladwin came up with the idea of the Hob Angel while working as a loss adjuster in Glasgow and writing endless reports on the devastation caused by chip pan fires.
Four years ago, she joined forces with Gary Shaw to set up Jordan Shaw Ltd in Alloa Clackmannanshire and the company plans to start production of the Hob Angel later this year.
Cathy said: “We quickly realised that there is a huge market for this product for people with dementia sufferers, learning disabilities, and anyone who has memory problems or is likely to be distracted.
“The Hob Angel sounds an alarm if a pot or pan is left unattended for a specified time, and, if there is no response, it will shut off the hob.
“It has already been specified for new build student accommodation because students are particularly prone to being distracted by computers or video games, and for a holiday cottage development for dementia sufferers.”
Eve Hatton is the director of Tillicoultry-based Ominqare which is pioneering iQare, a simple touch screen computer system, in Scotland.
Eve said: “The huge advantage for people with learning disabilities is that they don’t have to be able to read and write to use their computer for all sorts of things.
“Our video messaging system can be set up so that all they do is press a picture of let’s say their mum, look at the screen, tell her they are fine, or want her to call, and the system will send that video message for them. All their other support systems can be accessed just as easily.
“We are also working with Independent Living Scotland to explore the potential of iQare’s interactive calendar system which can provide service users with information on important events or visits or alerts on taking medication.”
Glasgow Social Care Providers director, Charlie Barker, said: “The move to Self Directed Support has resulted in huge interest in the Telecare sector because it has the potential to enhance independent living for a wide range of client groups.
“The exhibition will give service providers, and service users the chance to try first hand a wide range of telecare products from remotely monitored entry systems to wrist watches that let the wearer call for help while pinpointing their current location.”
GSCPF is set to become the Social Care Ideas Factory in April when the organisation will concentrate on driving social change.
Please go to http://www.gscpf.org.uk/events to book your place at the Telecare event.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
GSCPF is an innovative network of social care provider organisations delivering services across Glasgow.
The original seed for the Forum was sown in 2001 by a group of Providers hoping to build a strong provider community, where common issues could be raised, debated and represented.
In 2006, the Forum launched with the support of Glasgow City Council Social Work Services funding and the employment of staff.
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Website: http://www.GSCPF.org.uk
