An English housing association will lead on a major European research project to test technology to help disabled and older people live in their social homes.
Twenty Habinteg Housing Association tenants will be involved in the practical research for the products, which could include special sensor technology to prevent falls and a high tech blood pressure monitor.
Glen Joseph, research and policy manager from the 3,300-home landlord, said: ‘Our research so far has shown that many tenants are willing to try out new technologies but lack of information about the products and lack of understanding about how exactly they could help tenants maintain independence at home are significant barriers for some.
Habinteg represents the UK on the part EU-funded project I-stay@home with partner organisations from France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. I-stay@home involves housing providers and technical partners from north west Europe who select and test ICT solutions to help older people live in their homes independently.
A recent survey of 200 European tenants by the group showed 60 per cent of older people were open to using new technologies so long as they were affordable and user-friendly.