New technology enables older people to receive appointment and medication reminders on their televisions

Residents of an extra care scheme for older people in Tyne and Wear have been benefiting from an innovative piece of technology which allows personalised messages to be received through their televisions.

Housing 21, a leading provider of housing and care services and digital media specialists i-Spy Digital have installed the Care Messenger solution onto televisions in a number of apartments at Winton Court in Winlaton.

The Care Messenger solution allows messages from healthcare professionals, carers or family members such as appointment reminders, activity announcements and medication prompts to directly pop up onto the screen of the resident.

The personal messages can be sent via mobile phones or through a web portal.

Victoria Barclay, regional operations director for Housing 21 said: “This is a revolutionary communication tool for assisted living and Housing 21 is delighted to be at the forefront in trialling this new solution. For many older people modern technologies such as mobile phones, computers and the internet have passed them by, but the television is something they feel familiar and comfortable with.

“Now staff can send out reminders about events, tell people what’s on the lunch menu or advise what the weather’s like today – the possibilities are endless. We’re very excited at the potential provided by Care Messenger service in helping to combat loneliness and isolation, increasing levels of reassurance and in encouraging independence.”

Residents are given their unique ID on personalised cards which they can distribute to family and friends who want to use the tool.

Dorothy Bowman, resident of Winton Court said: “I really enjoy using the Care Messenger system. It's fun to see personal messages and reminders flash up on your TV screen and it's easy to use. I'm sure that people who might normally feel quite isolated would really benefit from this kind of technology.”

Users can open or close message boxes, or choose from a number of responses which link back to a call centre and will trigger a phone call or visit if required by the resident.

Jon Lowe, chairman of i-Spy Digital said: “Housing 21 has a reputation for innovation and leading on new technologies, and we are delighted to be working with them on this ground-breaking development. We believe that Care Messenger will not only improve the efficiency and quality of care delivered by housing associations and care providers, but make a major difference to the sense of inclusion, quality of life, and well-being of tenants.”

The 12 month trial of the inventive technology started in November and this month will see it extended to Housing 21’s care customers living in the community.