Residents in Dorset are benefiting from technology to manage everyday tasks, maintain their wellbeing and remain in control of their daily lives.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is practical support that helps people stay independent, safe and connected in their homes for longer.

Dorset Council recently showcased its growing range of Technology Enabled Care at a special open day at the Dorchester TEC Lounge. It took place at the Greenwood Independent Living Centre in Dorchester.

The event brought together partners from other councils, the NHS, voluntary organisations and technology providers to explore how technology is and can help people live well at home and improve quality of life.

Technology Enabled Care is becoming an increasingly important part of adult social care. Introducing the right technology at the right time can help people stay independent and build confidence in daily activities.

Designed to look and feel like a real home, Dorset Council’s TEC Lounge gave visitors the chance to see how technology can fit naturally into everyday life. It also highlighted how modern Technology Enabled Care goes far beyond traditional personal alarms and pendants.

The council offers a wide range of equipment and technology to support safety, communication, memory and daily routines, and at the event people could also see the range of technology offered by partner organisations.

There were practical solutions including smart lighting, automated blinds, video doorbells, robotic vacuum cleaners and even robotic pets. Specialist technology designed to support memory, planning and organisation was also on display.

Canary Care demonstrated the discreet sensors that provide information about activity and movement patterns within a person’s home. The technology can help practitioners better understand how someone is managing day-to-day life and whether additional support may be needed.

Visitors also heard from Abilia, a provider of cognitive support technology. This is designed to help people who have difficulties with memory, planning, organisation, concentration or completing everyday tasks.

As demand for adult social care continues to grow, technology is playing an increasingly important role in helping people remain independent and avoid reaching crisis point. It can also give families and carers peace of mind, while their loved ones stay safe living in familiar surroundings.

Watch a short video showing some of the equipment that was on display.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, said: “Technology Enabled Care is helping us transform the way we support people across Dorset. By embracing innovative solutions, we can help more residents stay connected, confident and in control of their lives.

“Technology is not about replacing people doing valuable and essential roles. It is about providing additional support, reassurance and choice. Used in the right way, it can help people stay safely in their own homes for longer while improving their quality of life.

“Our TEC Lounge shows just how far technology has come and the difference it can make. From supporting daily routines to giving families greater peace of mind, there are now more ways than ever to help people live independently.”

Gemma Tomasso, Occupational Therapist from our Technology Enabled Care Team, said: “The TEC Lounge open day was an opportunity to bring people together, make new connections and learn from each other. TEC is constantly evolving, so sharing experiences with other local authorities, health services, voluntary sector colleagues and technology providers, helps us develop our knowledge and practice.”

Gemma continued: “The day was about learning from each other, sharing what is working well and exploring the exciting areas of TEC that others are developing. It gave us an opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections and consider how that learning could help shape and develop our own TEC offer for the future”.

Mary Sievwright from Abilia said: “We have worked closely with Dorset Council’s TEC Team for several years, helping people become more independent while making the best use of care resources. Our powerful case study using our MEMOplanner is a good example of how an individual gained greater independence through TEC.

“The open day was a great opportunity to share learning, explore new technologies and discuss how Dorset’s TEC offer can continue to develop to support residents in the future.”

Read more about living independently with Technology Enabled Care (TEC) technology at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/technology-enabled-care