Retirement living scheme partners with Tunstall Healthcare on TEC

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has partnered with Tunstall Healthcare to install technology enabled care (TEC) systems at Clough Court in Manchester to support residents to live independently for longer.

Alarms, wearables and monitoring systems have been installed at the retirement living scheme, as well as video-enabled door entry, giving individuals control over who enters their home.

RBH manages independent living schemes across the region, providing housing and support to residents who want to maintain their independence, while having access to help when they need it.

‘Our residents range from 55 to 95 and one of the best things from this type of setting is that you see younger couples really bond with, and take care of, the older residents – they’ll nip to the shop for each other, check in on one another, things like that. It’s a lovely neighbourhood in its own right,’ said Bobby-Joe Leach, independent living officer at Clough Court.

The community is the first to feature in Tunstall’s ‘People Behind the Pendant’ campaign, which will highlight residents, scheme managers and communities from across the UK over the coming months to challenge outdated perceptions of independent living.

‘Independence within supported living settings is different for everyone. There isn’t one story and there certainly isn’t one type of resident,’ said Mark Hindle, managing director at Tunstall UK. ‘What connects every story is the desire to remain independent and in control of their own life. If technology can help make that possible, then we’ve done our job.’

The campaign comes as social care reform returns to the top of the political agenda, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham setting out plans for a national care service, backed by a fast-tracked review from Baroness Louise Casey.