Shop helping people live independently at home for longer opens in Sutton

The London Borough of Sutton has today opened a new shop, the first of its kind in South London, aimed at providing the latest equipment and digital solutions for people to live an independent life and remain in their own home for longer.  

The shop forms part of the Council’s ambitious plans to transform care for older people and those who have health and wellbeing needs - with a focus on keeping people in the familiar surroundings of their own home whilst continuing to provide the highest standards of care. 

The approach works through the installation of non-intrusive technology (sensors) to monitor people’s well-being and identify early warning signs of decline. The information from the sensors can be shared with professionals and carers (with the individual's consent) to ensure the right care and support is provided at exactly the point an individual needs. 
  
Working with partners Medequip Connect and The Access Group (Technology Enabled Care) - industry leaders in providing equipment and technology to support people to live independently - they will run the shop, as well as operate a 24-hour, seven day per week alarm monitoring, mobile responder and repairs and maintenance service for the Council. 

Sutton residents who are part of the Council’s independent living scheme supported by Sutton Housing Partnership will also benefit from the upgrade programme.  
 
Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for People Services at the London Borough of Sutton said: “Research shows that people live well for longer when they can maintain their sense of independence and dignity by remaining in their own home. 

“That’s why we are transforming our approach to care with the focus on using the latest digital technology to enable our residents to continue living their lives independently within the comfort of their own home but with the peace of mind that support is available when they need it. 

“The pressures facing our adult social care services show no sign of easing, so I’m proud the Council is taking this forward-thinking approach to find solutions that will reduce the pressure on the system, as well as being beneficial for our residents.   
  
“The new shop will benefit residents already in our care, as well as individuals who may not be in care but who are looking for a solution that can support them to remain in their homes. I would encourage anyone interested to come down and visit the shop.” 

Steve Tucker, Chief Executive of Sutton Housing Partnership said: “Making sure our residents can live well, feel safe and secure in their own home is a key priority for us. The upgrade of all equipment across our 22 supported living schemes, will ensure that we can confidently keep this promise to our residents and continue to provide a high-quality service.” 

Rupert Lawrence, Head of Medequip Connect said: “We’re delighted that Medequip Connect can embark on this exciting development with London Borough of Sutton and Sutton Housing Partnership as we develop and embed Proactive & Preventative TEC utilising the latest digital technologies and activities for daily living monitoring. Our innovative TEC service offer will provide the residents of Sutton with an industry leading approach for supporting health, independence, and well-being using assistive technologies. Our holistic TEC service offer, including Assessment, Installation & Maintenance, Monitoring, and Response services supports older and vulnerable people 24/7. By adopting a groundbreaking proactive and preventative approach, we hope this new contract will be used as a benchmark for other services in the UK.”

Alex Nash, Head of Strategy at Access TEC continues, “technology has a vital part to play in allowing personalised care in the home. Enabling individuals to be safe, independent and comfortable in their own environment, while knowing their care needs are being looked after, is important for the individual, their family and loved ones involved in care delivery.”  

The shop is located at Unit 1, Lower Square, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, SM1 1EA.