How Alexa is helping Peterborough and Cambridgeshire residents stay safe at home

Keeping people independent in their own homes has never been as important as it is now during the global pandemic. Not only does creating independence bring a wealth of personal as well as health benefits, it also helps to reduce pressure on the adult social care system and NHS.

Julie Nettelfield, a rehabilitation worker and part of Cambridgeshire’s Sensory Services Team, highlighted that a service user was slowly becoming more withdrawn due to significant hearing and sight loss despite living with her very attentive and caring daughter.

Julie said: “The simple addition of a personal listener, a device used to enhance sound and reduce background noise, improved the situation immediately. The team carried out a home audiology visit and arranged for new hearing aids.

“Technology enabled care and equipment allowing TV access and the Alexa demonstration have opened up possibilities for both the client and her daughter who are now benefiting.”

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Technology Enabled Care (TEC) team uses a range of technology and equipment to support people and their carers to address challenges to everyday living which in turn provides reassurance and support for family members.

Throughout the pandemic it has continued to provide the service, and within the last year the team has put in more than 3,400 pieces of equipment in people’s home helping them to stay independent– reducing the need for formal care services.

Director of adult social care for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, Charlotte Black, said: “The vital work and dedication of our hard working staff within adult social care continues to help keep people independent, safe and well in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Now more than ever this work is key to helping reduce the pressure on formal care services and the NHS. What we see daily in the work of the TEC service is how simple changes can make a huge difference to people’s everyday lives.”

For more information visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/adults/staying-independent/equipment-and-technology/technology-enabled-care.

Or visit: https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/site.page?id=7zjyJFnjAiQ.