I-stay@home research project on independent living
Habinteg represented the UK in the European research project Istay@home, which examined the potential of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) solutions in supporting older and disabled people to live independently.
The aim of the project was to identify, select, and test a range of affordable ICT solutions that can assist older people to continue living independently in their own homes. Habinteg’s involvement in the project meant that younger disabled people are also included in solution testing.
Habinteg took the lead in the first phase of the project which seeks to research the aspects of daily living that could most benefit from support via an ICT solution. Products and systems being tested will range from portable user controlled devices such as remote controls, to more sophisticated smart or intelligent products, apps and social media tools accessed by tablet computers or smart phones. As well as research and recommendations, the two year project also produced a compendium of ICT products on the market.
Alongside Habinteg, 14 other leading social housing providers from North West Europe are participating in the project, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (INTERREG IVB North West Europe programme). Habinteg hosted an Istay@home ICT Conference in early 2013.
For more information about the Istay@home research project and to download the final research reports, please see the I-stay@home website.
